That was fair. After that first day in Hatchards, Alice had started being attracted to him. “I think I understand what you mean.”
After Alice changed and everyone else washed the dust of the road off, the duchess suggested the morning room for tea, and Alice ordered it served there. After tea, she and her sisters followed the duchess around the house. The rest of it was as well decorated as the rooms she had already seen. There was also a substantial garden on three sides of the building that included a maze and a courtyard between the two wings. Once they finished sliding down the banister, the children would have fun there. The fourth side held the dairy, a kitchen garden, and the laundry. It was no wonder the house was Giff’s favorite. Alice already loved the estate.
They flustered the servants by dining in afternoon gowns instead of evening gowns and by having the children join them. Alice hoped their dress and customs would give her staff a hint that her family, ergo she, was more relaxed than they were used to.
The talk was, naturally, about the wedding. Alice told the duchess about the garden wedding. “Harry and Madeline could not get the date they wanted at St. George’s.”
“You could marry in the garden,” Mary suggested.
Seated next to Giff, his mother leaned closer to him and whispered. He nodded. “If we cannot get a date at St. George’s, would you object to a wedding at Cleveland House? The gardens are extensive and there is a ballroom.” He smiled. “Naturally, the children and dogs would attend as well.”
Alice had never seen the house much less the gardens, but she knew it was free-standing with a good bit of land around it. “I like the idea. When could I see it?”
“Tomorrow or the next day depending on when we depart.”
Matt glanced at Giff. “I’ll give you a letter for your father. We must settle the contracts sooner rather than later.”
Alice suspected at least one of her brothers-in-law had spoken with her betrothed about them while she was touring the house. What would the duke say about Matt’s conditions? She wanted to be present when they spoke.
The children began to yawn when dessert was served. Shortly thereafter, their maids were called to put them to bed. Hugh grinned at Giff. “It is a truly splendid banister.”
Once the children had gone, Con said, “I suspect you will be plagued by him for invitations. Shall I forbid it?”
“Not at all. I’m sure when we are on the way to someone’s house or another this will be a convenient stop. It will be a pleasure to have him and the other children visit.” Alice raised one brow and directed it at her betrothed. Giff added, “Provided he is accompanied by his nursemaid.”
Alice rose. “It is time to repair to the drawing room.” She glanced at Giff. “Are you remaining here or joining us?”
“We will come with you.” He went to the foot of the table to escort her. “Cummings, have the port and brandy brought to the drawing room you have set up. A footman will lead us there.”
“Yes, my lord.” The butler’s bow was not quite as stiff as before.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Once they were gathered in the parlor and everyone had a beverage, Alice dismissed the servants.
“There is an issue we have not discussed,” Worthington said.
Giff noticed the other gentlemen’s countenances were grim. “Normanby. Do you know what happened to him?”
Worthington shook his head. “Unless Lady Bellamny had him locked up, which is extremely unlikely, he is no longer at the inn or its vicinity.”
“He’d better not go anywhere near Alice or Town for that matter.” Giff scowled.
“You are not to challenge him to a duel.” His beloved directed a hard look at Giff.
“Alice is correct,” his mother said. “It would start tongues wagging.”
“What shall we do?” Rothwell asked.
“We could kidnap him and send him overseas somewhere,” Kenilworth suggested as he gently twirled his glass of brandy.
Giff had no doubt at all they would do just that if they found the scoundrel.
“He did not harm me.” Alice’s tone was thoughtful. “He wanted to force me into marriage by having people see us together. The only time he touched me was to keep me from calling out at a toll booth. We should quietly put it about that he is a fortune hunter who is already betrothed.”
“And make sure he is not invited anywhere.” Lady Kenilworth glanced at Mamma.
She took a sip of wine. “I have already been asking questions about him. I can easily say I have found he is insolvent and betrothed to a Cit’s daughter. That will stop most ladies from inviting him to their entertainments.”
It would. Although would that alone be enough to stop Normanby? And would the man try to punish Alice for punching him? Giff met Worthington’s eyes. Alice needed more protection. Giff was certain her brother-in-law would assign more footmen and insist she take a carriage. He would have Normanby’s house watched and the man trailed. Giff glanced at his betrothed. Meanwhile, he meant to spend as much time with her as possible.
After tea, everyone made their way to their rooms. Other than Alice, his mother was the only person in the family wing. He stared at the paneled canopy of his bed, wishing she was here with him. He couldn’t go to her. That would be a breach of his duties. The clock struck ten. She was probably asleep. Worthington had announced they would all leave fairly early in the morning. He rolled over and gazed out at the dark room. A figure dressed in white moved slowly toward his bed, feeling for furniture as she went. He waited until she was close to the bed.
“My lord,” Cummings said.
Giff closed his eyes and sighed. How had he missed how tall the figure was? Why the devis was his butler in his room? “What is it?”
“One of Lord Worthington’s men caught someone sneaking around the house. He’s being held in the stables.”
“Wait for me.” Giff threw back the covers and grabbed his breeches. Fortunately, he was wearing a nightshirt. He shoved his feet into a pair of shoes.
When they got to the stables, the man was bound to a post. It was the groom from Normanby’s stable. “Where is your master?”
“I ain’t got no master.” The man spat on the brick floor.
“Indeed?” Giff raised his brow. He wished he’d thought to ask his groom to come. “You did the last time I saw you.”
“I don’t know what yer talkin about.”
