CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER TEN

Giff climbed back into his carriage. That had gone well. The only problem was that he now had nothing to discuss with Alice during their dance and at supper this evening. He wished she had been a little more talkative, but he now knew she was an excellent listener. He'd have to read some more news sheets. Try as he might, Giff could not work out why making conversation with her was so hard. Words should flow easily from his lips as they always had before.

He'd planned to time his arrival at Lady Markham's ball to coincide with the set before the supper dance, thus avoiding having to stand up with another lady. But he wanted to see Alice and arrived with his mother. The moment he stepped into the ballroom his gaze was drawn to her. She seemed to glow. It could have been the gold in her cream-colored gown or the way the light made her hair shine. His first thought was to join her and remain by her side, but every time he stared toward her another gentleman claimed her attention. The fribble with whom she was now speaking said something and she laughed. She'd never laughed at anything Giff said. He started toward her when the sound of the next set started, and she went off with the other man. Who the devil was he, and what had he said to her? When the gentleman turned, Giff recognized Hereford and let out a relieved breath. As far as he knew, Hereford wasn't looking for a wife. Giff had finished his second circumference when he noticed Montagu holding onto one of the many potted trees decorating the room.

Giff lifted his quizzing glass. "Dancing with trees?

His friend dropped his hand as if it had been burnt. "I wanted to see how sturdy it was."

After scanning the room, he saw what he thought had distracted Montagu. "It had nothing at all to do with Lady Eleanor standing up with Bolingbroke, I suppose."

"Nothing at all." That was a lie.

"Of course not." Giff polished his quizzing glass with a handkerchief. "That would indicate some sort of jealousy. One doesn't experience that emotion unless one is falling in love." He caught a glimpse of Alice dancing with a gentleman he didn't recognize. His jaw tightened. It took an effort to loosen it again.

"I would think gazing at a lady standing up with another gentleman is the same thing." There was laughter in Montagu's tone.

Giff raised a brow and drawled, "I beg your pardon. Did you say something?"

"Nothing." The man's lips twitched. "Nothing at all."

It was time for a change of subject. "Your mother, sister, and Lytton arrived quite a while ago. What made you decide to come later?"

"I had some business to finish."

A large part of Giff was envious of his friend, but soon he'd have responsibilities with which to occupy himself.

"Lord St. Albans." Lady Markham strolled up to them. They were caught now. He knew better than to stop long enough to be noticed. "Please make your friend known to me."

Giff smiled and bowed. "With pleasure. My lady, allow me to present Lord Montagu. Montagu, Lady Markham."

His friend bowed. "Good evening, my lady. I trust my mother told you I would be a bit late."

"She did." Her ladyship's smile reminded him of a cat's that had caught her prey. "Now that you are here, I shall introduce you to a young lady who is in need of a dance partner." She raised a brow a Giff. "You may come along as well, my lord."

Damnation! Just what he'd hoped to avoid. Montagu was made known to a young lady, and Giff was introduced to Lady Prudence Lawler. Lady Prudence was very pretty with dark hair and brown eyes. Unfortunately, her complexion was sallow. He bowed as she curtseyed. "If your next set is free, may I claim it, my lady?"

Color rose in her cheeks and her lids lowered. "I would be delighted to stand up with you."

Giff had barely noticed the lull in the music until it started again. "Shall we?"

Smiling, she took his arm, and he led her out to form the line for a country dance. "Are you enjoying your Season?" He didn't know why he'd asked that when Lady Prudence had had to rely on their hostess to provide a partner for her.

"I am. We arrived just a few days ago, and I barely know anyone."

"I am certain you will soon make the acquaintance of a great many people." The steps separated them and brought them back together. Still, he didn't have much about which he could converse with a young lady. "Have you heard that the king is requiring those peers attending his coronation to dress in Elizabethan costume?"

"Is he indeed?" Her smile grew. "How droll. Then again, he is known for his opulence."

And spending money he didn't have. "He is."

