“All worthy efforts,” Lord Normanby said.
She was happy he agreed. That made three stipulations on the list he met. One more, and she would stop for the day. “You mentioned an older sister to Lady Bellamny; is your family close?”
He barked a laugh. “Not at all. But I have seen that your family is.”
“We are.” This was going very well. “We even have yearly gatherings.”
“That must be delightful.” He smiled at her again.
“We all enjoy them very much.” She returned his smile.
Lord Bury stopped his curricle next to them. “I say, is this a new fashion?”
A growl seemed to emanate from Lord Normanby, and Alice hid a grin. “Bury.” Lord Normanby raised his quizzing glass. “Do you mean to tell me you have not discovered the joys of walking?”
Lord Bury glanced at her. “My lady, it would be my pleasure to stroll with you.”
Now what was she to say? They had an appointment for a ride tomorrow afternoon. “I think a carriage ride is also enjoyable.”
He inclined his head. “As you wish, my lady. I shall see you then.”
As he rode away, Lord Normanby said, “Do you prefer a carriage?”
Alice glanced at him, then lowered her lashes. “With Lord Bury I do.”
“That is good to know.” They spent the next several minutes greeting others they knew. “Would you be available to stroll with me the day after tomorrow?”
She wanted to say yes, but Lord Hereford had asked her to ride with him. “I cannot, but I am free the day after that.”
“Excellent.” His tone was rather dry, but he did not appear upset. “I will look forward to strolling with you again.”
“As will I.” They reached the gate as Lord St. Albans was about to drive in. He stopped outside. “My lord, good afternoon.”
He smiled at her and ignored her companion. “My lady.”
She had almost forgotten he and Lord Normanby did not get on. “There are a great many people here. I hope you enjoy your ride.”
The look in his eyes reminded her of a sad puppy. “It will be poorer without your presence, Lady Alice.”
So, this was what the other ladies were talking about. “But you must survive.”
He put his hand over his heart. “Only if you insist.”
She grinned and waved as she and Lord Normanby strolled through the gate. “Until the next time.”
“I shall live for the moment.” Lord St. Albans drove through the gate.
“Popinjay,” Lord Normanby muttered.
Recalling her conversation with Lord St. Albans about his estate, she turned to Lord Normanby. “I know you have priest-holes in your house, but how is the rest of your estate?”
His eyes widened in surprise. “There are four in total. I want to look into modernizing all of them, beginning with my main estate.”
It was good that he wanted to improve his holdings. “Are you conversant with Holkham Hall?”
He nodded. “I have heard something about it. I suppose I should write for an appointment to visit. It is no more than two days ride from Normanby.”
“You can also ask my brothers-in-law. They have all visited and come away with excellent ideas.”
They reached Worthington House, and he bowed. “I look forward to our dance at Lady Millsworth’s ball tomorrow evening.”
Alice had almost forgotten about her dance with him. “I shall see you then.”
He bowed over her hand. As he left, he was almost run into by a young boy running to the servants’ entrance. Lord Normanby stiffened. For a second, Alice thought he might lash out at the lad, but he continued down the pavement. Why would she think he could abuse servants? She gave herself a shake. Then chuckled as she remembered Lord St. Albans’ flirtatiousness. He was much more entertaining than he had been before.
She went to her bedchamber, removed her bonnet and gloves, then ambled to her parlor. This was when she missed her twin and Madeline the most. They used to gather together and talk about the gentlemen with whom they had ridden. Alice supposed she could imagine the conversations. She knew them well enough to know what they would say. Still, it was not the same.
Just as she sighed, a knock came on the door. “Yes?”
Theo entered the parlor. “How have you been? It must be lonely for you not to have Eleanor and Madeline here.”
What a sweetheart. “It is rather. Do you miss them as well?”
“I ordered tea.” Theo sat on one of the sofas. “I do miss them. But I was thinking how Mary would feel when I wed. If I marry before she does.”
Theo was three years older than Mary. “Why do you think you would not?”
The girl lifted a shoulder in a light shrug. “I might wait until she is eighteen. We could come out together.”
