CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Alice had scrambled up onto the opposite bench from Lord Bounder the second he'd spoken, and now glanced out the window, which was more difficult than usual because of the brim of her bonnet. What she did not understand was why the shades were open. Didn't abductors normally close them? She wished she had thought to bring her sword parasol or her pistol. She would like to wipe the smug smile off Normanby's face. If wishes were horses and all that. Unfortunately, all she had was her hat pin. It was a substantial one but, under the circumstances, not enough to help her escape from him and the coach. Alice felt around in her reticule and found a pencil. She could take his eye out with it, but would that help her escape? With no further attempts being made on anyone since Eleanor's wedding, Alice had grown lax. She glared at his lordship. If looks could kill, he would have fallen dead by now. If only she had had an inkling the scoundrel would do something like this. Well, there was no point engaging in unhelpful thoughts. She must gather the information she had. Williams would notify Matt and Grace. Still, it would take a while for them to be able to catch up to her. It would be better if Alice found a way to escape on her own.

The blackguard leaned back against the squabs looking very pleased with himself. "Do not bother trying to escape. You would injure yourself, and I would simply catch you again."

Alice was not stupid. Jumping from a moving coach was not something she had been taught. She might have to remedy that lack.

"Aren't you curious as to what I'm planning to do?" he asked teasingly.

Dreadfully curious, but she was not going to give him the satisfaction of letting him know. Alice raised one brow, removed the book she had, for some reason, left in her reticule, settled back into the squabs where she could not be seen, and opened it, holding the book in front of her face, pretending to read.

"Very well," he drawled. "You will find out soon enough." Thankfully, he lapsed into silence and seemed to fall asleep.

She discovered sitting back gave her a better view out the window. She recognized signs that they were traveling in the direction of the Great North Road. This was confirmed when they halted briefly at the Islington toll. Before Alice could call out, his hand covered her mouth as he jerked her to his side of the coach.

"I like the feel of you next to me." He used the tone she used to think seductive. Now his touch made her feel as if bugs were crawling over her. It made her want to vomit all over him and his boots. It was a shame she could not throw up on command.

When the coach started again, he barked a mirthless laugh and let her go. She threw herself onto the other bench. Carefully ignoring him, Alice picked up the book again and opened it. Once they stopped, she would try to escape again. In the meantime, it might be helpful to see if there was anything in the coach she could use as a weapon. The holsters for the coach pistols were empty. He either could not afford a pair, or he thought she might try to shoot him. He would have been right about that. The carriage slowed. He must be sparing his horses. Alice gave herself a shake and went back to her task. The coach itself was clean, but rather shabby. The velvet was worn in places and needed to be replaced. She knew he needed money. That was the reason he wanted to wed her. Still, why abduct her? He had or thought he had the other poor girl to marry. Then again, he would think of it as sullying his bloodlines. Instead, new blood might improve his line. If he thought Alice would ever agree to wed him, he was sadly mistaken. No matter what happened, her family would stand behind her just as they had with Charlotte. Then again, she had ended up falling in love and marrying Con. But they had still protected her until he had apparently changed enough for her to want to wed him. No matter what happened, Alice would never wed Normanby.

* * *

Thorton dashed into Grace's study followed by Williams as if the devil was after them. "My lady." Thorton sketched a quick bow. "Lady Alice has been abducted. Williams said Lord St. Albans was following the coach."

Having someone reliable in pursuit was helpful. Grace tugged the bell-pull for her maid. "What happened, exactly?"

"Lady Alice was going to Hatchards. A boy ran into the street. She told Williams to save the child." Obviously, a boy who did not need saving. "While he was trying to help the lad, a footman grabbed Lady Alice and threw her into the coach. Lord St. Albans directed Williams to tell his lordship."

"I would have shot at the coach, but I didn't want to hurt her. Unfortunately, I was too late to hit anything but the back of the vehicle," Williams explained.

"Thank you for keeping your head about you." Grace rose. "Very well. I want the traveling coach and a coach for our personal servants. Bertram must make up a bag for Lady Alice and herself." Grace's dresser hurried into the room. "I shall need a portmanteau with clothing for two to three days. His lordship will require one as well."

"Yes, my lady." The maid dashed out of the parlor.

She turned back to Thorton. "A basket with enough food for at least one day." Other than to change the team, they would not stop. "Send to Cleveland House and have Lord St. Albans's valet pack clothing for his lordship. He will need garments for the same amount of time. His valet may accompany us. Her grace must be notified. I shall write a short note. I need four footmen to take messages. I expect to leave within the hour. If his lordship is not here by then, he can follow us."

"He is having luncheon with the other gentlemen at Lord Merton's house," Thornton said.

It might be an excellent idea to have everyone join them. A story would have to be put about. Having a family excursion might do it. She resumed her seat and wrote the first note to Charlotte.

Charlotte,

Problems with A. Leaving within 1h. Pack for 1-3d.

G

She sanded, folded, attached her seal to the letter, and handed it to a footman. "Take this to Kenilworth House and give it to no one but Lady Kenilworth."

