“Cannot we all.” Worthington had a wry look. “It never occurred to me to ask one of the ladies to see what they could learn about Normanby. I had a feeling, but nothing solid.”
Giff often thought it was amazing how one’s senses attempted to warn one. “I felt the same. That was the reason I asked my mother.”
Worthington signaled to two footmen to help them, and Giff slipped them vails. “It was an excellent idea.”
“And just in time.” A chill struck him. What would have happened if Mamma had not received the information when she did?
“Indubitably. I take it you’re still interested in marrying her.”
“I am.” Absolutely and entirely. “Even more so now than before if that’s possible. At first, I was dazed by her beauty and grace. Now that I’ve got to know her, I’m dazed by her mind.”
Worthington smiled. “I think that’s the way it is with all the ladies in my family.”
Giff wondered what Worthington meant, but they had reached the table, and their conversation ended as they attended to their ladies. The footmen set down the plates and another servant brought champagne. Perhaps Giff would ask later. “I brought you everything except lobster patties.”
“This is wonderful.” Once again Giff was blinded by her smile. Good Lord! Was he in love?
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Alice was happy and thankful St. Albans had been by her side when she heard Lord Normanby speaking to his friends. Despite all her lessons in deportment, she probably would have caused a scene. She still wanted to hit the scoundrel. And it was better to have found out what he was up to now and not after they had wed. Alice could not believe she had been so stupid, so blind. She had been so intent on finding a husband she matched him to her list without being certain he was qualified. When she looked back on their conversations, she realized she had attributed the requirements to him when he had not objected to anything she had said. And why would he? All he wanted was her dowry. What would he have done when he discovered that he would not have control over it? It did not bear thinking about.
“It might help if you had a good cry,” Grace said.
They were in her parlor with a glass of wine each. “I am more disgusted with myself than sad.”
Her sister narrowed her eyes. “Did you not love him?”
“I thought I did.” Alice tried to be analytical in thinking how she could have allowed herself to be “in love” with him. “I think I was more in love with the idea of being in love and having a husband.”
Grace nodded. “I understand. I do not think any of us considered how alone you would feel if Eleanor and Madeline wed first.” She moved over to Alice and hugged her. “I should not have left you so much on your own.”
Tears pricked Alice’s eyes as she hugged her sister. “I have been lonely and feeling left behind. I can see now how much I rushed into wishing to wed him.” Not wanting Grace to see her tears, Alice blinked her eyes. “I am glad St. Albans was with me.”
“Matt told me what he did by watching over you.”
Alice had been told that just before the ball, St. Albans had found out what the cur was up to. “He is a good friend.”
Grace reached for her glass of wine. “He appears to be.”
“I want to write a letter to tell that blackguard I never want to see him again.” If Alice couldn’t hit him or run him through with her parasol sword, she had to do something to take control of the situation. “Even though Matt is writing to him warning him not to approach me again, I think I should say it as well.”
Her sister nodded. “That is wise. He might, after all, believe you are still interested in him if he does not hear it directly from you.”
“I agree.” The clock chimed the hour, and she slumped. “I am very tired.”
The worried look appeared in Grace’s face again. “I shall wish you a good night.”
Alice finished her wine and rose. “I will see you in the morning.”
Tears began to roll down her cheeks as she left the parlor. She did not want to cry. Especially over such a horrible, deceitful excuse for a person. People married for money all the time, but to hide his circumstances and to plan to break his vows before they were even made was inexcusable. It was more than that, it was cruel and unforgiveable. She swiped at her cheeks.
I will not cry over him!
When she got to her chamber, Bertram was waiting. “Let’s get you ready for bed. Miss Posy is already in bed.”
“How?” Alice shook her head. “Thank you.”
“What’s a dog for if it can’t provide a bit of companionship.” Her maid began unlacing Alice’s gown. “Let’s get you to bed. You’ll feel better after a good sleep.”
She did not think she would sleep well at all, but after the Dane snuggled in, the next thing Alice knew was the sky was beginning to lighten. First, she would have a ride, and then she would write a letter. Swinging her legs out of the bed she padded to the screen to brush her teeth. She hoped St. Albans was at the Park. Once dressed, she started down the stairs and stopped. He was standing in the hall petting Zeus.
St. Albans glanced up. “Good morning. I’d met Miss Posy, but I didn’t know you had Master Zeus as well.”
Alice was stunned that St. Albans was behaving as if it was the most normal thing in the world to be greeted by a Great Dane. “Yes. Ever since Grace and Matt wed, we have had two. He had one before they married, and we had one as well.”
“That makes perfect sense.” St. Albans glanced at the dog. “I must be on my way.” He gave the Dane one last stroke and held out his arm. “Shall we? Galyna was being brought around just as I arrived.”
“Yes, of course.” Alice could not believe he was here to escort her riding. “Thank you for coming to fetch me.”
He shrugged quickly. “I rode past the Park and didn’t see you.”
“You came to see how I was?” She had not realized how truly kind he was.
“Oh, no.” St. Albans grinned. “I knew you would be fine. I merely wished to honor myself by escorting you.”
She did not even try to cover her laughter. It felt so good. “Thank you, in any event.”
“You are quite welcome.”
