CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FOUR

Giff watched Lady Alice ride down the street. Their meeting had gone extremely well. Physically she was the type of female that attracted him. Fair hair, eyes that reminded him of the sky on a cloudless summer day. Her close-fitting habit had given him a good idea of what lay beneath. He'd known he would find her enticing. Lady Alice's breeding was obviously unexceptionable. Of course, he'd have to test her character, and it was early days. He'd do well to meet a number of young ladies before making a decision. Marriage was for life. "Mind if I join you for breakfast again?"

Montagu glanced over as if he'd forgotten Giff was present. "Not at all."

When they strolled into the breakfast room in Montagu House, Montagu's mother and sister, Lady Lytton, were breaking their fast. He and Lytton set about filling their plates. Unfortunately, just as Montagu was about to take his seat, his sister reminded him about an early vote at the Lords and he departed, leaving Giff with the ladies.

"Good morning." He bowed to them and took a seat.

Lady Lytton gave him a calculated gaze over the rim of her cup. She obviously wanted information and had decided Giff was the one to give it to her. It was soon clear she was interested in Lady Alice's sister for her brother. Having been on the Town for several years, he knew exactly how much information to impart. Not only that, but he wanted to find out what they knew about Lady Alice. "He seems to want a lady of only moderate intelligence."

Lady Lytton looked as if she wanted to roll her eyes. "Did you tell him that was a mistake?"

"Not I. There is no point in telling a man something he must discover on his own." Giff smiled to himself. "I did suggest that if he wanted a stupid woman, he must make sure not to show his own intelligence or it might frighten her away."

Lady Montagu laughed. "Oh my." She waved her hand in front of her face. "This I cannot wait to see."

Lady Lytton's eyes widened, and her lips curved up. "Oh dear. I have a feeling Lady Eleanor is not at all stupid, or of even moderate intelligence."

As the ladies began to plot ways to throw Montagu and Lady Eleanor together, Giff dug into his breakfast.

He'd not been paying much attention until he heard Lady Montagu mention an entertainment in which he would be interested. "A theater party? Or a party to Vauxhall."

Lady Lytton glanced at him. "And would you like to be included, my lord?"

"If you wouldn't mind, I would be delighted to be invited to make up your numbers." He was relying on his mother, but there was no sense in not taking advantage of the entertainment the ladies were planning. "I am looking for a wife, and she must be intelligent and have great strength of character. I get the feeling that you would be the one to help me find such a lady."

Lady Lytton inclined her head in assent. "That would give me a great deal of pleasure. Mamma and I are attending a meeting today that many ladies of that ilk will also attend. I would not be surprised to find a few young ladies there as well."

Lady Montagu gave Giff a narrow-eyed look. "Would this have anything to do with your father?"

Even though he'd mentioned the problem of his father to Montagu, Giff did not particularly want it to get out that Papa could be difficult. That might put off the type of woman in which Giff was interested. Still, these ladies were offering to help him, and that was something they should know. "Partially. I do want to spend my life with a lady of intelligence, but she must be able to stand up to my father. I will be able to aid her only so much."

Lady Montagu nodded thoughtfully. "As I thought."

Lady Lytton raised a brow. "Is he cruel?"

"Not in the sense you most likely mean." Giff shook his head. "He is not a brute. In fact, I can only remember him spanking me twice, and both times I had put my life in danger. He never allowed my tutor to physically punish me" Although a spanking or a rap on the knuckles might have been less painful than writing page after page of Latin declensions. He studied the ladies for a few short moments. "I have never heard him verbally attack anyone. He can be difficult. If he thinks that he can get the better of you, he will. When he tells someone to do something one ought not to do or really does not want to do, one fares much better to stand up to him and tell him no, than to meekly do what he wishes. It is hard to explain."

"Your mother's garden," Lady Montagu said abruptly.

Lady Lytton glanced at her mother. "You know them?"

"Of course I do. I came out the same year the duchess did. Now, let me tell you the story." Giff had heard the tale before. It was one of his favorites. In fact, he couldn't imagine Papa had been so reckless to try to interfere with Mamma's garden. Other than her children, that was her pride and joy. "St. Albans's father told his mother he was going to tear out her garden and make a tennis court. She refused. When he pressed the issue, she had the gamekeeper arm his helpers and the gardeners with the hunting guns and refused to allow the men he had hired to enter her garden. She even held one of the muskets herself."

Giff would have loved to have seen that. "He gave up the scheme when she told him that he'd have a difficult time using a tennis court with a ball in his arm." Papa still grumbled about it every now and again. "She would have done it. M'mother doesn't make threats."

"Hmm, I see what you mean." Lady Lytton glanced at her watch. "I shall give it some thought. As for now, we should be going. I have things I must accomplish before this afternoon." She stood and bussed her mother's cheek.

