He lifted her onto her mare and swung gracefully onto his gelding, and they rode out of the square. A few minutes later, they were racing to the oak tree. Then they walked the horses to the Serpentine. “I have decided to write to him and tell him I want nothing to do with him again. Matt is writing to him as well.”
Interesting. Apparently, Normanby would no longer have a name. “Wise.” Giff was pleased Alice had made the decision, but he was concerned the scoundrel would not give up. That though, would not be a problem. He planned to remain close enough to her that nothing could happen. “What are your plans for the morning? Hatchards?”
“I suppose so.” That was uttered without much enthusiasm.
“Is there something else you would rather do?”
Alice gazed across the Serpentine. “I would dearly like to hit something.”
He didn’t blame her at all. He studied her profile. She said she knew how to fight. He could box with her and let her hit him. “I can help you with that.”
Her head jerked around to him, anticipation in her eyes. “Would you? When?”
“Whenever you wish.” Giff wondered if he ought to ask her brother-in-law first, then dismissed the idea. He had to have countenanced the activity before in order for Alice to have learned.
She nodded. “Yes. I would like that.”
“I am at your service, my lady.” For the rest of our lives.
They trotted back to the gate, and as they were about to go through, she said, “Would you like to break your fast with my family again?”
Just the thought of spending more time with her made his heart beat harder. “I would, indeed. Yesterday, I found the conversations fascinating. I still don’t know how the children manage to hold their own discussion without interrupting the adults.”
Alice laughed. “I do not know how it happens either. Somehow it just works.”
“I will change and meet you shortly.”
“I shall see you soon.” She rode away, and he waved to her before riding up Park Lane to Cleveland House.
Giff quickly washed, dressed, and grabbed a bag with boxing gloves in it in the event he needed them. Hitting Normanby had felt damn good. It was no wonder Alice wanted to experience the same pleasure. She might not be able to hit the object of her ire, but she could hit someone. There was, after all, a reason some gentlemen frequented Jackson’s Boxing Salon. Giff was beginning to think it was a pity ladies did not have the same sort of outlet for anger. Then again, most men would shake in their boots if their women could knock them down. But could a female gain the advantage of a gentleman if he knew what was coming? Or would it have to be a surprise?
His carriage came to a stop outside of Worthington House. He jumped down and strode to the door. Williams, Alice’s footman, opened it and bowed. “The family are gathering in the breakfast room. If you will follow me.”
“Lead on.”
They went not to the same room Giff was in the day before, but to a much smaller, cozier one. The family had not yet taken their seats.
“St. Albans.” Alice glided to him. “I am glad you are here.”
“Come, it is time to eat,” Lady Worthington said.
He helped Alice take her chair, then sat himself. A pot of tea, then a rack of toast arrived. The other foods were much the same as before.
“What are your plans today, my dear?” Worthington asked his lady.
“I am catching up on some of the accounts this morning.”
“Do not forget the balloon ascension is tomorrow afternoon.” Lady Mary’s tone was matter-of-fact. Almost too prosaic. What was she up to? “Are you going to attend?”
Lady Worthington gave her youngest sister a narrow-eyed look. “I had not planned on it.”
Gideon and Elizabeth’s eyes had flown wide at the mention of the balloon. Giff was about to invite them, but Alice put a staying hand on his arm.
The little boy sat straighter. “Mamma, Elizabeth and I would like to see the balloon.”
“Will you take us, pleeeese?” The pleading look in little Elizabeth’s eyes made Giff want to say yes.
Her ladyship exchanged a look with her husband, who winced. She glanced back at the children. “I have stipulations.”
Elizabeth nodded her head so hard Giff was afraid she’d do damage. “Anything, Mamma.”
“Very well. We will take the landau, two nursemaids and two footmen. You may move in the carriage to get a better look. You may not leave the landau for any reason whatsoever.” She looked from one child to the other. Both nodded.
“I want verbal ascents.”
“I will not leave the carriage no matter how much I want to,” Gideon said, making the sign of a cross over his heart.
“I will not leave the carriage even if I wish to,” Elizabeth said. “I promise.”
“Very well. We will attend.” Her ladyship did not appear happy. Yet, for some reason, Giff didn’t think she would mention it to Lady Mary.
She exchanged an almost covert glance with Lady Theo, and the two of them continued eating.
Alice removed her grip on his arm and continued her meal as well. When she’d swallowed her last piece of toast, she said, “St. Albans and I are going to practice boxing this morning. Which room should we use?”
He almost barked a laugh when Lady Worthington smirked at her husband.
Worthington looked as if he wanted to roll his eyes and addressed Alice. “The back parlor. I’ll have the servants roll up the carpet and push back the furniture. Will you use gloves?”
