“They are, but they make me sneeze.”
A look of horror passed over his countenance. “I sent them to you.”
“The servants enjoyed them.”
“I’m terribly sorry. Our housekeeper had suggested lavender, but they were not quite in bloom, and I thought hyacinths would do just as well.”
He appeared so distraught. “I think your housekeeper might have recommended lavender for the plant’s healing properties.”
“I made a mull of that.” He shook his head in disgust. “The next time I will send fruit.” His brows drew together in concern. “You are not allergic to any of them, are you?”
“Not that I am aware.” Why could he not have been like this before? She should ask about his lady, but Alice would rather not know. “Hopefully, I will not be ill again for a long while. I caught my cold from one of my nieces or nephews. They all had it.”
“Small children tend to be generous with their germs. The nursery at my maternal grandparents’ house came down with a stomach disorder, and soon the whole keep had it.”
What had he said? “Keep?”
“Yes, you know. The castle and its grounds.”
“Your grandfather’s estate in Scotland?”
His eyes were sparkling, and his lips twitched. “The very one. Mine is not nearly as large, although, it is quite old.”
Everyone seemed to live in an interesting house but her. “Do you have priest holes?”
St. Albans barked a laugh. “I can do better than that. I have secret tunnels and corridors. Cleveland Castle does as well.”
She would have loved playing in those as a child. “I wonder why none of our homes have them.”
His eyes sparkled with laughter. “Most likely because your houses were not built before the fifteenth century and are further south?”
He was right. “Ours are quite modern comparatively.” How depressing. Although, there were benefits of living in a newer house. “Are they cold and uncomfortable?”
“They would be if the men had anything to say about it, but, at least in the past two hundred years or so, the ladies have taken charge and made them very comfortable.”
It was a shame she would never be able to see them.
“My lady,” Robertson said. “We should be getting back for breakfast.”
“I had not realized how late it was getting.” A thought occurred to her, and she glanced at St. Albans. “Would you like to break your fast with us?”
“It would be my great pleasure.” They galloped to the gate, and he came to a stop. “I would like to change. When should I arrive?”
She took out her watch. “Forty-five minutes.”
“Until then.” He headed toward the end of the Park.
Where did he live, and why did she not know? Well, that lack of knowledge would be remedied this morning.
She and her groom rode back to Worthington House. As soon as she had informed Thorton of the guest joining them for the morning meal, bathed and dressed, Alice went to the library and took out a copy of Debrett’s. She flipped to the page where the Dukes of Cumberland were listed and ran her finger down the page until it mentioned a house on Park Lane. The clock chimed the hour, and she closed and reshelved the book. Alice headed toward the breakfast room at the same time the knocker was plied on the front door. She glanced at her watch. St. Albans must be early, but instead of a deep melodious tone, she heard high-pitched squeals. Who was here?
Quickly striding to the hall, she stopped short to see most of her family there. Had she forgotten they were gathering this morning, or had she not been told? A small body almost knocked her over.
“We came to cheer you up,” Hugh said, hugging her.
Charlotte laughed and bussed Alice’s cheek. “Not to cheer her up, to keep her company.”
“Well, I want to make her happy.” Hugh had a stern look on his childish mien.
She hugged him. “You are cheering me. Would you like to escort me into the breakfast room?”
He held out his arm as he had probably seen his father do. “I’d like to.” She placed her hand on it. “Besides,” he whispered. “Gideon’s not here so I’m the oldest boy.”
He was the only boy, but she would never tell him that. His sister and cousins were chatting as they strolled to the large breakfast room, while her sisters and brothers-in-law were greeting Matt and Grace.
The door closed and opened again. St. Albans. He strode in smiling and greeted the others, then looked at her. “I see a gentleman was before me.”
Hugh straightened. “Yes, you are correct.”
St. Albans gave one nod acknowledging his defeat. “May I walk on your other side, my lady?”
Alice met his gaze and her heart sped up. “Yes, my lord.”
He bowed to Hugh, “If his lordship has no objection, that is.”
His chin rose. “I do not.”
“Oh dear,” Constance said in a perfect imitation of her mother. “There will be no living with him now.”