Giff had stood when her ladyship rose. He should probably go home.

"Please finish eating." Lady Montagu motioned for him to retake his seat. "We can discuss any ideas you have for events to which young ladies will be invited."

He did as she asked. "My mother is planning a ball. You mentioned a theater party. Is Vauxhall a possibility? I know that it can be rather risqué."

Lady Montagu looked down her nose at him. "That depends entirely on the company one keeps. That said, the party must be small, one must keep an eye on the younger ladies." She requested more tea. "You might consider joining your mother for morning visits. You will be able to meet all the young ladies coming out and those for whom this is not their first Season."

An excellent point. "My mother mentioned I should escort her."

"Other than that, I am certain your mother will receive the necessary invitations. Especially when it is made known that you are in search of a wife. And I shall send cards to her as well."

He finished his breakfast. "Indeed. I shall have no difficulty with choice." A faint smile hovered on Lady Montagu's lips. What was that about? "Thank you for your help."

"My pleasure. I expect I shall see you again soon."

Giff rose and bowed. "I bid you a good day. I will show myself out."

He was happy to see Horace waiting for him as he reached the pavement. He had to wash before speaking to his mother. Lady Lytton might not mind the smell of horse at the breakfast table, but his mother would. Not that he'd see her in the breakfast room. She broke her fast in her parlor. He'd never thought to ask why she did, but after seeing Lady Lytton in the breakfast room, he began to wonder. Giff shrugged his shoulders. It was no bread and butter of his where his mother wanted to break her fast. He did think he'd like his wife to join him for breakfast and early morning rides. He recalled Lady Alice's excellent seat. Yes, his wife must ride well.

* * *

Alice entered Dotty's house with her sisters, but they were soon separated. She threaded through the crowded rooms greeting ladies she knew and meeting other ladies until she finally found Georgie Turley. "Just the person I wanted to see."

She greeted Alice with a hug. "You are finally making your come out."

"I am. We are." She was glad she was not doing it alone. "I have a question to ask you."

"Very well. What is it about?"

"We, Eleanor, Madeline, and I, have been riding early. We met two gentlemen—" Georgie's brows rose—"It was entirely proper. Lord Montagu was introduced to us at Lady Bellamny's soiree."

"Very well. What has he done?"

"Him? Nothing. Although, he does seem interested in Eleanor. He had a friend with him, Lord St. Albans. Do you know anything about him?"

A slow smile grew on Georgie's face. "As a matter of fact, I do. Before Turley and I agreed to marry, I was visiting Adeline and Fitz Littleton at their estate. A neighbor decided to hold a house party, and Lord St. Albans was one of the guests. He was very witty and charming." She laughed lightly. "He was not at all interested in marriage at the time, but he did offer to make Turley jealous." She took two glasses of lemonade from a footman and handed one to Alice. "I really have not seen him since. But that isn't unusual. Many gentlemen who are not interested in marriage attend different sorts of events than I would." She took a sip of the lemonade. "However, I understand that this Season he is finally looking for a wife."

"How do you know that?"

"Oh, my mother and his are friends. The duchess is putting it around." Georgie smiled again. "She wants to make sure he is introduced to every eligible lady in Town. After all, it has taken him far longer than his mother wanted for him to decide to wed."

In that case, it was not surprising the duchess would do all she could to help him. Still, Alice needed to have her question satisfied. "Is he a rake?"

"Hmm." Georgie pressed her lips together and tapped them with one finger. "I do not think I would characterize him as a rake. He has never ruined a lady, and I would know if he had. He has been on the Town for several years, and he is known for being a favorite with many widows. I am certain he's had mistresses. Most gentlemen do. He apparently stays away from married ladies. Other than flirting with them that is."

He sounded rather shallow, although, Alice was glad he did not dally with married ladies. "Does he involve himself in anything important?"

Georgie frowned. "Such as?"

Alice had to think of the things Charlie did or even Phinn. "Estate business, or charitable endeavors, some other interest?"

"Not of which I am aware. He seems to be rather at loose ends. Turley mentioned to me that his father will not allow him to become involved in the estates until he is married."

If Lord St. Albans had put off wedding this long, he must not be interested in his future estates. "Thank you. I have a much better view of him now."

"My pleasure." Georgie linked arms with Alice. "Now, in what sort of charitable endeavors are you interested?"

That was a very good question. "I donate part of my pin money to Dotty's and Charlotte's causes, but I have not found my own yet. What are you doing?"

"Since Turley and I wed, I have been establishing schools and apprenticeship programs on our estates. That has taken up most of my energy. Between that and our son, I do not have much time left for anything else. Turley, of course, has the Lords and the estates to keep him busy."