She repeated the exercise and sent missives to Louisa, Dotty, and Augusta, before writing to the duchess.

My dear duchess,

There has been a serious incident with Lady Alice. Lord St. Albans is in pursuit. I have already sent a message to his valet to pack for a few days. I will follow shortly with servants.

Sincerely yours,

G. W.

Grace hoped that would put her grace at ease and was not too cryptic. She glanced at the footman. "Take this to Cleveland House, only to be given to her grace. Give a verbal message to St. Albans's valet."

"Yes, my lady." The man strode out of the room.

"What about me, my lady," Williams asked.

"You will come with us."

"Thank you." The footman dashed out of the room.

Now to change into travel clothing. As Grace climbed the stairs, she gave thanks that St. Albans had been there. God only knew what would have happened if they had had to find Alice alone. Grace trusted that St. Albans would have the presence of mind to leave messages as he went.

"Your grace." Her maid entered the parlor holding a note. "This came for you from Worthington House. It is urgent. Gunn has been told to pack for Lord St. Albans."

Mairead took the missive and opened it. "We are leaving in an hour for two to three days. I want to be ready as soon as possible." If Alice had been abducted, the only place the scoundrel could go was north. And the only place Giff would take her, after he rescued her of course, was Whippoorwill Manor. Knowing the Worthington family, Grace Worthington would not be the only one following. Mairead quickly wrote a letter advising the butler at Whippoorwill Mannor to be prepared to receive her son, his betrothed, herself, and several guests. She took it to the footman stationed outside her door. "Have this delivered to Whippoorwill Manor. The rider can make as many changes as necessary, but I want it delivered as soon as humanly possible."

"Yes, your grace."

"Your grace." Her butler appeared at the door. "I understand you are leaving for a few days. Do you want me to find his grace?"

Although she loved Archie, he would be of no help whatsoever in this matter. A much lighter hand was required. "Not at all. I will only be away for a few days, and I do not want him to ruin my fun."

Her poor butler appeared confused. "What should I tell him?"

"Tell him I have gone off on an adventure and will return soon."

* * *

Giff kept Normanby's coach in sight. Fortunately, it wasn't difficult. After the first toll, it was clear the coachman was nursing the horses. If Giff could work out where the cad was likely to stop, he'd drive ahead of Normanby. But Giff didn't and couldn't take the chance of losing them. Fortunately, it was clear the blackguard didn't even think to look if he was being followed. Giff hoped the message he'd left at the toll gate got to Worthington. When the bounder did finally stop, Giff would be there to help Alice escape. He had no doubt she was working on a plan. The only problem would be if someone they knew or who knew them saw her with the blackguard. Giff almost dropped the ribbons to slap his forehead. That was it. The cur was attempting to compromise her. He'd see that didn't happen. The only gentleman Alice Carpenter was going to marry was him. He had been planning to propose to her in any event. He just hoped she would accept him. If necessary, he'd offer her a pretend betrothal until he could persuade her to make it real. The coach ahead was still traveling rather slowly. This was going to be a very long ride.

* * *

After three hours, the coach finally pulled into the yard of The Swan in Hatfield. The posting inn was well known and patronized by members of Polite Society. Various carriages and coaches were off to the side of the yard having their teams replaced. Normanby would require a new pair as well. Fortunately, most of the ton would still be in Town, and the chances of anyone Alice knew seeing her were slim. Still, there was always that possibility. People had begun to leave for the country. She closed her book, slipped it into her reticule, and waited. If necessary, she could swing the reticule at his head. The book would make it heavy enough to hurt. His lordship would no doubt depend upon her not saying a word. Which was a shame for him and a serious miscalculation on his part. She would be as loud as necessary. The door opened and he jumped down. He held out his hand for her, but Alice ignored it. No one was going to even think she welcomed his attentions. Instead, she lifted her skirts slightly and jumped down as well.

"That is no way to treat your betrothed." He scowled.

"I do not know why you believe we are betrothed. I have no intention of ever marrying you. In fact, I can assure you that I will never wed you."

He leered at her. "You will have to. You have been in a closed coach with me for three hours."

"Do not look at me that way. It is disgusting. I know about your mistress." Alice widened her eyes. "I have an idea. Marry her."

"Lady Alice."

Lady Bellamny. Thank God!

Alice could have fainted with relief. "My lady, I have—"

"Not here, my girl. I have a parlor." Her ladyship linked her arm with Alice's. "Come along."

She allowed herself to be led to a comfortable private parlor. Once through the door, the sight of the other person in the room made her stop until her ladyship poked her in the back.

"St. Albans." But what was he doing here? "How?"

He stepped to her and took her hands, enveloping them in warmth. "I saw what happened. I sent Williams to your house to notify your family and followed you here." He glanced over his shoulder at Lady Bellamny. "I saw her ladyship and explained what happened. She convinced me it would be better for her to approach you and"—he glowered at Normanby who had apparently entered the parlor as well—"him."

