Oh, dear. Alice wondered what Matt and Grace would think about that idea. “I came out with Eleanor and Madeline, and I am the last one to wed.”
Theo’s forehead wrinkled. “That is true. I must think on it some more.” The tea arrived, and they fixed their plates and cups. She ate two biscuits. “How was your walk?”
Alice might as well tell her sister. “It was nice. You probably know we made a list of qualities a gentleman must have. I asked him questions today. He has met four of them so far.”
Theo nodded. “Making a list was a good idea. Could I borrow it when the time comes?”
“Certainly.” Alice might as well show it to her. She rose, went to the desk, and took it out. “You may read it if you wish.”
Her sister’s eyes widened as if she was astonished. “Really? That would be wonderful!”
Alice kept her smile to herself and handed the paper to Theo. “It is not a secret.”
“Thank you.” Drinking her tea, she perused the list. “These are all extremely excellent attributes.”
“I am glad you agree with them. You can see at the bottom I added being a friend. It occurred to me that since I will be going off to live with someone else, he should be a friend as well as a husband.”
“Yes, indeed.” Theo’s dark brows drew together reminding Alice of Louisa. “I do not believe anyone else has considered that.” Theo handed the paper back to Alice and set down her cup. “It was nice talking to you.”
As short as the conversation had been. “I appreciate you coming by.”
Her sister rose from the sofa. “I shall see you in the drawing room.”
“Until then.” She started to put the list away but decided to read through it again.
Intelligent. Lord Normanby seemed intelligent.
Kind. She had not seen that he was not kind. Was there a way she could test this?
Like house animals. Well, he said he did. Perhaps she could give Posy another chance.
Like children. Still an open question.
Make us laugh, and think we are funny. Hmmm. He had laughed today, but he had not made her laugh.
Interested in the plight of the poor and unfortunate. He agreed that charities were necessary.
Must support us in our charities and other ventures. Would he allow her to support her charities? He indicated that they were necessary, and he had not said he did not want his wife involved in them. But would he tell her before he asked to wed her?
Passable looking. He was not the most handsome gentleman she had met, but he was quite good looking.
Allow us to be ourselves . Unknown.
Be able to support a family. Matt would know more about that, but he had allowed Lord Normanby to dance with her and walk with her.
Must love us in return. Did she love him? Could he love her? Time would tell.
Alice slipped the list back into the drawer. It was important she get this right.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Giff arrived home to another note from Lady Mary.
Dear Lord St. Albans,
I would greatly appreciate it if you would have someone watch the mews behind Normanby House just after six in the morning and follow the female who leaves through the back gate and has a hackney waiting.
Yr. friend,
M.C.
Bloody-hell hounds! Was she referring to a mistress? If so, how would she know about such a thing? And what in perdition was Normanby doing with a mistress when he was courting Alice? Giff ran a hand down his face. He should probably tell either Worthington or his lady, but he didn’t want Lady Mary to get into trouble for trying to help him. Still, he had to do what she asked. As much as he didn’t want that bounder Normanby around Alice, for her sake Giff had to know what was going on. The problem was if the man did have a ladybird, how could he tell her? Would she even believe him? He held the note to a candle and lit it on fire, placed it in his cold fireplace, went to the stables and found Fergus. Giff handed the groom a small sack of coins. “I have something I want you to do.”
Always up for a lark, the man’s pale blue eyes were bright. “What is it?”
He told him what was in Lady Mary’s note, but not how he came about the information. Fergus nodded. “I’ll get one of the other grooms to take care of Hector tomorrow.”
“When she arrives to where she is going, make note of the address, and I’ll talk to her myself if need be.”
“I think I can find out about her another way.” He tapped his nose. “If it’s what yer thinkin’, one of the maids will talk.”
“Good man.” Giff really did not want to have a conversation with Normanby’s mistress. That could cause all sorts of trouble. “I wish I could be there myself.”
“Better you go riding with the lady, me lord.”
The man was a sage. “You’re right.”
The next morning Giff awoke to rain. There’d be no riding with Alice today, but he could go with Fergus.