"Will you attend?" she asked.

Not if he could find a way out of it. "I am as yet uncertain. My father will be there."

"I will not be at the coronation itself, but we are attending one of the balls afterward. I think wearing an Elizabethan gown will be a great deal of fun."

"It will certainly provide tailors the opportunity to find an inventive way to pad the hose."

She giggled lightly. "Oh dear. I had not thought of that."

Giff did not understand how the same conversation with Alice could have been so different. The set ended, and he made his way toward Alice's group. He reached them at the same time as Lady Markham and Normanby.

"Lady Madeline"—her ladyship gathered Alice and her sisters with a smile—"and Lady Alice, may I present Lord Normanby? My lord, Lady Madeline Vivers and her sister, Lady Alice Carpenter."

"My ladies, it is truly a pleasure to meet you." Normanby bowed. "Dare I ask if one of you has the supper dance available?"

Worthington looked put upon, and his lady stepped over to Lady Markham and Normanby. "I am sorry, my lord, but they both have partners. Perhaps, you could make arrangements for another time."

It was time for Giff to make his presence known. "Normanby."

"St. Albans."

He bowed to Alice and held out his arm. "Lady Alice, our set."

Her look was tight as she placed her hand in his. She must have taken a dislike to Normanby. "It is my lord."

As he placed one hand on Alice's waist and took her hand with the other, she seemed to relax a little. He'd have to ensure that worthless here-and-therian didn't bother her. "My father ordered his costume for the king's coronation. My mother said it was fortunate that the ladies didn't have to dress in Elizabethan gowns."

Was that all Lord St. Albans talked about? "I agree with her."

He beamed at her. "I cannot imagine the panic the modistes would be in if they had to make that many gowns."

That was actually a good point. Alice opened her mouth to respond when he continued, "I am glad I will not be present."

She would have told him that her brothers-in-law were not happy with attending, but it was their duty. While Lord St. Albans talked, she imagined the conversation she would have if she could get a word in. She would say that ladies presented to the queen were required to wear the strangest gowns. The bodice was the same as the modern fashion but the skirt was wide with the Georgian hoops. They would go on to discuss some of the reforms MPs and peers in the Lords were attempting to make. Alice made a mental note that Lord St. Albans was still talking, and for the first time she understood how Augusta had separated her thoughts from the words coming out of a gentleman's mouth. It gave Alice time to consider Lord Normanby. He was good-looking. Compared to Lord St. Albans and her brothers-in-law he could not be called handsome. But his features were pleasant and regular. She wished she had had a set to give him. With any luck, he would send a card or call on her to take her for a carriage ride. Perhaps he would meet all her requirements. He seemed nice. Lord St. Albans stopped for a breath. Separating her thoughts was an interesting process, but Alice did not think she would want to do it again. Sadly, the only good thing about standing up with his lordship was that he was an excellent dancer. She never had to think about where her feet were going, or his for that matter. The set ended. When he removed his hand from the small of her back a warmth she had not noticed left as well leaving her slightly chilled,

He bent his head and whispered. "I hope you enjoyed the dance."

At least she could tell the truth about that. "I did. Very much."

After leading her to the table that had been set up for her family, he went off to fetch their food without even asking what she liked. Alice had told her sisters she was not going to let him beat her, but it was time to give up. She considered Lord Normanby again. He was a possibility. The only thing about which she was certain was that she would no longer accept invitations from Lord St. Albans. No matter how handsome he was or how well he danced.

* * *

The next night Alice and her sisters arrived at Lady Brownly's musical evening. She had no sooner entered the drawing room when Lord St. Albans sauntered over to her, took her hand, and placed it on his arm. "Come, let us find a place to sit."

How dare he? What gall!It was all Alice could do to rein in her temper. The prickling affecting her hand and arm only increased her anger. It must be due to her dislike of him. She was tempted to remove her hand from his arm, but people were watching. "I am so sorry, my lord. I have promised my friends I will sit with them." She trusted her raised brow was sufficiently imperious. "Perhaps if you had asked earlier, I would have been able to join you."

