“Thank heavens,” Adelaide said in a rush of an exhale, dropping her hand at once. “I thought they would never leave. I begged Sally to remain while the Allwyns did, and she was kind enough to indulge me. I simply cannot bear to hear Lady Allwyn’s opinions about this and that, nor to be forced to listen to her advice on child-rearing. If any of her children are half as obedient and docile as she claims, I will repent of my judgment, but the airs with which she expresses such things! It is intolerable.”

“The Allwyn children are monsters,” Harrison assured her as they turned back for the house. “They kick the shins of anyone they meet, male or female, and throw rocks at dogs and cats. I am not exaggerating, I have seen them do it. But I doubt Sir Henry or Lady Allwyn have seen it, as I have only ever seen the children in the company of a nanny.”

Adelaide grunted in satisfaction. “Serves her right.” She groaned now, placing a hand at her back and arching it. “I think I might sleep until next Christmas.”

Harrison chuckled easily, rubbing his thumb over the hand he held. “But are you happy with the evening? Did everything go according to your wishes?”

“Oh, yes,” she said with a fervent nod. “I think our guests will be speaking of this event for some time. We will be the envy of other fine houses.” She looked up at him with a tired smile. “You did so well tonight. A number of ladies informed me of their jealousy and my fortunate situation. Apparently, you quite adore me, and they wish their husbands did so. You’ve become quite the actor.”

He had to smile at that, wondering if perhaps he had shown more in his expression and attention than he thought. He only shrugged, squeezing her hand. “Acting is quite simple when you aren’t entirely pretending.”

Adelaide made a soft scoffing sound. “Surely you aren’t suggesting that you adore me.”

“No,” Harrison said on a gentle laugh as they started up the stairs. “But I don’t mind pretending that I do.”

Her lips parted at that, then spread into a smile. “That is oddly sweet, Basset.”

“So am I, my dear.”

They were quiet as they moved down the corridor toward their rooms. Harrison, for one, was thinking of the rest awaiting him in his bed after standing on his feet for so many hours. He could only imagine how exhausted Adelaidemust have been, given her condition.

It was astonishing he was not carrying her to her bed like a chivalrous husband might when his wife was too weak to stand on her own strength.

The idea did make for an interesting image in his mind, and one he would be only too happy to dwell upon after he had slept.

And perhaps as he was falling asleep.