CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Despite knowing everything with Normanby was well in hand, Giff could not stop himself from worrying about Alice. All he wanted to do was keep her with him day and night. Unfortunately, he had two weeks to wait before that was possible. He reached his bedroom and removed his clothing. Not bothering with the nightshirt, he climbed into bed. At least he'd have one more day with her here to show her the estate before they returned to Town. He was about to blow out the bedside candle when he heard movement in the parlor. What now?

Alice opened the door. "Giff?"

She was here. He sent a prayer to the deity. "I'm here." He started to stand and realized he was naked. "I'm not wearing anything."

"That is all right." She was wearing a pale pink robe that floated around her. "I—I wanted to be with you."

His cock twitched and came to life. What had he once said about not being bold? "Come here, sweetheart."

She reached the bed, and he stood, wrapping his arms around her. "You are sure?"

"Yes." She nodded and a smile grew on her beautiful face. "I am absolutely certain. I sincerely hope you know what to do."

He chuckled lightly. "Yes." Everything he'd ever learned would go into pleasing her. "I do." He took in the ties on her robe. His fingers itched to undo all of them. "May I?"

Alice nodded. "Yes. I am a little nervous."

That was understandable. "Tell me if I do anything you don't like, and I will stop. If you change your mind, I will stop."

She shook her head. "I do not want to change my mind. I want to be yours and for you to be mine forever."

Slowly. Go slowly.

He took a breath. She was strong and bold and beautiful and completely innocent. He untied the first bow, then the second and the third. By then he could see the tie of her nightgown and undid that before pressing his lips to hers as he cupped her face and stroked. Her breathing increased, and he deepened the kiss, delving into her mouth and exploring as he gauged her reaction. Her tongue tangled with his, and she reached her arms up around his neck. He made quick work of the rest of the bows and slowly pushed her nightgown and robe down over her creamy shoulders, taking time to feather kisses over her jaw and décolletage. The insistence of her kisses increased. He cupped her breasts. So firm, so lush. And all his to enjoy and worship.

"Come with me." Giff lifted Alice into his arms and brought her to bed. She was so perfect he could look at her all night.

She reached up and brought his head down to kiss him. "This feels so good. So right."

His erection strained toward her. Distracting her with kisses, he stroked his fingers over her softly rounded stomach until he reached the curls below. She moaned, and he dipped lower until he found the core of her pleasure. Lightly he rubbed. Her hips lifted, and she moaned again.

"I want something."

"I know. Be patient, my love." Giff entered her with one finger, and she bucked.

"That is good. There is more."

"Yes."

She was so tight. He inserted two fingers and rubbed her nub at the same time. Alice's breathing changed, and her body tensed. She was close to her climax. Suddenly she spasmed, and he positioned himself at her opening. "It is time."

"Yes."

He pushed forward, breaking through the thin barrier, entering her passage. She gasped and clenched him. "Are you all right?"

After a few moments, she nodded. "I will be fine."

Slowly moving inside her, he kissed her until she started moving with him. "Wrap your legs around me."

Alice clung to him as he pumped faster and faster until she came again, and he followed her into oblivion. This was what he had always wanted. To make love to a woman he loved. He cuddled her next to him. "How are you?"

A soft smile appeared on her face. "Perfect."

"Give me a moment. I'll be right back." He went to the wash basin and wet the piece of linen, then went back to her. "Let me wash you."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "What? Why?"

Giff grinned. "We have made a bit of a mess."

"Oh. No one told me about that." Alice lifted herself on her elbows and looked down. "Blood."

He hoped she wasn't frightened. "I'm afraid it's a necessary part of this. Only the first time."

She looked so disgruntled.. "I have been told. But somehow I missed the cleaning-up part."

He tried to hide his laughter and couldn't. Thankfully, she laughed as well. He threw the cloth over the bed and cuddled her to him and kissed her again. "I think this might be the best night of my life."

Alice reached up and stroked his jaw. "I know it is mine."

She curled up next to him and slept. He hadn't given any credence to what Normanby had said. Giff knew it wasn't true. Still, he was glad she was his. Forever.

Alice was wrapped in a warm cocoon and fought opening her eyes. She almost gave in to the desire to remain where she was. Yet something told her she needed to move. Light barely rose over the horizon. Was it time to ride? No. There was a heavy, warm arm over her. She needed to go to her bedchamber before the servants were up. From the other side of the room, she heard a maid setting the fire. Even in summer, mornings usually required heat. If the servants were preparing the house for the day, it was too late. She closed her eyes again and snuggled into Giff's arms. She would have to tell him she did not want separate chambers. How had they missed putting that on the list?

