CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER ONE

April 1821, Cleveland Castle

Gifford, Earl of St. Albans strode into his father's study. "You wanted to see me?"

The Duke of Cleveland had a rare sheepish look on his face. This usually occurred after Giff's mother had persuaded Papa that one of his long-held beliefs was wrong and needed to change. Had she convinced him to give Giff the heir's estate he wanted to control before he married? He couldn't think of another reason his father would send for him this close to departing to Town.

"Yes." Papa moved a small, wrapped package from one side of the massive oak desk to the middle of the desk between them. "You know I want you to look for a wife this Season?"

It wasn't the estate. Disappointment almost made Giff leave the room. "I agreed."

"Indeed." Papa focused on the package and nudged it closer to Giff. "You will need these. Your mother pointed out that it would be . . . ah . . . that you would be more eligible if you were the Marquis of St. Albans." He indicated the package. "Those are your new calling cards."

Giff stifled his disappointment. It wasn't the estate, but it was something. Papa had been made to wait until he was married to be elevated to the courtesy title of marquis. Giff took the package. He'd like to know what argument his mother had made. "Thank you, sir."

"We will meet you in Town in a few days. Your mother is planning a ball and other activities."

Where eligible young ladies would be available for Giff to meet in the hope he'd like one of them enough to wed her. "Please thank Mamma for me. I'm sure the title will help."

"I still don't understand why it's so important. Earl or marquis, you're still the heir to the dukedom."

Giff shrugged. "Who can understand how ladies think."

Papa rose and held out his hand. "Have a good trip up to Town."

Giff took his father's hand and shook it. "I'll see you soon. And thank you. I'm sure Mamma is correct about the title."

"She usually is," Papa grumbled.

Giff nodded in sympathy. Once, several years ago, he'd decided to challenge his mother. He never did it again. "I'll see you in Town."

When he had gained the corridor, he grinned to himself, giving silent thanks to her, and headed to the hall. Gunn, his valet, had already left and would meet him at the George in Darlington where they'd spend the night before starting the almost week-long journey to Town.

Six days later, he entered Cleveland House on Park Lane. Not quite one hundred years old, the house was fancifully built in three sections with half-rounded facades that reminded him of towers. The front consisted of long windows with balconies on the upper floors. The inside had two wings. One built especially for the heir, his family, and servants. Due to some forethought on the part of his great-great-grandmother, the house had a circular drive in the front with gardens to the sides, and a large garden in the back. The stables were located on the other side of a high stone wall. The garden was so secluded one could almost forget one was in the metropolis. When Giff married, he and his family would live in the heir's wing whenever they were in Town. The rest of the year, they'd reside at Whippoorwill Manor near St. Albans. That was the property he would control after he wed. By the end of this Season if he found his bride.

Giff strolled into his parlor and glanced through the cards on his desk. Some were invitations. Others were personal cards left by friends who had already arrived in Town. One of them from a school chum he hadn't seen for a few years, John, Marquis of Montagu, caught Giff's attention. It would be good to see Montagu again. The last time had been at his father's funeral. Perhaps they could take a ride tomorrow morning before there were too many people in the Park. Giff pulled a piece of paper from the drawer and scribbled a note, then tugged the bell-pull.

A footman entered the room. "Yes, my lord."

Griff handed the man the message. "Have this taken to Montagu House."

"Straightaway, my lord."

After the servant left, he wandered into his bed chamber. His evening kit was already laid out. As was his custom, he would dine at home his first evening back. Aside from that, he needed to develop a strategy to find a wife. In addition to depending on his mother, that was. In the past he'd ridden his horse during the Grand Strut. But now he should consider taking his curricle. He glanced at the ormolu mantel clock. It was just after five o'clock. He had time to visit the stables before changing for dinner. And it was better to do it now than after he'd bathed.

Muffled noises from the dressing room informed him his valet was there. "Gunn, I'm going to the stables. I'll be back within the hour."

"Very well, my lord. I'll have yer bath ready."

Giff grinned. All the household servants in London and most of them at Cleveland Castle might be English, but his mother had insisted his personal servants be good, reliable Scotsmen from the various parts of her family. Another battle his father had lost.

