His shoulders shook as he tried to stop from going into whoops. She would have hit Normanby if St. Albans hadn’t stopped her. That would have caused a scene. Alice doubted she would have stopped there. She probably would have given him a set-down as well. “That would be a much better idea.”
“There you are.” Charlie strolled up to them. “I’ve been looking for you.”
Thank God he had not been out here earlier. “Lord St. Albans and I decided to get some fresh air.”
Her brother glanced from St. Albans to her. “You missed the excitement.”
Her partner in crime assumed the most innocent look she had ever seen on a gentleman. “I hate to miss anything thrilling. What happened?”
Charlie glanced from Alice to St. Albans again. Her brother’s eyes narrowed slightly as if he suspected something. “Someone punched Normanby.”
Alice raised her brows as if she was surprised. “Really? Who?”
Her brother shook his head. “No one knows. He was with some chums and suddenly a fist came out from the foliage.”
“That’s odd.” St. Albans frowned. “Who would do such a thing?”
“Maybe it was a lady he wronged.” Alice knew she had to tread carefully if they were not to be found out. “Lately, I have been getting the impression he is not all he appears to be.”
“It happened so quickly, no one knows who it could have been.” Charlie gave them another look. Naturally, he would know that not many females were taught to fight. “I suppose a lady would be more apt to hit a man and want to remain hidden.”
“If she did not wish to cause a scene.” Alice couldn’t look at St. Albans because she was sure her guilt would be apparent to her brother, and she could not glance at Charlie for the same reason. “We had better go in. St. Albans owes me a dance.”
Her brother shook his head and frowned again. “I’ll accompany you.”
Giff tried hard not to allow his chest to puff out. He not only had a second dance with Alice, but it was the supper set. He still had to speak with Worthington. But at least she did not seem to be as upset as he thought she would be. At any rate, she wasn’t now. Who knew what would happen later this evening. For the present, he would do his best to keep her entertained.
By the time they arrived at Alice’s family circle, Normanby had departed, and the set was forming. It had seemed like years since Giff had waltzed with her. He took her into his arms, and she suddenly stared at him. Damn, was she missing that rogue’s touch? “What is it?”
“Nothing.” She shook her head slightly and smiled. “Nothing at all. I am glad you are here.”
“I am too.” The music started, and he twirled her. No other lady danced as gracefully as she did. He wanted to ask her how she felt, but this was not the place. This, however, was the place to begin courting her in earnest. He caught her gaze and smile. “No other lady dances as well as you.”
A blush rose into her cheeks. “I might say the same about you. I never have to think when I’m dancing with you.”
It occurred to him she had never been happy with what he had brought to her for supper. “You must tell me what you like at supper.”
Alice chuckled lightly. “Not lobster patties.”
“Duly noted.” They twirled again. “But what do you like?”
“I enjoy asparagus, ices, almost everything else. And champagne.”
An image of her naked as he poured champagne into her belly button caused him to tighten. “I shall ensure you are well supplied.”
“I would appreciate that,” she said in a heartfelt tone.
“Is there anything else you like to eat? Poached chicken, salmon?”
“I enjoy both dishes.” Giff wished he could pull her into his arms.
He grinned. “I still like lobster patties. I’ll bring one for myself if you do not mind.”
“Not at all. You may enjoy them all you wish.” The moves of the dance placed her back at his chest. She had such a smooth neck. He wondered how she would taste. “I used to like them. However, when one can eat them most evenings, they lose their desirability.”
“I never thought of it in that manner.” He was very sure he would not lose his desire for her even if he had her every evening. He bent his head and almost touched the shell of her ear with his tongue before remembering where he was. Then the music stopped. “Come. Let us find your family, and we can all go to supper.”
When they approached her circle, Mamma was speaking with Worthington. His visage darkened, and he glanced at Giff. He hoped Alice’s brother-in-law was not angry at him for not telling him about Normanby first. Giff escorted her to the table and made his way to where supper was laid out.
Worthington caught up with him. “Is there a reason you did not tell me?”
“Yes. I tried to catch your eye, but you were in conversation with someone else and obviously didn’t see me. I was more concerned about keeping Lady Alice away from the scoundrel. I did not want him to get her alone.”
“I see.” Worthington seemed to relax. “Was that the reason you and she were on the terrace?”
They had kept the knowledge from her brother, but Giff did not think he could keep it from her guardian. “Partly. I found her slipping around the edge of the room to where Normanby was standing with friends. I got to her just as she arrived, hidden behind a plant.” They made their way along the line speaking quietly. “She heard him tell his friends what he’d done and what he had planned. Including keeping his mistress.”
“Who punched him?” You had to respect a gentleman who knew his family.
“She was about to, but I did it.” He grinned at Worthington. “Then we ran to the terrace.”
Her brother-in-law bit his lip as he tried not to laugh. “Thank you for looking out for her.”
Giff inclined his head. “The pleasure was mine. I’m just glad that I was able to be there for her.”
Worthington gave Giff a searching look. “You seem to be getting on better than you did in the beginning.”
“Yes, well, it turns out I can be a fool at times.” He wanted to cringe.