"My lady. You must rise." Bertram's insistent whisper roused Alice.

Alice did not want to get up. "I am comfortable."

"I'm sure you are, but you must come back to your bedchamber. It is time to dress for breakfast."

The dresser's words finally penetrated Alice's brain. "My robe."

"Here." Her maid held it out. "I have your nightgown.

She tried to rise, and Giff's arm tightened. That was a problem. She hated to wake him but needs must. "I have to go."

"A little while longer."

She took his chin between her thumb and forefinger and shook it. "Now."

His eyes popped open. He must have seen her maid. He dragged a hand over his face. "Oh, right. I will see you in the breakfast room."

Alice hastily donned her robe and left the apartments. She did not know quite what to say to her dresser. Probably the less said the better. Bertram had a bath set up and ready behind a screen. The bed hangings were still closed. It was still her secret. Well, a secret if you counted her maid, and Giff's valet, and the laundress. Less than two weeks now and they would not have to worry about it. She sank into the bathtub. But did she really have anything to worry about? Discretion was necessary. They were not yet married, but they were betrothed, and no one would condemn them for anticipating their vows. Parts of her that she had not known existed were sore. That would fade. Otherwise, her sisters would have told her. There was absolutely nothing to mar her happiness.

She had donned her earrings when a knock came on the door. Bertram opened it. "My lord."

"Good morning, Bertram, is it not?"

"Yes, my lord." She curtseyed.

Giff poked his head into the room. "Is her ladyship ready?"

Alice almost laughed as he tried to look around her maid who moved to block him. "I am." She strolled to Giff. "Do we know if anyone else is awake?"

"The younger set is demolishing the offerings on the sideboard." He held out his arm.

She tucked her hand into the crook. "I suppose no one mentioned that was one of the reasons we have footmen serving."

"Ah, I had wondered about that." He chuckled.

"We must save what we can on the sideboard. I shall inform Cummings of the new custom when the children are visiting."

They met her sisters and brothers-in-law as they descended the stairs. "The children are before us."

Her statement was met by heartfelt sighs.

"I hope they left something for us to eat," Rothwell said.

Giff exchanged a glance with her. "I am certain we are not out of food."

"They are heathens," Kenilworth said.

"Yet you keep wanting to have more of them," his wife responded.

"I never said I didn't like heathens," Kenilworth quipped.

Alice strolled into the breakfast room and stopped. The sideboard was indeed demolished. Pieces of egg were everywhere. How far could an egg go? She clapped her hands and the footmen straightened. "Clean this mess. From now on, breakfast will be served at the table. Find out what is left and bring trays around. I also want racks of toast and a pot of tea for each person. If we do not have enough racks or pots, I want to know about it."

"Yes, my lady," one of the footmen said as the rest scurried around.

She glanced at the children who were looking guilty. "If you have finished, please go to the nursery and clean up."

"I told them it was a bad idea," Elizabeth said as she walked by. "But everyone wanted to try."

Giff's shoulders shook as he covered his mouth.

Charlotte, Louisa, and Dotty raised their brows and shook their heads.

The gentlemen escorted their ladies to their seats.

Alice would have laughed, but it would not be appropriate in front of the poor servants. "A lesson learned is no bad thing."

The rest of the day was spent touring the estate. An alfresco luncheon was packed and enjoyed on a rise. Alice was falling in love with the property and the tenants who were more welcoming than she could have imagined.

That night she entered the apartments that would be hers the next time she came to this house. Giff was waiting for her with a carafe of wine.

"I hoped you would come." He drew her into his arms and kissed her. They made love slowly. It was even better than before. This time there was no pain at all.

Later, Alice nestled her head on his chest. "I wish we could stay here and continue to be together."

"As do I, but that would scandalize everyone." He used his bored drawl, and she pinched his hand.

He jerked the appendage back. "That hurt."

"Then do not be dense. You know I meant as a married couple."

"I do." His kissed her. "Speaking of being married. Have you given any thought to my mother's suggestion?"

She had the only problem was that one could not schedule the weather. "A garden wedding would be lovely if it did not rain."

He stroked her hair. "It is England. I can't promise you a sunny day."

"I cannot decide. I like all three ideas." She turned to be able to look at him. He was more handsome than ever with his hair ruffled and stubble on his face. His green eyes sparkled as he gazed at her. "I will let Grace decide. She and your mother will be planning the wedding."

