CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Less than an hour later, Giff turned into the gate of Whippoorwill Manor. He was surprised to see the lawn had been scythed. The circular drive led to the front stairs had been groomed, and large urns with flowers flanked the entrance. The door opened before he stopped the carriage. A tall man in his middle years dressed in black, obviously the butler, walked down the steps. He was followed by the rest of the servants lining up in order of precedence. The butler bowed. "Welcome home, my lord."

"Thank you . . . er." Giff raised a brow.

"Cummings, my lord." He waited until Giff went around to Alice.

"It appears someone notified the staff," she whispered.

He lifted her down. "It had to have been my mother."

"Most likely." Alice shook out her skirts, turned to the servants and smiled.

Giff placed his palm on the small of her back. "Lady Alice Carpenter, my betrothed. Members of her family will be joining us in an hour or two."

"I am pleased to meet all of you." She glanced at Cummings. "Cummings, it is a pleasure to meet you. I trust we will work together well. Please carry on."

"Yes, my lady." He bowed. "I am honored to both introduce you to your staff and welcome you to your home. We wish you and his lordship happy."

"Thank you."

Giff followed behind her as she first met Mrs. Cummings the housekeeper, then the cook, footmen, and maids. Giff was intrigued there were so many servants. Once the housekeeper took Alice to her chamber, he turned to Cummings. "I was given to understand the manor had a reduced staff."

"Until a few weeks ago, we were short staffed. His grace's steward visited us and instructed me to hire the rest of the servants we needed. Her grace sent a rider to inform us of your imminent arrival. I hope you and her ladyship will be satisfied with the results."

"I am certain we will." Giff inclined his head. "I am already impressed with the manner in which you have kept the front of the house."

"Thank you, my lord. Shall I have a light nuncheon served in an hour?"

Giff was glad his stomach hadn't growled at the mention of food. Alice would be hungry as well. Would it take her an hour to freshen up? "Please serve it as soon as her ladyship is ready. I suspect that will be considerably less than an hour."

"Yes, my lord." Cummings bowed. "Shall I first take you to your chambers?"

Considering Giff hadn't been here since he was a child and had stayed in the nursery then, that would be a good idea. "Yes, please. I remember the gardens better than I do the inside of the house."

* * *

Alice had rarely seen such an interesting house. It had obviously been built during the Elizabethan period, but an early Georgian fa?ade had been stuck on the front. Albeit the mullioned windows had been kept, giving the house a rather whimsical appearance. As the housekeeper led her to the family wing, Alice could see that although the residence had been enlarged, it was not a hodgepodge of halls, corridors, and rooms. From the main staircase, Mrs. Cummings turned down a corridor that ended with a door. She went to the room next to the end room and opened the door. The chamber was large and decorated in blues and greens. Long windows overlooked a garden, and a French door opened onto a small half-circle balcony.

"I hope it meets with your approval, my lady."

"It is very nice." She wondered if the master's and mistress's apartments were at the end of this wing. She would have to ask Giff. A pleasurable thrill shot through her at the thought of sleeping so near him.

"My lady." Alice had the feeling Mrs. Cummings had said that more than once.

"Mrs. Cummings?"

"Here is May to help you freshen up."

Alice nodded at the young woman. "Thank you, May."

The maid bobbed a curtsey.

"I would also like something to eat."

"I will have it arranged." Mrs. Cummings curtseyed and left the room.

Alice gave herself a rueful look in the mirror. Being thrown into a coach did nothing for one's appearance. "I will wash my face and hands, then you may make my hair more presentable."

"Yes, my lady." May stood with her hands folded in front of her waist.

Alice had not expected to formally meet the servants today, but she had been trained well and knew how to behave. What she had not anticipated, nor wanted, was the complete subservience of the staff. Being well-mannered and competent in their duties was required, but somehow she had to let them know they could be—oh, how to put it?—show their personalities as well. Perhaps they would relax a little after they got to know her and Giff. Having some of their own servants here might help as well.

Alice dried her face and sat at the toilet table. "I think a simple knot will do."

With her hair neatly dressed, she felt much more the thing. She smiled at May hoping to put her at ease. "Where will I find nuncheon?"

"I will call a footman," she said.

That had not been the answer Alice had wanted. "Thank you."

As expected, a footman arrived shortly after the bell-pull had been tugged. As she stepped into the corridor, the door to the end apartment opened. Giff stepped out and grinned. "There you are. I wondered where they put you."

She leaned around him. "I thought that was where my future rooms would be."

He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. "Come. I'll show you around." He glanced at the footman. "Wait here."

The servant bowed stiffly. Alice stifled a sigh. "Lead on."

The door opened into a parlor flanked on each end with another door. A fireplace stood in the middle of the outside wall. The rest of the wall was filled with long mullioned windows. The upper half of which were stained and patterned glass. Light shining through the windows made patterns on the large Aubusson carpet that was anchored by two sofas. All the soft furnishings were in good condition. She would not have to do much at all. "It is beautiful."