His jaw went slack, and she turned so that no one could see her drop her hand. "I wish you a good evening."

Turning on her heel, she strode over to Penelope and Eloisa. Madeline and Harry came up to Alice. "Now what happened?" Madeline asked.

Alice pressed her lips together. "He assumed I would sit with him without even asking me ahead of time or at all."

"Not the brightest thing to do," Harry said.

The other two ladies nodded in agreement.

It was good to know that there were some reasonable gentlemen. "You see, even Harry agrees."

She tried to enjoy the singer who was indeed excellent, but Alice could feel St. Albans's gaze on the back of her neck. She would have to do something drastic to make him stop annoying her. She did not like hurting anyone's feelings, but it might be kinder to tell him she was not interested in his attentions. The problem was that one could not just go over to a gentleman and tell them to leave one alone. She could, however, avoid him and hope he got the hint. Fortunately, she would be busy with the preparations for her come out ball.

The following morning, St. Albans sent roses again. Well at least she was not allergic to them.

"What did the roses do to offend you?" Grace asked.

"The flowers? Nothing. The gentleman is another matter." Perhaps Grace could help. "Have you ever known a gentleman who was all wrong for you, but he had the entirely different opinion?"

"No, but I only had half a Season. Augusta has had that experience. She solved it by leaving the country and marrying Phinn before she returned." Grace frowned. "Matt could tell him you are not interested."

That would be the easy way out. "No. This is something I must do myself."

"My lady." Thorton held out a note. "This just came for you."

"Thank you, Thorton." Grace took the letter, opened it, then handed it to Alice. "Lord Normanby would like you to go walking with him during the Promenade this afternoon."

Alice scanned the letter. "I wonder why a walk and not a carriage ride."

Her sister shrugged lightly. "You will take Williams with you."

"Of course." Matt always insisted a footman accompany them. "I shall write to accept." There was a request she had to make to Grace, and Alice did not know quite how to phrase it. She took a breath. Directly might be the best way. "Have you sent the invitations to the come out ball yet?" Alice, Madeline, and Eleanor had spent the better part of two days writing and addressing them.

"They are to go out today. Why do you ask?"

"I do not want Lord St. Albans there."

"Very well." Grace's eyes narrowed a little. "You do realize that I will have to make a note on his parents' card that he is not invited otherwise they might think he is included in their invitation."

"I am sorry." This was probably a huge breach of etiquette. "But I just cannot have him there."

Her sister let out a sigh. "I will think of some way to put it that will not be an insult."

"Thank you." She was not looking forward to facing the Duchess of Cleveland. Alice went to her writing table and penned her acceptance to Lord Normanby. Walking might give them more time to talk. That could be either good or horrible. Even Lord Bury, who was very entertaining, would drive her mad if there were not constant interruptions when he took her out in his curricle. She had only met Lord Normanby briefly, and her first thought was that she wished she could have exchanged partners, but it had nothing to do with Lord Normanby's looks. They were rather ordinary. He was tall, but not as tall as Lord St. Albans. Lord Normanby's hair was a dark blond that lacked the depth of Lord St. Albans's deep auburn hair, and Lord Normanby's eyes were blue gray. Nothing out of the usual. Not like Lord St. Albans's deep green ones. However, she knew that a handsome gentleman did not necessarily equate to a handsome person on the inside. This was an opportunity to get to know a new gentleman. Perhaps he was the one she would wed. Provided, of course, he was looking for a wife. Alice gave herself a shake. She was too concerned about finding someone to marry when no one was putting any pressure on her at all. Then again, Eleanor and Lord Montagu were becoming closer, and Madeline and Harry already seemed as if they belonged together. That left Alice alone. She gave herself a shake. She was worried over nothing.