His brows rose. "That is diplomatic of you."

"A wedding is but one day in our lives. I would rather concentrate on what truly matters. Our trip to Scotland and our honeymoon. How long can we be away? Where will we go first when we return, and where will we reside most of the year?"

"I do not want to live in Scotland during the winter. However, I would like to be there for Hogmanay."

"We could take my family with us. I am certain everyone will be interested in the celebration." She laid her head on his chest again. "Shall we spend most of the summer in Scotland?"

"I like that idea. We'll have the bairns speaking Scots in no time."

Alice stroked his chest, enjoying the texture of the soft curly hair covering it. "And wearing kilts as well."

He kissed her. "Will we attend the Season?"

"I think we must. That is when we will be able to meet with people regarding politics and consult on charities." She kissed his chest, running her tongue over his nipple as he had done to her. His body tightened in response. "We should probably be in Scotland for the harvest and can spend the rest of the year here." She licked him again.

"Keep that up and you won't get much sleep tonight." His low growl made her smile.

"I can sleep in the coach. But you will have to drive your carriage."

"Minx." He rolled her over so her back was to his front, holding her close to him. "Go to sleep. We can continue this discussion later."

"I love you." It was so good to be able to say that and know it was true.

"I love you too. Sleep."

Her maid woke Alice early in the morning. "My lady. We are departing within two hours."

"That is not much time at all." She grabbed her robe and rose. Giving one last look at her beloved, she left the room. She truly did wish they did not have to leave Whippoorwill Manor, but there was so much to do to prepare for the wedding.

Giff was waiting for her when she left her chamber. She took his hand. "No one is panicking about breakfast this morning."

"Which means they are doing what I told them to do."

Yesterday while she and Giff had visited tenants, her nieces and nephews had taken boats out onto the lake, ridden ponies, and played in the maze. They barely made it through dinner before they were falling asleep. This was the perfect place to raise children. She touched her stomach. She could already be pregnant. "When are they going to let the groom go?"

"An hour after we leave."

"Good." Considering Normanby only had a pair for a traveling coach, there was no way the groom could catch them on the road. "I wish I could ride with you."

"Your sister would not allow it. Once we reached the toll road, it wouldn't be possible."

They would be lucky if there was not talk from the inn Normanby had taken her to. Thank God Lady Bellamny had been there. And Giff. If he had not immediately followed, they would not be preparing to wed.

"There you two are," his mother exclaimed. "Have you decided where the wedding should take place?"

Alice took her place at the foot of the table. "I have. I will give the decision over to you and Grace."

"Intelligent girl," Con whispered from her left.

On her right, Rothwell nodded his agreement.

"Before I forget," the duchess said. "I remembered to bring a selection of family rings. Alice, you may choose the one you wish to have as your betrothal and wedding ring."

Matt took out his pocket watch and flattened his lips. "Make it fast. I wish to depart soon."

She gave him a look Alice doubted he had received in years and signaled to a footman. "Please have my maid bring the ring case down."

The servant left immediately.

Giff caught her eye. His sparkled with laughter. "Thank you, Mamma."

"You are welcome, my son. This must be done properly after all. We will put it about that the gathering was planned to celebrate your betrothal."

Alice had been wondering what the duchess had decided. And now she knew. Having her as well as Alice's family and Lady Bellamny would depress any talk. No one would want to be on the wrong side of those ladies. The duchess smiled at her and lifted a teacup. Alice saluted her in return.

When the box arrived, her sisters gathered around as she inspected the rings. One stood out. It was a square sapphire with small diamonds on the sides. "This one."

Giff came to her. "Allow me." He slid it onto her left ring finger. "Perfect. I believe there is a parure that goes with it. Mamma?"

"There is. I will give them to her as a wedding present."

Which meant they were Alice's to keep. "Thank you. For everything."

"Now that that is settled," Matt said, "it is time we depart." He glanced at Grace. "When is the next large entertainment?"

She worried her bottom lip and glanced at the duchess. "Tonight."

His mother's eyes flew wide. "My ball! The plans were made so long ago I completely forgot." She pushed her chair back and rose. "We must go immediately. I would like all of you to dine with us." A sly expression donned on her face. "We will put it about very quietly that this is where we planned to announce the betrothal."

"What an excellent idea," Grace said rising as well.

"Alice."

"Your grace?"

"You shall wear the sapphire parure this evening."

That would certainly make a statement.