An hour later, after having been rebuffed by the stablemaster, who insisted on having Giff's carriage sent around, he was dressed for an early dinner. He'd been pleased that his curricle had been newly painted, and the cushions had been replaced. He didn't even have to ask whose idea that was. Mamma was going to do her best to see him wed this Season.

* * *

The next morning, after having received confirmation of his invitation to Montagu, Giff rode to Montagu House and found his friend on the pavement next to his horse. "Good morning."

"Good morning to you." Montagu grinned. "Thank you for your note. It's been so many years since I've been to Town, I wasn't sure how to begin."

Giff studied his friend. "Wife hunting?"

"Exactly." Montagu grimaced.

"As am I. Perhaps we can help each other." Although Giff really didn't think he'd need much help convincing the lady he chose to marry him. He was, as his father had said, the heir to a dukedom, not bad looking, and had been told he made love charmingly.

Montagu mounted and gave Giff a dubious look. "How, if you've never searched for a wife before?"

"Ah." He turned Horace, his horse, toward the Park. "This might be the first time I'm willing to be leg shackled, but it's not my first time enticing a female. Surely a young lady will be much the same. I imagine it will be even easier than with a more experienced women. Not only that, but how many Mammas would want their daughter to reject the heir to a dukedom?"

"I suppose you're right." Montagu rode next to Giff. "Young ladies are disposed to do what their families wish."

At least English ladies were. His mother and older sisters hadn't had that attitude. But that was the Scot's side coming out. In a way, it was a pity. He'd like a lady more like his mother. Come to think of it, the lady he chose would have to show a strong strength of will in order to please his father. "We shall see."

* * *

Lady Alice Carpenter stared at the list she and her sisters had made.

Intelligent

Kind

Like house animals

Like children

Make us laugh, and think we are funny

Interested in the plight of the poor and unfortunate

Must support us in our charities and other ventures

Passable looking

Allow us to be ourselves

Be able to support a family

Must love us in return

Something was missing. Unfortunately, she could not think what it was. She put the list back in the drawer. It would come to her sooner or later. At the moment, she must meet her sisters for their ride in the Park. It was the first time they had been allowed to go with only a groom in attendance.

As usual, she was the first one to arrive. Robertson, her groom and a former soldier, cupped his hands to help her mount Galyna, her Cleveland Bay. True to her name, she calmly stood until Alice's sisters, Lady Eleanor Carpenter, Alice's twin, and Lady Madeline Vivers arrived a couple of minutes later.

Alice turned her mare toward the end of the square. "Shall we go?"

"Yes," her sisters said in unison.

Six years ago, Alice and Eleanor's eldest sister, Grace, who had fought for and won guardianship of them and their five brothers and sisters, had married Madeline's brother, Matheus, the Earl of Worthington, thereby combining all eleven of the brothers and sisters into one family. Before their marriage, because just seeing the way Grace and Matt looked at each other they all knew the two were going to wed, they had decided they would refer to each other as brothers and sisters without regard to last names or blood ties. One look at Madeline, and Alice and Eleanor silently agreed that the three of them would be triplets, and they included her in everything they did. Still, Eleanor's bond with her twin was as strong as ever. Shortly thereafter, Charlotte, their next eldest sister, Dotty, her closest friend, and Louisa, Madeline's eldest sister, wed. They were now the Marchioness of Kenilworth, the Marchioness of Merton, and the Duchess of Rothwell respectively. The next one to wed was Augusta. She was now Lady Phineas Carter-Woods. All of them were extremely happy in their marriages. Alice wanted the same for herself and her sisters. Fortunately, Matt had told them that as long as a gentleman was eligible, the decision would be up to them.

As they trotted to the Park, it was clear that spring had indeed sprung. Trees were green with small leaves, and the forsythias were already bright yellow. Even daffodils and crocuses were coming up.

Eleanor glanced around, smiling. "I cannot believe we are finally here."

Alice was not able to resist trying out the bored drawl she had been practicing. "We have been here for years."

"You know what she means." Madeline cast a glance at the sky. "We are finally making our come outs. It seems as if we have been waiting for years."

"We have been waiting for years." Eleanor grinned. "So have Matt and Grace."

Alice would not have described it as waiting. "You mean they have been dreading it for years."

Eleanor met Alice's gaze. As much as Grace had been preparing them for it, if they wed this Season their lives and Madeline's would be very different than before. It was strange to consider the changes.