Whereas Lord St. Albans had nothing demanding his time and no apparent interest in doing anything other than being a social being, Alice would allow him to entertain her, but that was all. She would look elsewhere for a husband.

* * *

The next morning, Alice and her sisters set out as soon as it was light enough to see. They were trotting toward the Park when Lord Montagu called out a greeting.

"Good morning," Alice and her sisters called at the same time.

Alice was interested to see he went straight to her twin. "As you see, I am able to rise earlier."

"When you are not working too late." Eleanor had a polite smile on her face.

"Yes." He glanced up at the sky. "It promises to be a lovely day."

"It does." They walked the horses through the gate. "The later spring flowers and shrubs are beginning to make an appearance."

If that was all the conversation he had, Alice could not see Eleanor being interested in the man.

"Good morning, my ladies." Lord St. Albans's tone was teasing and tempting at the same time.

How had she not seen him ride up?

"Alice," Madeline said. "Do you want to race to the oak?"

"I do." Racing was one of Alice's favorite things to do. "Ask Eleanor."

"Do you often race?" Lord St. Albans asked.

"Yes, indeed. But only early in the morning when no one else is here." She urged Galyna faster. "You may come with us."

"Yes, of course," Lord St. Albans said. "The restrictions."

If he said anything else, Alice did not hear him. She was galloping next to Madeline.

When they reached the tree, Lord St. Albans trotted up next to them. "Excellent. I must do this more often."

Alice laughed. He sounded as if he had never raced before, and that she did not believe. She glanced at Madeline. "To the Serpentine?"

Madeline nodded.

Alice might as well ask Lord St. Albans if he would like to come as well. "Are you up for another one, my lord?"

"I am." His eyes were warm as he smiled at her.

When they reached the Serpentine, Alice and Madeline dismounted and took out the bread they had brought for the ducks. St. Albans swung himself down from his horse in one fluid motion. It was not until he was standing that she noticed how tall both man and horse were. Being on the ground made his shoulders appear broader. His face seemed to have been chiseled. It was all lean planes; his nose was straight with a sight bump in it. He was exceedingly handsome. Madeline strolled off a little way, leaving Alice with his lordship.

"I do not think I have ever seen a horse quite like yours."

"He is a Lusitano. They were brought here originally as part of Queen Catherine's dowry."

She stroked the horse's nose. "What is his name?"

"Hector." He stroked the horse's neck. "And your mare?"

"Galyna." The mare sidled over demanding attention as well.

"And is she calm?"

Alice almost dropped her jaw. How had he known that? "Your Latin must be excellent."

Before he could answer, a group of ducks waddled up to them, and Alice quickly threw some of the breadcrumbs. One duck had been pushed out and decided St. Alban's boots looked like a good meal. She threw some crumbs directly at the duck, and he went after the bread.

"That was close." He stared down at his boots. "At least I wasn't wearing tassels."

Unable to help herself, Alice went into whoops as Lord St. Albans stared at her in confusion. "I am sorry." She started laughing again. "Our friend's husband used to wear tassels and a puppy got them."

Shaking his head, he chuckled. "Not something I would wear around a puppy or a duck."

"Alice, we should go. Eleanor did not follow us," Madeline said.

"Yes. Of course." The groom helped Madeline, and Lord St. Albans cupped his hand to help her mount.

It took very little time to reach Eleanor and Lord Montagu. She waved. "Has the Serpentine changed at all?"

"Nary a bit," Lord St. Albans said. "However, I am indebted to the ladies for bringing bread for the ducks. They are an avaricious group."

"We saved his boots." Alice felt slightly smug about it.

Eleanor looked at her watch. "We must be going."

The gentlemen fell in with them. Lord St. Albans rode next to Alice. "Now that the Season is begun, what do you have on your calendar?"

"I do not yet know. Grace, our eldest sister, makes all those decisions. I suppose we will find out soon." She wondered if he would be at some of the same events. Georgie was right. He was amusing. "And you?"

Lord St. Albans sighed. "As with you, I am not quite sure. My mother is in charge of my social schedule this Season."

He was looking for a wife. "We are attending Almack's on Wednesday."

He inclined his head. "I will be there as well and would be honored if you would stand up with me."

"Alice," Madeline said. "Lord Montagu has asked us all for a set."

"Oh." Alice had not been paying any attention at all to her sisters' conversation. How odd. "That would be nice. Lord St. Albans has just requested a dance."

He leaned forward and glanced at Eleanor and Madeline. "I would like to request sets from the two of you as well."

"Delighted." Eleanor inclined her head.

"A pleasure," Madeline said.

When they reached the gate, St. Albans bowed. "I look forward to seeing you again. If not tomorrow morning, then at Almack's."

That was two sets Alice and her sisters would dance. She was looking forward to meeting more gentlemen. Perhaps one of them would be approved to waltz with her.