The cad raised his chin. "It won't do any of you any good. I have been with her for enough time to thoroughly compromise her. She must marry me."

Rage coursed through Alice's veins. "You are obviously hard of hearing. I would not marry you if you were the last man on earth. I would rather spend the rest of my life as a spinster than another second in your company. You are a vile, rabid cur."

"Nevertheless." Lady Bellamny held up her hand, cutting him off. "My dear." The sympathy in her voice and look she gave Alice made her want to weep. "I am afraid a few people might have seen you alight from the coach. You must think of Theo and Mary. This decision does not affect you alone."

Alice bit down hard on her lip.

"Marry me."

She turned on her heel to face St. Albans already on one knee. "You want to wed another lady."

"No. I have always wanted to marry you. If you will recall, I said I had met the lady I wished to wed, and I thought I was making good progress."

He was right. He had never mentioned who the lady was. And he met all the requirements of the list, including being her friend. Still, she needed to know why her. "Why do you want to marry me?"

A smile dawned on his handsome face. "You are intelligent, caring of others, even ones who could be considered below you. You are the bravest lady, woman, I have ever met. You care nothing about my present or future rank. You love dogs and children. And I love you."

"Good God, how maudlin," Normanby drawled.

As she turned, St. Albans released her hands. "I have had more than enough of you." Stepping forward quickly, she punched Normanby on his jaw. To her absolute surprise, he dropped like a stone. "Did I kill him?"

"More is the pity, but no," her ladyship drawled. "Please allow St. Albans to continue his proposal before he is interrupted again."

Alice turned back to him. "Yes, please do continue."

St. Albans, who had risen, resumed his position on his knee. "As I was saying. Alice, I love you. Will you do me the very great honor of being my wife and the mother of my children?"

Her heart wanted to burst from her chest. Tears choaked her throat. She loved him as well. "I will. I love you too."

"Excellent." Her ladyship smiled. "Now that that is settled, I suggest you repair to St. Albans's estate not far from here. I assume your family will arrive within the hour. I shall leave a note directing them to"—she frowned—"what is that strange name of the estate?"

Alice grinned. "Whippoorwill Manor."

Her ladyship nodded. "Yes. That is the one. I suggest you tell the staff to make enough rooms ready."

St. Albans's pointed at Lord Normanby. "What about him?"

Her ladyship's lips flattened into a thin line, and she pushed his inert body with the tip of her shoe. "I will see to it."

Alice tugged on St. Albans's hand. "Let us depart."

"You're right. We are well rid of certain scum." They strolled out of the inn and to his curricle. "I cannot wait to show you the manor."

She could not wait to see it. "How far is it?"

As he lifted her into the curricle, Alice started to prickle all over. It was the feeling she had had before with him. How strange she had not recognized it for the sensations her sisters talked about. She had been attracted to him from the beginning and did not know it. "Around six miles." He climbed up and took the ribbons. "How many of your family do you think will arrive? I believe there is only a reduced staff."

What would the staff think of him bringing her with no notice? She straightened her shoulders. It was no matter. They were betrothed. Her family would be there soon. Alice would simply have to start as she meant to go on. "We will make do. My family will understand."

We.

Giff loved how she already thought of them as a couple. "At some point, I would like to kiss you."

She flashed him a smile. "I think that is an excellent idea. Where shall we live first?"

"Right away?" He hadn't even considered it. Giff would like to take a jaunt to Scotland to see his estate.

"Yes. I thought we might want to go to Scotland."

Once again, he was glad they thought along the same lines, but... "Do you not wish to have a honeymoon?"

"Yes." She frowned. "Well, I suppose I do. Still, we have duties."

She was amazing. He didn't know another lady who would put her duty before such a normal pleasure. "I have an idea. My mother's father has a ship. I can ask him to send it to the London docks or somewhere nearby, and we can sail to Scotland. After that, we will take it to France and join your sisters."

Alice looked at him as if he was the most brilliant person in the world. "What a perfect solution!"

"Now that that's settled, when would you like to marry?" He hoped she'd say immediately. But he remembered Montagu and Stern having to wait. All very well for them. They'd had work in the Lords and Commons. Giff would have to find something to occupy himself. He wouldn't mind starting the changes at Whippoorwill Manor, but he didn't want to be that far from Town, and he wanted Alice with him.

He was watching the road, but the burning on his cheek made him glance at her. She couldn't have changed her mind. "What is it?"

"What do I call you? St. Albans?"

"I would like you to call me Giff. It is short for—"

"Gifford." She laughed. "Very well. Giff it is. We shall wed in two weeks. Grace will not agree to a shorter period of time."

"Two weeks." It wasn't that long he supposed. After all, he had to arrange the church, purchase the special license, write to his grandfather, and negotiate the settlement agreements. Lord save me. He could accomplish any contracts on his own property, but his father would have to negotiate the agreements regarding the dukedom. Knowing Papa, that could take more than two weeks. Giff would have to get his mother involved as soon as possible. He could feel Alice staring at him again. "Agreed."