She tucked her hand into the crook. “I suppose no one mentioned that was one of the reasons we have footmen serving.”
“Ah, I had wondered about that.” He chuckled.
“We must save what we can on the sideboard. I shall inform Cummings of the new custom when the children are visiting.”
They met her sisters and brothers-in-law as they descended the stairs. “The children are before us.”
Her statement was met by heartfelt sighs.
“I hope they left something for us to eat,” Rothwell said.
Giff exchanged a glance with her. “I am certain we are not out of food.”
“They are heathens,” Kenilworth said.
“Yet you keep wanting to have more of them,” his wife responded.
“I never said I didn’t like heathens,” Kenilworth quipped.
Alice strolled into the breakfast room and stopped. The sideboard was indeed demolished. Pieces of egg were everywhere. How far could an egg go? She clapped her hands and the footmen straightened. “Clean this mess. From now on, breakfast will be served at the table. Find out what is left and bring trays around. I also want racks of toast and a pot of tea for each person. If we do not have enough racks or pots, I want to know about it.”
“Yes, my lady,” one of the footmen said as the rest scurried around.
She glanced at the children who were looking guilty. “If you have finished, please go to the nursery and clean up.”
“I told them it was a bad idea,” Elizabeth said as she walked by. “But everyone wanted to try.”
Giff’s shoulders shook as he covered his mouth.
Charlotte, Louisa, and Dotty raised their brows and shook their heads.
The gentlemen escorted their ladies to their seats.
Alice would have laughed, but it would not be appropriate in front of the poor servants. “A lesson learned is no bad thing.”
The rest of the day was spent touring the estate. An alfresco luncheon was packed and enjoyed on a rise. Alice was falling in love with the property and the tenants who were more welcoming than she could have imagined.
That night she entered the apartments that would be hers the next time she came to this house. Giff was waiting for her with a carafe of wine.
“I hoped you would come.” He drew her into his arms and kissed her. They made love slowly. It was even better than before. This time there was no pain at all.
Later, Alice nestled her head on his chest. “I wish we could stay here and continue to be together.”
“As do I, but that would scandalize everyone.” He used his bored drawl, and she pinched his hand.
He jerked the appendage back. “That hurt.”
“Then do not be dense. You know I meant as a married couple.”
“I do.” His kissed her. “Speaking of being married. Have you given any thought to my mother’s suggestion?”
She had the only problem was that one could not schedule the weather. “A garden wedding would be lovely if it did not rain.”
He stroked her hair. “It is England. I can’t promise you a sunny day.”
“I cannot decide. I like all three ideas.” She turned to be able to look at him. He was more handsome than ever with his hair ruffled and stubble on his face. His green eyes sparkled as he gazed at her. “I will let Grace decide. She and your mother will be planning the wedding.”
His brows rose. “That is diplomatic of you.”
“A wedding is but one day in our lives. I would rather concentrate on what truly matters. Our trip to Scotland and our honeymoon. How long can we be away? Where will we go first when we return, and where will we reside most of the year?”
“I do not want to live in Scotland during the winter. However, I would like to be there for Hogmanay.”
“We could take my family with us. I am certain everyone will be interested in the celebration.” She laid her head on his chest again. “Shall we spend most of the summer in Scotland?”
“I like that idea. We’ll have the bairns speaking Scots in no time.”
Alice stroked his chest, enjoying the texture of the soft curly hair covering it. “And wearing kilts as well.”
He kissed her. “Will we attend the Season?”
“I think we must. That is when we will be able to meet with people regarding politics and consult on charities.” She kissed his chest, running her tongue over his nipple as he had done to her. His body tightened in response. “We should probably be in Scotland for the harvest and can spend the rest of the year here.” She licked him again.
“Keep that up and you won’t get much sleep tonight.” His low growl made her smile.
“I can sleep in the coach. But you will have to drive your carriage.”
“Minx.” He rolled her over so her back was to his front, holding her close to him. “Go to sleep. We can continue this discussion later.”
