Searching for him took some time, but eventually, she discovered him in his study, standing over his desk.

Her heart suddenly bounced from the bottom of her stomach to her throat and back down again, bringing with it a faint wave of nausea she could have done without.

“Basset,” she called softly, knocking on the door.

He looked up at once, slight smile appearing. “Good morning, my lady. I trust you slept well after the success of the evening.”

Adelaide nodded, smiling in return. “Quite. I expect to be receiving compliments from our guests all morning.”

Basset chuckled a little. “I have no doubt you will, as it was your first. But you are not likely to receive any callers, as you might in London. It is not personal, it is simply the way of things here.”

“That’s just as well, I have far too much to accomplish today as it is,” she informed him dismissively.

“As do I.” He nodded, looking down at the papers and ledgers on his desk. “I have yet to visit either of our mines since returning from London, and both deserve my attention. I doubt I can see both in a single day and do a decent enough job with it, so it may be that…” He paused, glancing up at her, still smiling slightly. “You don’t care about this, do you?”

A sheepish smile crossed her lips. “Not especially, but I would greatly appreciate a general idea of your daily schedule so as to find you more readily if needed.”

“Or to rearrange my rooms when I am out so I can say nothing about it.” He gave her a look, daring her to protest the idea as a possibility.

She hadn’t thought of that one yet, but if he was imagining her capable of it, why should she not indulge him?

She shrugged without answering, which had him shaking his head.

“Very well, I will take the time this evening to work out a general idea of my routine for you, and give you notice of any adjustments therein. Fair enough?” He closed his ledger and tucked it beneath his arm, then looked at her again, surprised she had not left. “Was there something you wanted?”

Adelaide nodded unsteadily, feeling suddenly shaky in a way that had nothing to do with her condition. “It is just that… well…” The wringing of her fingers resumed, and she splayed them quickly, forcing the action to stop.

She could mention unmentionable things to her husband. She could.

She must.

Lifting her chin a touch, Adelaide rested her hands against her skirts and met his eyes. “It seems that I have missed my monthly courses, Basset.”

Confusion and polite uncertainty abounded in his features. “Oh?” Then his expression went slack, his eyes round. “Oh!”

“Yes, Basset,” Adelaide muttered. “Oh, indeed.”

He wet his lips carefully, pressing one hand into the surface of the desk. “I didn’t… I hadn’t—”