His Unexpected Heiress (Entangled Inheritance Book 2) by Britton Sally

Author:Britton, Sally [Britton, Sally]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2019-07-11T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

The day of the picnic arrived, thankfully bright and beautiful. Elaine had prepared a contingency plan if rain had been the order of the day. With the children’s hearts set upon a picnic and lawn games, it proved a relief that she need not entertain indoors. All the days and late nights of planning would be worth their happiness.

Elaine smoothed down her second-best dress and checked her gloves for spots. She had a fichu tucked in the right places and wore her most conservative bonnet. Intending to appear perfectly respectable, everything about her must be above reproach, from her appearance to her manners. Elaine had only Mrs. Mayworth to state that she had achieved that aim.

William set up his cricket field and Nancy brought all the tea things for her doll out to the garden. Elaine hadn’t even realized the doll had tea things, but Nancy explained Mr. Gillensford presented her with the tiny tea service. Yet another statement to Adam’s thoughtfulness.

Hopefully, he would prove punctual as well and would appear at her side to help greet her neighbors. Adam had given her the list of people to invite, people he claimed he had introduced her to at church. She remembered a few of the names, but not all. They had invited half a dozen families with their children. All said yes, even though they had no connection beyond those brief Sunday introductions.

The conservatory doors opened; Elaine folded her hands in front of her and raised her chin, prepared to greet her first guests all alone. Adam appeared, instead. Putting a hat upon his head as he came down the steps, his long gait meant quick progress to her side.

William and Nancy appeared behind him seconds later, both dressed in new clothing. Mrs. Fowler and her assistants had turned out a few items for Nancy just for the occasion, and the tailor in town proved efficient in providing boys’ clothing, too.

“I found them trying to nick biscuits from the kitchen,” Adam said, explaining his and the children’s tardiness. “We are ready now, though. Aren’t we, children?” He raised his eyebrows at them both, then pointed at the ground next to Elaine. “Remember what I told you.”

“No running off until all the guests are come,” Nancy said cheerfully before moving to where he had pointed. “And curtsy my best every time.”

Adam nodded and then looked to William, who had also hurried to step into place. “And?”

“Behave like a gentleman.” William puffed out his chest in a manner which would have made Elaine laugh had anxiety released its strangling grip upon her.

After bestowing an approving smile on both children, Adam took up his place on the other side of Elaine. “I saw a carriage coming up the drive before I thought to check the kitchen for the pair of them,” he said while brushing off the sleeves of his coat. “Your guests will arrive in moments.”

Elaine nodded but found herself with nothing to say. Her throat had gone dry.

He leaned in closer, though he kept himself facing slightly away from her.

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