CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

This was better than her come out ball. Alice twirled in front of the mirror. Her gown was so creamy it looked like butter. The parure consisted of a gold filigree necklace in which square sapphires dropped down like flowers from gold and diamond leaves. The earrings were of the same design. The sapphires in the bracelet and tiara were set into the leaves. The pins holding Alice's hair had light-green tips that matched the embroidery on her gown.

A knock came on the door, and her maid opened it. Eleanor and Madeine stood there smiling. Alice almost fell into their arms. "How did you arrive so soon?"

"Well." Eleanor had a sheepish look on her face. "After Madeline's wedding, we all decided to stay in Richmond at a house John and I have. We were certain you would wed soon, and we wanted to ensure we were close by."

Tears filled Alice's eyes. "I have missed you so very much."

"We have missed you too." Madeline hugged her again. "We are overjoyed for you. All along we knew there was something between you and St. Albans."

Eleanor stepped back. "You look so elegant. You will cast the rest of us into the shade."

That was hardly true. They both had ball gowns befitting young matrons and wore parures. "You both look beautiful." Alice glanced at the clock. "We should go. I do not want to be late."

Eleanor and Madeline laughed as they linked arms with Alice and strolled with her into the corridor. Grace joined them on the landing. "You all look lovely."

John Montagu, Harry Stern, and Matt waited in the hall.

"I hope St. Albans realizes how lucky he is," Matt commented.

Alice glanced up at the ceiling. "You have to say that. You are my brother."

"I agree. And I'm only newly your brother by marriage," Harry added.

"Thank you both. However, we need to depart if we are not to be late."

"Is St. Albans as prompt as you?" Madeline asked.

"Indeed, he is." That was one of the things Alice had appreciated even when she had not liked him.

The gentlemen took one coach, and the ladies rode in the other. Eleanor placed her hand on Alice's arm. "Are you nervous?"

"No. Why would I be? I have had a chance to come to know the duchess a bit. She is extremely nice. I have only met the duke at our come out ball. Giff said he can be difficult, but I do not expect him to show that side this evening."

* * *

Cleveland House was almost as fanciful as Whippoorwill Manor, but in a different way. The three half arches with their long windows and curved balconies looked like something out of a fairytale. After they were announced, she found Louisa and Rothwell. Charlotte and Kenilworth were already there as well.

Giff was immediately at Alice's side. "Your sister, Rothwell, decided to make a point to show my father he wouldn't be the only duke at dinner."

"That sounds like something she would do." Alice was glad Louisa had thought of the idea. Alice wished she knew Giff's father better.

"Mamma seated us together. She didn't want Papa quizzing you."

That was something Alice had not considered. "Would he have?"

"He very well could have done." Giff grimaced. "He might not have been able to resist the temptation. This way he will not have an opportunity."

She could not imagine being interrogated by his father before a ball announcing their betrothal. Her family was certain to have become involved. "I will have to thank her."

He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm, and they began strolling toward his parents. "She is very good at avoiding disasters. I think it comes from being Scottish."

Alice could hardly wait to meet the rest of his family. When they reached the duke and duchess, she curtseyed.

"Alice, I would like to make my father known to you. Papa, this is Lady Alice Carpenter, my betrothed."

He bowed elegantly over her hand. "It is a pleasure, my lady. I cannot express my joy that you have decided to wed my son. Welcome to the family."

Alice could have rolled her eyes. Instead, she smiled politely. "Thank you, your grace. I am happy to meet you again."

He looked at her again. "Oh yes. I remember now. You're the—"

"Archie that's quite enough." She gave Alice a brilliant smile. "How good to see you, my dear. I hope you like the parure. I believe it suits you well." The duchess linked her arm with Alice's. "Come and make me known to those of your family that were not at the manor."

Giff looked at his father and shook his head. "Yes, she is the one who would not allow me to attend her come out ball. I do not want you to mention it to her again. If you wish to know anything about that, I will be happy to answer all your questions."

"Your mother was right. You made a mull of it." His father grinned and slapped him on the back. "I'm glad to see you came about. I know how that goes. The same thing happened to me."

That was a story Giff hadn't heard. "Come, I'll introduce you to Alice's guardian and brother-in-law, Worthington. Her eldest brother Stanwood is here as well."

Papa frowned. "Why isn't her brother her guardian?"

That was too long a story to relate now. "I'll tell you about it later. Suffice it to say that he was too young at the time their parents died."

"I was surprised to find she was related to both Rothwell and Kenilworth. I'm glad to see the girl is well connected."

"You have no idea," Giff muttered to himself as he steered his father to a group of gentlemen. "Ah, here are Worthington, Merton, Montagu, Stern, Carter-Woods, Rothwell, Kenilworth, and Stanwood."

"They're all related to her?" Papa asked in a whisper.

"Every single one of them." That would put his father on his heels.

"Papa, may I introduce you to Lord Worthington. He is Lady Alice's guardian."

Worthington bowed. "A pleasure to meet you again, your grace."

"The pleasure is mine." Papa inclined his head. "I suppose we should make arrangements to discuss the settlement agreements."

"Indeed, we should. Please have your solicitor send your information mine. St. Albans can give you his direction. We shall meet at Worthington House in two day's time. I will have the contracts drawn up."

Papa frowned. "I am not certain that will give my solicitor enough time."

Worthington cocked a brow. "Your grace, the wedding is in two weeks. No plans will go forward until the agreements are signed." He motioned with his head around the drawing room. "I have a great deal of experience in these matters."

Giff's father assumed a resigned expression. "Very well. Is ten o'clock too early for you, my lord?"

"Not at all. That is the time most of these discussions are held." He motioned to the other gentlemen. "I suppose you must know some of my brothers-in-law, but allow me to provide an introduction . . ."

