Eleanor shrugged. “It does not matter. We will have a good ride on our own.”
Alice supposed this was a lesson in fashionable gentlemen. Lord Montagu and his friend were not the only ones who could not get to the Park on time. She remembered a story about someone else. “Race to the oak tree?”
“Yes.” Eleanor grinned.
They were well matched. Alice arrived just a nose before the others. They rode to the Serpentine then headed back to the gate.
“Do not look, but there they are,” Madeline said.
Lord Montagu trotted toward them. “Good morning, my ladies.”
Alice and her sisters greeted him. The gentleman on the gray horse had darker red hair mixed with brown, fair skin and green eyes that seemed to take in everything. Would Lord Montagu introduce his companion?
He grimaced. “I meant to awaken earlier, but I had a great deal of work to do last night.”
Alice almost snorted. Madeine seemed not to believe him either.
Eleanor gave him a tight smile. Clearly, she was not convinced. “Sometime duties cannot be put off.”
He motioned toward the other man. “Allow me to introduce my friend, Lord St. Albans. St. Albans, Lady Eleanor, Lady Madeline, and Lady Alice.”
Giff bowed from his horse, and Alice did not think anyone could have done it more gracefully. “Ladies, good morning.” He smiled at them each in turn. “It is my absolute pleasure to finally be made known to you.”
Eleanor raised a brow. “Indeed, my lord. We have wondered who was riding the gray. Now we know.”
This was no time for her to act high in the in-step. Alice almost rolled her eyes “Good morning, sir. It is very nice to meet you as well.”
Lady Madeline’s lips twitched. “I shall add my greetings, my lord. It is a pleasure.”
Lord St. Albans opened his mouth to continue when Lord Montagu said, “Must you return home now, or do you have time to ride some more?”
“I am afraid we are required to be back in time for breakfast with our family.” Eleanor’s tone was firm. “However, perhaps you will not have to work so late this evening and will be able to join us tomorrow morning.”
“Yes. I will arrange that.” He gave her a charming smile. “Until tomorrow.”
Lord St. Albans glanced at Lord Montagu then to Alice. “The least we can do is to escort you to the gate.”
“Yes, of course.” This was her first encounter with a gentleman who was not related or whom she had not known for years, and it was exciting. The way his eyes twinkled when he looked at her was also exciting.
Lord St. Albans bowed. “We are at your command.”
For some reason, Alice knew he must have said that many times before, still . . . “How nice. I do not believe anyone has ever said that to me.”
“I am certain I will not be the only one.” The only gentleman she knew whose tone was as sophisticated as his was her brother-in-law Con Kenilworth.
Suddenly, Alice had a suspicion he might be a rake. “Have you spent a lot of time in Town?”
“My dear lady, I have been on the Town for years.” As he spoke, a look came into his eyes that she did not understand. Prickles danced across her neck and shoulders before spreading to the rest of her body.
“You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.” His horse sidled closer to hers. “And I’ve seen a great many of them.” Alice didn’t know what to say or even think. No one had ever been this bold before. “I would be happy to show you the sights.”
He was not going to get the best of her. A change of subject was in order. “Although we have not been out, we have come to the metropolis during the Season for many years. Our brother and brothers-in-law are very active in the Lords.”
“Fortunately, I have not yet ascended to my father’s title.” He gave her a look she could only describe as heavy or significant. “Are you interested in politics?
“I am indeed. It is my belief we must all do what we are able.”
“A very admirable view.” It was an appropriate remark to make, but he did not seem to be referring to what she had said. It was almost as if he had not really heard her.
Alice waited for him to continue, but before he could speak Eleanor said, “Thank you for your escort. Perhaps I will see you tomorrow.”
“I shall make it happen.” Montagu bowed. “Until then, my lady.”
Lady Eleanor inclined her head. “My lord.”
“I will see you tomorrow as well, my ladies.” Lord St. Albans included Madeline in his comment.
“Until then.” Alice left with her sisters. Had Lord Montagu been flirting with her?
“Dear me,” Madeline said jokingly as they reached Worthington House. “You two already have gentlemen interested in you, and there is no one for me.”
“I am not sure about that.” Alice dismounted. “I think Lord St. Albans is a bit too . . . too”—she frowned as she thought—“I cannot find the right word. Worldly? That might be it. He seems too experienced in capturing a lady’s attention.” She waited until her sisters were ready to enter the house. “I think I shall ask Matt about him.”
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.”