Delight shone in Giff's eyes. "I'll show you your chambers first."

Her bedroom was decorated in pale yellows and greens. Next to the bedchamber was a dressing room. Through a door off the dressing room was a small bathing chamber. A colorfully tiled German style fireplace stood in the corner. The bathtub had a faucet with piped in water. "Do you have a bathing chamber as well?"

He pulled a face. "I have one, but the water must be carried from the main hot water pipe for the floor."

Before she knew it, she was in his arms. "How did you do that?"

He gave her a heated look. "I will show you sometime."

Her lips began to tingle, and she leaned against him. As she reached up to kiss him, his mouth slanted across hers. His lips were firm as they feathered across hers and down over her jaw. He held her closer with one hand while stroking her cheek with his thumb. Feelings she had never experienced before infused her.

This is what it is like to be kissed!

His tongue caressed the seam of her lips, and she opened her mouth. He touched his tongue to hers, and her legs trembled. He groaned as he slowly explored her mouth. Alice quickly copied is movements. He brushed his hand against her breasts, and they immediately felt swollen. This was why her sisters could never explain how it felt. It was indescribable. An ache started between her legs. As if he knew what she was feeling, his leg parted hers and he rubbed there. The tension and aching grew until she exploded like a Catherine Wheel.

Giff's kisses slowed as he stroked her back. "I love you more than I thought I could love anyone."

Alice had never had such an intense feeling of rightness before. "I love you. I cannot believe we found each other."

"I was terrified that I'd lost you for good." His stomach growled loudly. "Let us eat. I am hungry."

He helped her straighten her gown before they left the apartments.

"I wonder when dinner will be served."

"I do not know." It occurred to Alice that she must ask when the cook planned to serve dinner, She must also arrange to have tea prepared for everyone when they arrived. They entered a small dining room toward the back of the house. Breads, cheeses, cold meats, and salad had been laid out on the table as well as a bottle of claret and a carafe of water. Cummings poured them each a glass of wine and stood back against the wall.

She had always wanted to be the mistress of her own houses. It was now time to begin. "Cummings, I would like to know when Cook plans to have dinner ready."

"At six o'clock, my lady. However, she is making a beef dish that will not be harmed by pushing the time back." He cleared his throat. "I should tell you that she does not want to be the head cook."

"We will arrange to hire someone. Please have tea served after my family arrives." She opened her brooch watch. It was three o'clock. "I expect them shortly. I doubt they will have had luncheon. However, tea should be sufficient until dinner is served."

"Very good, my lady." He bowed. "How many guests should we expect?"

That was a very good question. "Honestly, I have very little idea. At least two to four." If Mary and Theo accompanied Grace and Matt. "At most, ten I should imagine." She lifted one shoulder in a shrug. "We will have to see."

"My lady?" The butler's eyes had widened slightly. Good Lord. He looked panicked. Well, as panicked as a butler could look.

"It will be fine. My family will not expect perfection. After all, this trip was not planned."

"Yes, my lady." Cummings was not convinced.

"Cummings, trust me. All will be well. You may leave us now."

He and the footman bowed (again) and departed.

She glanced at Giff, who had piled meats and cheeses on to a piece of buttered bread and topped it with another piece of bread spread with mustard. If she ate that much she would not be able to eat dinner. She took some salad, added cheese and a piece of chicken. To think the most exciting thing she had planned today was to meet Giff at the bookstore. Instead, she discovered she was in love, been betrothed, and had her first kiss. Alice finished her food and was about to take more when the door opened.

"My lady," the butler said. "Your family has arrived. My lord, her grace is with them and demanding she be put in a regular guest chamber."

Giff's lips twitched. Alice shot him a quelling glance. "Honor her grace's wishes and have a chamber prepared." She rose. "How many have arrived."

"I counted four adults and four children. More coaches were arriving."

Had they brought the whole family? Who other than Grace and Matt were here? "Have the nursery made ready. There will be at least two boys and four girls. I will greet our guests."

Alice placed her hand on Giff's arm. "Are you ready?"

"Umm. I wonder if the Danes are here as well."

She tried and failed to stifle a giggle. "We will know soon."

Her housekeeper was in the hall greeting Alice's dresser and the other ladies maids. Footmen carried small trunks, bags, and portmanteaux up the stairs. Alice wondered why the children were here until she realized today was one of the days they all had classes together.

Grace smiled and drew Alice into her arms. "I am so happy you are safe and well."

She blinked back tears. "Better than well. St. Albans and I are going to be married."

"We know." Grace's smile was a little watery as well. "Lady Bellamny sent a messenger with a letter. He caught up to us just before Hatfield."

Her grace came up and bussed Alice on the cheek. "We are so very happy for you, my dear. I understand you knocked down that scoundrel."

"I did." She had almost forgotten about the cur. "He was interrupting your son's proposal."

Her grace laughed. Not a polite laugh, but one from the belly. "He deserved it then, for that and other reasons."

