“Thank you.” Alice’s hands were numb, but the rest of her felt better than it had since the start of the Season. She hoped it was not because of St. Albans. She did not want to be hurt again. This time she feared her heart really would be broken.
After her hands had been well soaked and dried, she went to her sister’s upstairs parlor and was waved to a chair. Grace held a jar of something green. “This will heal your hands in very little time.”
She opened the container and an acrid smell wafted out. Alice wrinkled her nose. It had been years since she had needed it. “What is it exactly?”
“Horse liniment.” Grace glanced at the jar and shrugged. “I do not know what is in it. My groom makes it.”
“I am going to smell of it all day.” Alice wondered if St. Albans would think it strange that she wore such a disgusting scent.
Grace grinned. “It is not that bad. The worst of the smell will dissipate within in a few hours.” She worked the cream into Alice’s hands. “You will be able to go with me on morning visits.”
She wondered what, if anything, would be said about Normanby. She had to admit it was a little exciting knowing something only a few others did and most never would.
After luncheon, they arrived at Lady Brownly’s house first and found a group of ladies already in attendance.
“Lady Worthington, Lady Alice, how good to see you,” her ladyship greeted them. “Please have a seat.”
After Alice had been served a cup of tea, Miss Connors said, “Do you know how Lord Normanby is doing? He appeared quite battered.”
“No.” Alice raised one brow. “How should I?”
The color in the other lady’s cheeks deepened. “Excuse me. I thought you had been spending . . . I mean, you have been seen with him lately.”
“Indeed?” Thank Heavens for Grace’s insistence that Alice not show any partiality until she was certain of herself and him. “I dare say I have not been seen in his company any more than any other gentleman’s.”
The lady’s mother glanced at them. “There, Susan. Did I not say there was nothing to your supposition?”
“Yes, Mamma.” Miss Connors looked at her folded hands. “My lady, I apologize for my mistake.”
“It is no matter.” Alice breathed a sigh of relief. “Anyone can make an error.” She hoped the lady would not throw her cap at the cad.
“Are you speaking of Lord Normanby?” another lady asked, her voice dripping with insincerity. “I think his nose was broken. Such a shame. He will not be quite so handsome as before.” She popped a small biscuit into her mouth.
Alice wondered what he had done to the lady and was more than glad she was finished with him. She and Grace left when more guests arrived and went on to the next house where one lady expressed displeasure that some gentlemen were so ill mannered as to fight in a ballroom. Alice was pleased the incident had been, for the most part, dismissed by the ton. And that she had been present to depress any thoughts that she cared about Normanby. She did not want her name linked with his.
* * *
Normanby touched the plaster over his swollen nose. Thank God his stablemaster had been able to set it. What he wanted to know was who the hell had hit him and why. A knock came on the door and his valet entered. “My lord, a note came for you from Worthington House.”
He held out his hand. It was probably Lady Alice worried about his health. He hadn’t seen her in the ballroom as he’d been carried out, but she would have heard about it. As soon as he could rise, he’d ask her to marry him. He broke the seal and a second letter fell to the bed. Shaking out the letter he read it.
Normanby,
I have come into possession of information concerning your lack of resources and your betrothal to another woman. You are forbidden from approaching my ward Lady Alice Carpenter for any reason whatsoever.
Worthington
Normanby picked up the note and opened it. Lady Alice’s words were like a sword being driven into this chest. Any hope he might have entertained about being able to coax her into eloping with him were ended. Still, there must be a way.
Another knock came on the door, it opened, and his valet entered again. “My lord, your solicitor is here to see you about the settlement agreements.”
He did not want to deal with this now, but he had to keep up the fiction that he’d wed Miss Greenway. “Have him give you the documents and bring me a pen.” He closed his eyes. “Never mind. I will get up.”
“Yes, my lord.” Bowing, his servant left the chamber.
He went to this desk and sharpened a pen. At least part would be done, and he could rest.
The footman returned and placed the papers on the desk. Normanby signed them and handed them back to the footman. “Give him my thanks for bringing them to me.”
He had to come up with a plan to marry Lady Alice and soon. The only way to rid himself of Greenway and his daughter was to wed another. Normanby’s head ached. He had to think of a scheme, but right now he needed sleep. Something would come to him. It always did. Thinking about Celeste would help ease his mind. She might even have an idea.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Giff arrived at three o’clock and was led to the same room in which Alice had written the missive. The family was already gathered including the Great Danes. He had not even been able to greet anyone before Posy came to him immediately asking for attention. “You are a beautiful girl, but I must say good day to the rest of your family.”
“I am glad you are here,” Alice said. “I believe you know everyone.”
“Good afternoon.” He bowed.
“Welcome,” Lady Worthington said. “I hope you do not mind. This is a family occasion.”
“Not at all. It is a pleasure to be in company who does not stand on precedent.”
Worthington shook Giff’s hand. “Welcome. I’m glad you’ve joined us.”
The two youngest members of the family, Gideon and Elizabeth, looked at him almost suspiciously if he was not mistaken. Ladies Mary and Theo smiled encouragingly.
