Papa frowned. “I am not certain that will give my solicitor enough time.”
Worthington cocked a brow. “Your grace, the wedding is in two weeks. No plans will go forward until the agreements are signed.” He motioned with his head around the drawing room. “I have a great deal of experience in these matters.”
Giff’s father assumed a resigned expression. “Very well. Is ten o’clock too early for you, my lord?”
“Not at all. That is the time most of these discussions are held.” He motioned to the other gentlemen. “I suppose you must know some of my brothers-in-law, but allow me to provide an introduction . . .”
“Carter-Woods,” Papa stated with a frown when they got to Phinn. “Are you related to Dorchester?”
Phinn bowed. “I am his brother and current heir. I do hope he will have a son.”
“I wish him well.”
Next was Harry Stern who bowed. “I believe you know my uncle Bristol.”
“I do. Excellent man. I knew his father as well.”
“In that case, you must also be acquainted with my grandmother.”
Papa narrowed his eyes. “You have the look of her. Formidable woman.”
“It runs in my family.” Harry’s lips tilted up. “You will eventually meet my wife, one of Worthington’s sisters.” He glanced around. “She is with your duchess.”
With those introductions completed Giff began strolling with his father toward the ladies. Papa turned to him. “I can see her bloodlines are excellent. Merton is a cousin, is he not?”
“He is.” Giff maintained a sober countenance as his father began to recognize the strength of Alice’s family ties.
His father nodded slightly. “I know that Kenilworth’s line goes back to the conquest.”
“I believe Worthington’s line does as well, and the title is quite old.”
“Yes, yes. Lady Alice is extraordinarily well connected.”
That was one of Papa’s requirements met. “Mamma has placed Lady Kenilworth and the Duchess of Rothwell next to you.”
“Excellent. That will give me an opportunity to learn more about your betrothed.”
Not that it would matter to Giff. He was going to marry Alice no matter what his father’s view of her. “I think you will find both ladies interesting.”
Ardley stepped into the room and announced dinner. Giff was interested to see that Mamma broke protocol by having Worthington instead of Rothwell escort her into the dining room.
He found Alice, and she placed her hand on his arm. “You look exquisite this evening.”
She grinned at him. “It must be the parure. I thanked your mother for sending them. They are perfect.”
“It is not the jewels. It is you. You make the sapphires glow.” What he would really like is Alice in bed wearing nothing but the necklace. His cock came to life, and he almost groaned. They reached their seats, and he held hers. “I have something for you before the ball begins.”
Her eyes widened. “What is it?”
“You’ll have to wait to see.”
Dinner went better than Giff thought it would. More than once, his father roared with laughter. Mamma was deep into discussions with both Worthington and Rothwell. On the other side of Giff was Alice’s twin sister Eleanor. He told her about their plan to sail to Scotland then to France after their wedding while Alice told Montagu. By the end of the meal, they had all decided to travel together.
It wasn’t long before his parents took their places to receive their guests. He drew Alice aside and handed her a long slender box. “I hope you like this.”
She stared down at it and glanced at him. “You did not.”
“I did.”
Alice unwrapped the gift. It was the fan she saw when they were shopping. “It is even more beautiful than I remembered.”
He took her other fan from her and handed it to a footman. “But not as beautiful as you, my love.”
She had never been happier, and she would be happier still. This was just the beginning of their live together. She reached up and kissed him. “Thank you, my love.”
“Now.” He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. “We must discuss the matter of dances for the evening,” he said as they strolled toward the ballroom. “I believe I am allowed to claim every one of them.”
“You are.” It might appear odd if no one knew they were betrothed. “Do you know when your parents plan to make the announcement?”
He took two glasses of champagne from a footman and handed her one. “At the opening of the ball. My mother already spoke with your sister about which time would be best.”
Under the circumstances, it was the best idea. Alice was very glad she had taken care not to be seen in the coach with Normanby. The only time anyone could have spotted her was at the inn. “In that case, every set is yours.”
Eleanor, Madeline, and their husbands joined them. Madeline leaned over and whispered, “There is some talk that you might have been with Normanby in his coach.”
Lady Bellamny had been correct. Someone had noticed them. Alice hoped rumors would soon be put to rest. “The announcement should dispel any gossip.”
The room was filling, and the rest of her family joined them. Matt glanced at the short set of stairs to the ballroom. “Here they come.” He placed Grace’s hand on his arm. “It’s time. Alice, St. Albans, come with us.”