"At least we will not be without assistance." Madeline smiled brightly. "For a very long time, Matt has been saying that it is "all hands on deck."

Alice laughed. Madeline had mimicked his stern command perfectly. What was interesting was Matt was the uncontested leader of the family that now included one duke and two marquises. All of whom had already arrived in Town. Only their sister Augusta,, who had promised to return for their come out, her husband, and their eldest brother Charlie, Earl of Stanwood had not yet appeared. They had been traveling on the Continent for several years. Alice hoped they arrived home soon. Augusta and Charlie had promised they would.

Alice and her sisters raced to a large oak tree then ambled around the Serpentine. Almost unconsciously, Alice followed her twin's lead and started Galyna back toward the gate.

"Why are we turning?" Madeline sounded surprised.

"I am hungry." Eleanor said. "By the time we are home, we will have just enough time to wash and change before going to breakfast, and . . ." She paused. "I wonder who they are."

"Who?" Madeline peered around Eleanor.

Alice leaned forward to be able to see around Madeline.

"Do not stare. They could see us." Eleanor's sharp tone caused Madeline and Alice to straighten. "There were two gentlemen riding just off to the side. They were galloping."

Madeline leaned forward again. "What did they look like?"

"They both had reddish hair, but of different hues. Well dressed. One rode a black horse, and the other horse was gray."

Madeline's brows came together. "I wonder if they are the type of gentlemen who will be introduced to us."

"Only time will tell," Eleanor replied as they rode through the gate and trotted up Upper Grosvenor Street.

A boy running out into the street waving his hands startled Alice. Eleanor's horse shied, but she was able to bring her under control. What had the child been thinking, or had he? Whichever it was, it was a stupid trick.

Alice moved next to her twin. "Eleanor, are you all right?"

Her face was pale but determined. "I am fine."

Alice was about to suggest they question the boy, but Eleanor shook her head.

Jemmy, her groom, rode up. "That weren't no accident, my lady. He was standing quiet until he saw you."

"Thank you, Jemmy. You have confirmed my thoughts. Come, Adela, let's go home," Eleanor spoke to her horse.

Why would anyone want to scare Eleanor? They wasted no time getting home. As soon as they reached Worthington House, their grooms came to take the mares.

"Good morning."

Alice was glad to see Charlotte and Louisa strolling toward the house holding their older children's hands. Charlotte, Louisa, Dotty, and Grace all had children in the five-year-old range.

"You must be joining us for breakfast." Alice hugged the children.

"We're going to spend the day with Gideon and Elizabeth," Constance, Charlotte's daughter, named Matt and Grace's elder children.

Constance took Alice's hand. "We want to see Posy and Zeus too."

Posy and Zeus were Great Danes. Matt brought home Zeus after Duke had died and then Daisy died a year later, and Posy came to live with them. Yet, while Duke and Daisy had spent most of their time with Alice, Eleanor, and Madeline, Zeus and Posy belonged more to Elizabeth and Gideon. When they weren't trying to guard Edward and Gaia, Grace's eighteen-month-old twins, from bath time that was.

Alice made her way to her chamber. She, Eleanor, and Madeline had received separate bedchambers and shared a parlor that had been named The Young Ladies Parlor.

Bertram, Alice's maid, was supervising the filling of the bathtub when Alice entered her bedroom. "Thank you. We have family joining us for breakfast."

"So I was told." Bertram tested the heat of the bathwater then turned toward the footman. "Thank you. This is perfect." Once they'd left, she helped Alice out of her riding habit. "It will only get busier from here."

Alice sank into the tub. "Very true." She considered telling her dresser about the gentlemen, but what was there to say? That they had different shades of red hair and looked to be gentlemen? She washed and stood to be rinsed. "I am looking forward to our first entertainments. Have you heard anything about our brothers or Lady Phinn arriving?"

"Master Walter and Master Phillip will be here for Easter. I'm sorry, my lady. I have been told nothing about Lord Stanwood or Lady Phineas."

Alice tried not to be disappointed. They had promised to be here, and they would be. She just wished she knew when they would arrive.

She gained in the corridor a second before her sisters. Suddenly, there were squeals of delight from the hall. It had to be them! And just in time! She exchanged quick looks with Eleanor and Madeline, and they rushed down the stairs.