“Here is May to help you freshen up.”
Alice nodded at the young woman. “Thank you, May.”
The maid bobbed a curtsey.
“I would also like something to eat.”
“I will have it arranged.” Mrs. Cummings curtseyed and left the room.
Alice gave herself a rueful look in the mirror. Being thrown into a coach did nothing for one’s appearance. “I will wash my face and hands, then you may make my hair more presentable.”
“Yes, my lady.” May stood with her hands folded in front of her waist.
Alice had not expected to formally meet the servants today, but she had been trained well and knew how to behave. What she had not anticipated, nor wanted, was the complete subservience of the staff. Being well-mannered and competent in their duties was required, but somehow she had to let them know they could be—oh, how to put it?—show their personalities as well. Perhaps they would relax a little after they got to know her and Giff. Having some of their own servants here might help as well.
Alice dried her face and sat at the toilet table. “I think a simple knot will do.”
With her hair neatly dressed, she felt much more the thing. She smiled at May hoping to put her at ease. “Where will I find nuncheon?”
“I will call a footman,” she said.
That had not been the answer Alice had wanted. “Thank you.”
As expected, a footman arrived shortly after the bell-pull had been tugged. As she stepped into the corridor, the door to the end apartment opened. Giff stepped out and grinned. “There you are. I wondered where they put you.”
She leaned around him. “I thought that was where my future rooms would be.”
He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. “Come. I’ll show you around.” He glanced at the footman. “Wait here.”
The servant bowed stiffly. Alice stifled a sigh. “Lead on.”
The door opened into a parlor flanked on each end with another door. A fireplace stood in the middle of the outside wall. The rest of the wall was filled with long mullioned windows. The upper half of which were stained and patterned glass. Light shining through the windows made patterns on the large Aubusson carpet that was anchored by two sofas. All the soft furnishings were in good condition. She would not have to do much at all. “It is beautiful.”
Delight shone in Giff’s eyes. “I’ll show you your chambers first.”
Her bedroom was decorated in pale yellows and greens. Next to the bedchamber was a dressing room. Through a door off the dressing room was a small bathing chamber. A colorfully tiled German style fireplace stood in the corner. The bathtub had a faucet with piped in water. “Do you have a bathing chamber as well?”
He pulled a face. “I have one, but the water must be carried from the main hot water pipe for the floor.”
Before she knew it, she was in his arms. “How did you do that?”
He gave her a heated look. “I will show you sometime.”
Her lips began to tingle, and she leaned against him. As she reached up to kiss him, his mouth slanted across hers. His lips were firm as they feathered across hers and down over her jaw. He held her closer with one hand while stroking her cheek with his thumb. Feelings she had never experienced before infused her.
This is what it is like to be kissed!
His tongue caressed the seam of her lips, and she opened her mouth. He touched his tongue to hers, and her legs trembled. He groaned as he slowly explored her mouth. Alice quickly copied is movements. He brushed his hand against her breasts, and they immediately felt swollen. This was why her sisters could never explain how it felt. It was indescribable. An ache started between her legs. As if he knew what she was feeling, his leg parted hers and he rubbed there. The tension and aching grew until she exploded like a Catherine Wheel.
Giff’s kisses slowed as he stroked her back. “I love you more than I thought I could love anyone.”
Alice had never had such an intense feeling of rightness before. “I love you. I cannot believe we found each other.”
“I was terrified that I’d lost you for good.” His stomach growled loudly. “Let us eat. I am hungry.”
He helped her straighten her gown before they left the apartments.
“I wonder when dinner will be served.”
“I do not know.” It occurred to Alice that she must ask when the cook planned to serve dinner, She must also arrange to have tea prepared for everyone when they arrived. They entered a small dining room toward the back of the house. Breads, cheeses, cold meats, and salad had been laid out on the table as well as a bottle of claret and a carafe of water. Cummings poured them each a glass of wine and stood back against the wall.
She had always wanted to be the mistress of her own houses. It was now time to begin. “Cummings, I would like to know when Cook plans to have dinner ready.”
“At six o’clock, my lady. However, she is making a beef dish that will not be harmed by pushing the time back.” He cleared his throat. “I should tell you that she does not want to be the head cook.”
“We will arrange to hire someone. Please have tea served after my family arrives.” She opened her brooch watch. It was three o’clock. “I expect them shortly. I doubt they will have had luncheon. However, tea should be sufficient until dinner is served.”
“Very good, my lady.” He bowed. “How many guests should we expect?”
That was a very good question. “Honestly, I have very little idea. At least two to four.” If Mary and Theo accompanied Grace and Matt. “At most, ten I should imagine.” She lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “We will have to see.”
“My lady?” The butler’s eyes had widened slightly. Good Lord. He looked panicked. Well, as panicked as a butler could look.
“It will be fine. My family will not expect perfection. After all, this trip was not planned.”
“Yes, my lady.” Cummings was not convinced.
“Cummings, trust me. All will be well. You may leave us now.”