Matt slapped Giff on the back as they greeted each other. Con, Rothwell, and Merton were here as well. "Are Charlotte, Louisa, and Dotty coming?"

"I expect them soon," Grace said. "We have the children. Once I was told what had happened, I wrote to them asking them to come. I believed the circumstances warranted a show of force."

"That is the reason I am here as well," her grace said.

People were missing. "Where are Theo and Mary?"

"Looking at the garden I suspect," Grace said. "They will be in soon."

"After you have had time to refresh yourselves, tea will be served. Dinner is at six." Alice wondered if she should have asked where everyone was being housed. "I have not had an opportunity to see much of the house. Perhaps we can all take a tour after tea."

"I will be happy to show you around, my dear," the duchess said.

"What I have seen is beautiful." The hall had been cleared of the initial luggage. Yet there were sounds of another coach arriving. "You have not left me much to do."

The duchess blushed. "After seeing the colors you chose for your come out ball, I used them to redecorate. You see, I had a feeling. Aside from that, you will have plenty to do in your wing of the London house and in Scotland. Neither have been refurbished in decades."

Giff joined Alice, placing his hand at her waist. His touch caused tiny fires to race up and down her spine. "I think either your sisters or their servants have arrived."

Hugh strode up to them as fast as his legs would carry him without running. "Sir." He looked up at Giff with beseeching blue eyes. "You have a very nice banister."

Alice exchanged a mirthful glance with Grace and the duchess.

Giff hunkered down to be at eye level with the boy. "I do indeed. If your parents agree, you may try it out."

Hugh turned and ran to his father. "I may slide down the banister. Lord St. Albans said I could."

Con glanced at Giff with a raised brow. He held the palms of his hands out and shrugged.

Con looked at Hugh. "Very well. After everyone is settled."

In short order another coach of servants and baggage arrived followed by Alice's older sisters and Dotty.

Williams came up and bowed. "My lady. Bertram said a gown is ready if you wish to change."

Alice's gown was rather mussed. Being thrown into a coach did nothing for one's clothing either. "Thank you. I will be up in a few minutes." She turned to greet her sisters who had not heard about her betrothal. "Welcome to Whippoorwill Manor."

Charlotte's jaw dropped for a slight second. "You are betrothed!"

"This is perfect!" Louisa exclaimed.

"Just as I thought," Dotty said.

First Giff's mother and now Alice's cousin. "How could you know when I had no idea at all?"

Dotty grinned. "You had too many . . . oh I do not know, feelings I suppose. Although, that does not explain it well, for him. There was just something there. Especially during the past couple of weeks."

That was fair. After that first day in Hatchards, Alice had started being attracted to him. "I think I understand what you mean."

After Alice changed and everyone else washed the dust of the road off, the duchess suggested the morning room for tea, and Alice ordered it served there. After tea, she and her sisters followed the duchess around the house. The rest of it was as well decorated as the rooms she had already seen. There was also a substantial garden on three sides of the building that included a maze and a courtyard between the two wings. Once they finished sliding down the banister, the children would have fun there. The fourth side held the dairy, a kitchen garden, and the laundry. It was no wonder the house was Giff's favorite. Alice already loved the estate.

They flustered the servants by dining in afternoon gowns instead of evening gowns and by having the children join them. Alice hoped their dress and customs would give her staff a hint that her family, ergo she, was more relaxed than they were used to.

The talk was, naturally, about the wedding. Alice told the duchess about the garden wedding. "Harry and Madeline could not get the date they wanted at St. George's."

"You could marry in the garden," Mary suggested.

Seated next to Giff, his mother leaned closer to him and whispered. He nodded. "If we cannot get a date at St. George's, would you object to a wedding at Cleveland House? The gardens are extensive and there is a ballroom." He smiled. "Naturally, the children and dogs would attend as well."

Alice had never seen the house much less the gardens, but she knew it was free-standing with a good bit of land around it. "I like the idea. When could I see it?"

"Tomorrow or the next day depending on when we depart."

Matt glanced at Giff. "I'll give you a letter for your father. We must settle the contracts sooner rather than later."

Alice suspected at least one of her brothers-in-law had spoken with her betrothed about them while she was touring the house. What would the duke say about Matt's conditions? She wanted to be present when they spoke.

The children began to yawn when dessert was served. Shortly thereafter, their maids were called to put them to bed. Hugh grinned at Giff. "It is a truly splendid banister."

Once the children had gone, Con said, "I suspect you will be plagued by him for invitations. Shall I forbid it?"

"Not at all. I'm sure when we are on the way to someone's house or another this will be a convenient stop. It will be a pleasure to have him and the other children visit." Alice raised one brow and directed it at her betrothed. Giff added, "Provided he is accompanied by his nursemaid."

Alice rose. "It is time to repair to the drawing room." She glanced at Giff. "Are you remaining here or joining us?"

"We will come with you." He went to the foot of the table to escort her. "Cummings, have the port and brandy brought to the drawing room you have set up. A footman will lead us there."

"Yes, my lord." The butler's bow was not quite as stiff as before.