His lordship arrived promptly at four o'clock. That was one mark in his favor. Almost immediately, Williams knocked on the parlor's open door. Never one to be late, Alice had already donned her hat and gloves. She picked up her reticule and stepped into the corridor. "I hope you're ready for chaperoning."

"My lady, I'm ready for anything." He patted the side of his jacket where she knew all the footmen had a thin holster pocket to carry a pistol.

"Hopefully, he has nothing nefarious on his mind." She had read a book not long ago where the heroine was strolling with a gentleman, and he had hidden a closed carriage near to the path they were taking. She had only had a young maid with her who had gone into strong hysterics. Which was no help at all. Alice took a deep breath. She was letting her imagination run away with her sense. It would be very hard to abduct someone in the Park.

As she reached the bottom tread, his lordship came forward and bowed over her hand. "Thank you for agreeing to a stroll with me."

She smiled as was expected. "It is my pleasure." Alice took his arm and Thorton opened the door. "Shall we?"

Lord Normanby glanced around. "Your maid?"

"My footman will accompany us." She was rather impressed that he had asked about a chaperon. It spoke well for him.

As if he had just noticed Williams, his lordship nodded. "In that case, we are ready." As they strolled down the street out of the square, his lordship looked down at her. "I suppose I should first ask how your Season has been going, but that seems rather trite. You would have to say that all is well. We can both see the weather is fine." So far, so good. "I must tell you that the purpose of my asking you for this walk was to secure the supper dance at Lady Turley's ball. I am only in Town for a short while. I leave for my home tomorrow."

Alice had not even been told when Georgie's ball was being held, but there was no reason she could not accept the supper dance. "Thank you. I accept your offer."

He smiled. "Thank you. Lady Markham said you are much in demand, and I am very late coming to Town."

That was odd. Why come to Town only to leave again? "How long have you been here?"

"I arrived two days ago." He gave her a rueful grin. "My mother is remarrying, and I am in charge of securing the special license. I will return after the wedding."

Alice remembered when Madeline's mother, Matt's stepmother, although they were very close in age, remarried. There had been a great deal to do. "I hope you like her choice of husband."

"Oh, yes. He is a capital fellow. She is much happier with him than she was before." He flushed slightly. "I should not have said that."

She had thought his mother's happiness was because she was no longer a widow, but apparently not. "I wish her happy."

"Thank you. I think she will be." He sounded thoughtful. "They are going to the Continent for their honeymoon."

"That is where both my recently married sisters would like to make their wedding trips." She wished they could have all taken their honeymoons together. Unfortunately, Alice had not met the gentleman for her and her sisters had.

"Lady Markham said you and your sisters had come out together." He let the sentence hang."

"We did." She gave him a broad smile. No one would discover from her how quickly she was feeling. "Although, nothing has yet been decided, I expect them to be betrothed in the near future."

"Yes, of course." He grinned at her; his blue-gray eyes were a mix of sympathy and something else she could not place. "Very lucky. Are they love matches."

"Yes. Everyone in the family has married for love." For some reason Alice could not explain, she needed him to believe she was not sad about her sisters marrying before her. "I am very much like one of my older sisters. She came out with another of my sisters and a dear friend and was the last to wed. In the end, it turned out to be fortunate. Her husband is perfect for her."

"That is good to know." Lord Normanby kept his head turned attentively toward Alice. "Your family is very large I take it."

She enjoyed his attention. And his interest in her and her family. "I know families who are much larger, however, our family continues to grow."

He gave her a curious look that indicated he did not know if he believed it. "That sounds wonderful."

"I think so." She glanced around and saw that they had circled the Park without speaking with anyone. How had that happened? Who had she ignored? "Tell me, do you like large dogs?"

"Of course. I have always been intrigued by them." Another mark in his favor.

"You will have to meet our Great Danes."

He briefly inclined his head. "I am sure I will like them immensely."

Alice would ask Grace to arrange a breakfast to see if Lord Normanby liked children as well. For their first engagement, it was going quite well.