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?”
