Eleanor stepped back. “You look so elegant. You will cast the rest of us into the shade.”
That was hardly true. They both had ball gowns befitting young matrons and wore parures. “You both look beautiful.” Alice glanced at the clock. “We should go. I do not want to be late.”
Eleanor and Madeline laughed as they linked arms with Alice and strolled with her into the corridor. Grace joined them on the landing. “You all look lovely.”
John Montagu, Harry Stern, and Matt waited in the hall.
“I hope St. Albans realizes how lucky he is,” Matt commented.
Alice glanced up at the ceiling. “You have to say that. You are my brother.”
“I agree. And I’m only newly your brother by marriage,” Harry added.
“Thank you both. However, we need to depart if we are not to be late.”
“Is St. Albans as prompt as you?” Madeline asked.
“Indeed, he is.” That was one of the things Alice had appreciated even when she had not liked him.
The gentlemen took one coach, and the ladies rode in the other. Eleanor placed her hand on Alice’s arm. “Are you nervous?”
“No. Why would I be? I have had a chance to come to know the duchess a bit. She is extremely nice. I have only met the duke at our come out ball. Giff said he can be difficult, but I do not expect him to show that side this evening.”
* * *
Cleveland House was almost as fanciful as Whippoorwill Manor, but in a different way. The three half arches with their long windows and curved balconies looked like something out of a fairytale. After they were announced, she found Louisa and Rothwell. Charlotte and Kenilworth were already there as well.
Giff was immediately at Alice’s side. “Your sister, Rothwell, decided to make a point to show my father he wouldn’t be the only duke at dinner.”
“That sounds like something she would do.” Alice was glad Louisa had thought of the idea. Alice wished she knew Giff’s father better.
“Mamma seated us together. She didn’t want Papa quizzing you.”
That was something Alice had not considered. “Would he have?”
“He very well could have done.” Giff grimaced. “He might not have been able to resist the temptation. This way he will not have an opportunity.”
She could not imagine being interrogated by his father before a ball announcing their betrothal. Her family was certain to have become involved. “I will have to thank her.”
He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm, and they began strolling toward his parents. “She is very good at avoiding disasters. I think it comes from being Scottish.”
Alice could hardly wait to meet the rest of his family. When they reached the duke and duchess, she curtseyed.
“Alice, I would like to make my father known to you. Papa, this is Lady Alice Carpenter, my betrothed.”
He bowed elegantly over her hand. “It is a pleasure, my lady. I cannot express my joy that you have decided to wed my son. Welcome to the family.”
Alice could have rolled her eyes. Instead, she smiled politely. “Thank you, your grace. I am happy to meet you again.”
He looked at her again. “Oh yes. I remember now. You’re the—”
“Archie that’s quite enough.” She gave Alice a brilliant smile. “How good to see you, my dear. I hope you like the parure. I believe it suits you well.” The duchess linked her arm with Alice’s. “Come and make me known to those of your family that were not at the manor.”
Giff looked at his father and shook his head. “Yes, she is the one who would not allow me to attend her come out ball. I do not want you to mention it to her again. If you wish to know anything about that, I will be happy to answer all your questions.”
“Your mother was right. You made a mull of it.” His father grinned and slapped him on the back. “I’m glad to see you came about. I know how that goes. The same thing happened to me.”
That was a story Giff hadn’t heard. “Come, I’ll introduce you to Alice’s guardian and brother-in-law, Worthington. Her eldest brother Stanwood is here as well.”
Papa frowned. “Why isn’t her brother her guardian?”
That was too long a story to relate now. “I’ll tell you about it later. Suffice it to say that he was too young at the time their parents died.”
“I was surprised to find she was related to both Rothwell and Kenilworth. I’m glad to see the girl is well connected.”
“You have no idea,” Giff muttered to himself as he steered his father to a group of gentlemen. “Ah, here are Worthington, Merton, Montagu, Stern, Carter-Woods, Rothwell, Kenilworth, and Stanwood.”
“They’re all related to her?” Papa asked in a whisper.
“Every single one of them.” That would put his father on his heels.
“Papa, may I introduce you to Lord Worthington. He is Lady Alice’s guardian.”
Worthington bowed. “A pleasure to meet you again, your grace.”
“The pleasure is mine.” Papa inclined his head. “I suppose we should make arrangements to discuss the settlement agreements.”
“Indeed, we should. Please have your solicitor send your information mine. St. Albans can give you his direction. We shall meet at Worthington House in two day’s time. I will have the contracts drawn up.”