"Carter-Woods," Papa stated with a frown when they got to Phinn. "Are you related to Dorchester?"

Phinn bowed. "I am his brother and current heir. I do hope he will have a son."

"I wish him well."

Next was Harry Stern who bowed. "I believe you know my uncle Bristol."

"I do. Excellent man. I knew his father as well."

"In that case, you must also be acquainted with my grandmother."

Papa narrowed his eyes. "You have the look of her. Formidable woman."

"It runs in my family." Harry's lips tilted up. "You will eventually meet my wife, one of Worthington's sisters." He glanced around. "She is with your duchess."

With those introductions completed Giff began strolling with his father toward the ladies. Papa turned to him. "I can see her bloodlines are excellent. Merton is a cousin, is he not?"

"He is." Giff maintained a sober countenance as his father began to recognize the strength of Alice's family ties.

His father nodded slightly. "I know that Kenilworth's line goes back to the conquest."

"I believe Worthington's line does as well, and the title is quite old."

"Yes, yes. Lady Alice is extraordinarily well connected."

That was one of Papa's requirements met. "Mamma has placed Lady Kenilworth and the Duchess of Rothwell next to you."

"Excellent. That will give me an opportunity to learn more about your betrothed."

Not that it would matter to Giff. He was going to marry Alice no matter what his father's view of her. "I think you will find both ladies interesting."

Ardley stepped into the room and announced dinner. Giff was interested to see that Mamma broke protocol by having Worthington instead of Rothwell escort her into the dining room.

He found Alice, and she placed her hand on his arm. "You look exquisite this evening."

She grinned at him. "It must be the parure. I thanked your mother for sending them. They are perfect."

"It is not the jewels. It is you. You make the sapphires glow." What he would really like is Alice in bed wearing nothing but the necklace. His cock came to life, and he almost groaned. They reached their seats, and he held hers. "I have something for you before the ball begins."

Her eyes widened. "What is it?"

"You'll have to wait to see."

Dinner went better than Giff thought it would. More than once, his father roared with laughter. Mamma was deep into discussions with both Worthington and Rothwell. On the other side of Giff was Alice's twin sister Eleanor. He told her about their plan to sail to Scotland then to France after their wedding while Alice told Montagu. By the end of the meal, they had all decided to travel together.

It wasn't long before his parents took their places to receive their guests. He drew Alice aside and handed her a long slender box. "I hope you like this."

She stared down at it and glanced at him. "You did not."

"I did."

Alice unwrapped the gift. It was the fan she saw when they were shopping. "It is even more beautiful than I remembered."

He took her other fan from her and handed it to a footman. "But not as beautiful as you, my love."

She had never been happier, and she would be happier still. This was just the beginning of their live together. She reached up and kissed him. "Thank you, my love."

"Now." He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. "We must discuss the matter of dances for the evening," he said as they strolled toward the ballroom. "I believe I am allowed to claim every one of them."

"You are." It might appear odd if no one knew they were betrothed. "Do you know when your parents plan to make the announcement?"

He took two glasses of champagne from a footman and handed her one. "At the opening of the ball. My mother already spoke with your sister about which time would be best."

Under the circumstances, it was the best idea. Alice was very glad she had taken care not to be seen in the coach with Normanby. The only time anyone could have spotted her was at the inn. "In that case, every set is yours."

Eleanor, Madeline, and their husbands joined them. Madeline leaned over and whispered, "There is some talk that you might have been with Normanby in his coach."

Lady Bellamny had been correct. Someone had noticed them. Alice hoped rumors would soon be put to rest. "The announcement should dispel any gossip."

The room was filling, and the rest of her family joined them. Matt glanced at the short set of stairs to the ballroom. "Here they come." He placed Grace's hand on his arm. "It's time. Alice, St. Albans, come with us."

A small dais had been set up in the middle of the room against the wall. They met the Duke and Duchess of Cleveland and took their places.

The duke raised his glass of champagne. "It has taken many years. Longer than I wanted it to." Light laughter greeted his remark. "But I am delighted to be able to welcome a new daughter into my family. My son St. Albans is betrothed to Lady Alice Carpenter."

The announcement was greeted by polite applause. Once they had stepped down from the platform, people came forward to wish them happy and congratulate Giff on his achievement. Alice could hear various snatches of conversation.

One older lady smirked. "I knew the rumors were not true."

"I know for a fact that both families met outside of Town for the betrothal. You cannot hide that number of coaches," another lady added knowingly.

Still another lady tapped her cane on the floor. "Whoever tried to blacken her name should be ashamed of themselves."

"Have you heard that Normanby is bankrupt?" a gentleman commented.

"No surprise there. I was told that he's betrothed to the daughter of a Cit," his companion added.

A gentleman with several daughters sighed. "I wish I knew how Lady Worthington managed to make such excellent matches for all her sisters. Perhaps I should have my wife ask her."

Giff leaned down and his breath caressed her ear. "Fences cleared."

Lady Bellamny caught Alice's eye and gave an imperceptible nod that she returned. "Now for the wedding."

Giff groaned. "It would be so much easier if we could do it the Scots way and just have witnesses."

It would, but neither of their families, with the possible exception of his mother, would agree. "I will be interested to hear what the plan is."

"I have received my orders. The first thing tomorrow, I am to go to St. George's and try to get a date and time. If they have nothing left, I am to convince that vicar your family has used to come to a garden. I hope they make that decision this evening."

"In the meantime, I have appointments for gowns, shoes, hats, and other things."

Giff's mien brightened. "I can attend some of those with you. We must also see what needs to be done to our wing of the house."

The strains of the first set began. "A waltz?"

"I asked Mamma to include as many waltzes as possible. I love holding you in my arms."

They strolled onto the dance floor. "I love being in your arms."