“I see.” Mamma gave her attention back to the ladies. “I hope he entertained you.”
Why in the bloody hell-hounds had she said that?!
“Yes, your grace,” all three of them said at the same time.
At least he could take the opportunity to ask her for a set at the next ball. “Lady Alice, I’d like to ask you for the supper dance at Lady Markham’s ball.”
“I would be delighted, my lord.” Her words were what he had expected, but she didn’t sound as delighted as she should.
“Thank you.” He glanced at her sisters. “I’d like to ask you for sets as well. Whichever ones you choose.”
“The first country dance,” Lady Eleanor said.
“The Quadrille,” Lady Madeline replied.
“My pleasure.” He offered his arm to Lady Alice. “Will you do me the honor of strolling with me around the room?”
Alice wanted to tell him she would not, but that would be not only churlish, but impolite, especially after she had accepted his offer of a set to be polite. “Of course.”
“I’ve been told there are artists here.”
That is what Grace had said. “I have been told that as well.”
“There are also some politicians and philosophers. Lady Thornhill gathers a rather eclectic group.” He sounded different than usual.
“Are you speaking with a Scottish accent?”
Lord St. Albans’s reddish-brown brows shot up. “Am I?”
Well that had surprised him. “You are.”
“I’ve been with my mother a great deal lately. I’m probably getting it from her. She can be very Scottish when she’s not in public.”
That was interesting. “Have you spent much time in Scotland?”
He seemed uncomfortable for some reason. “Part of every summer and almost every other Hogmanay. New Year’s. It’s what my maternal grandfather insisted upon in order for my father to marry my mother.”
“I see.” She glanced at a group and started in their direction.
“Who are they?”
“One of them is the artist that painted my sisters and me last year.” The gathering was having a lively discussion. “I do not think I should interrupt them. The artist in the blue gown is Louisa Stuart Costello. She is extraordinarily talented.”
“I shall mention her to my mother. She will know someone looking for a portraitist.”
Alice was almost shocked. That was the first helpful thing he had said. “Thank you.”
They had almost finished their stroll. “I wanted to tell you that your breakfast the other morning reminded me of my mother’s family. Two of my uncles and their families reside with my grandparents. They all dine together as well.”
Alice had been so sure he had not enjoyed the meal. She had to search for something to say to him. “I suppose they are better behaved.”
He shook his head. “Not at all. I hope the little boy didn’t get into too much trouble.”
Poor Hugh. “He does try, but according to Worthington he takes after Kenilworth a great deal.”
Lord St. Albans put a hand over his lips. “The poor child. I trust he will not inherit all of his father’s bad habits.”
There it was again. Con had not been funning when he said he had been different when he had met Charlotte.
They arrived near the door where Grace was speaking with Dotty. Harry Stern was standing next to Madeline, and Eleanor was with Lord Montagu. Grace had been right about these soirees being well attended. Alice was glad she had come. She was even pleasantly pleased with Lord St. Albans. Even if he had not said anything of note.
He bent his head to her and whispered, “Will you accompany me on a carriage ride tomorrow afternoon?”
“Thank you. I will.” Perhaps he would turn out to be better than she thought. Her skin started to prickle again. Maybe agreeing to a ride had not been a good idea.
CHAPTER NINE
Giff awoke to rain the next day, but it didn’t matter. He would finally be able to have Lady Alice to himself this afternoon. His only problem was that he had nothing to do for the rest of the day. Perhaps he could find a book or visit a shop.
“Me lord, I laid out your kit,” his valet said. “Cook agreed to make you breakfast. I’ll fetch it when you’re dressed.”
“Thank you, Gunn.” Had Mama given the order to Cook? Giff rose and completed his ablutions and just finished dressing when a knock came on the door.
His valet answered it and turned around with a tray of food and set it on the table. The scent of bacon filled the room. What else did he have? He lifted the lid. Eggs, porridge, bacon, and toast. The pot of tea had been set to the side. Next to it was a letter. Giff picked it up and opened it.
Dear Lord St. Albans,
The documents are ready to be signed. I will await your pleasure.
