Tea was brought, interrupting the flow of the conversation. Quite on purpose, Giff surmised. Alice served. “How do you like your tea, sir?”
“Milk and sugar, please.”
As she gracefully poured tea for them all, his father watched her and nodded approvingly. She returned to her chair.
“Your grace,” Worthington said. “In what way is the proposal inadequate?”
“It is not inadequate. It is outrageous.” Papa reminded Giff of a bantam cock used to having his own way.
Alice leaned forward slightly and narrowed her eyes. “You think it is outrageous that I be protected as befits my station not only as the sister and daughter of an earl, but as your heir’s wife? If he dies before me, I will not be made a poor relation, sir.”
His father had probably never considered that a lady would keep her own property, including the dowry, and have guardianship of her children. As well as a generous allowance and a dower house separate from the one in which his mother might reside.
Papa held his serviette to his mouth as he spluttered.
“She is correct, Papa. The purpose of this contract is to protect my wife and children in the event of my death. If she gives birth to an heir and if she does not.”
His father stood. “I did not come here to be told what to do.”
Alice rose as well. “That is unfortunate. I dearly love Giff, but I cannot marry him without the protections of the agreements.” She glanced at him. “I am sorry, my darling.”
That was a good touch.
“My son will wed another lady,” his father practically shouted.
Giff stood. “I shall not. I will marry Lady Alice or no one.”
Papa looked at Giff, then at Alice. Finally, he glanced at Worthington who was regarding Papa with an interested expression. “You put them up to this. Turned my own son against me.”
Giff coughed. “No. Lady Alice is quite serious about these agreements.”
“Young lady?” Papa blustered.
She raised her brows. “Your grace?”
The room was silent as they locked gazes for almost a full minute. “By God.” He slapped the top of the chair. “You’ll make a deuced good duchess. I almost gave up hope of him finding a lady with a spine like yours.” He took his seat again. “Well, Worthington, let’s get to it. I agree.”
Giff let out the breath he’d been holding. He’d been right. All they had to do was to stand up to his father. While he, Papa, and Worthington signed the agreements, Alice tugged the bell-pull. The butler appeared with champagne and glasses.
As the secretary took the documents, the butler poured. Papa held up his glass. “Welcome to the family, my dear.
Alice inclined her head and returned the toast.
Next Papa saluted Worthington. “You are as formidable as I had been told. I’m glad for our connection.”
Once the wine had been drunk, Worthington escorted Papa out of the study.
“Is he always like that?” Alice asked.
Giff pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “Only when he decides to be obstinate.
His father left muttering to himself, “ Eight. Two dukes, three marquises . . .”
The door closed and they were alone for at least a minute or two. Alice grinned. “I think he likes playing a bully to see if someone stands up to him.”
Giff wondered. “A trickster?”
“Not so much a trickster as an instigator. I suppose I shall have to get used to crossing swords with him.”
Giff shuddered at the thought. “Which is the very reason we are not living at Cleveland Castle.”
“Thank Heaven for that.” She pulled a face. “We will be in the same house during the Season.”
He took her hand. “It’s now time for you to see the Heir’s Wing of Cleveland House.”
They called for her phaeton and made the drive to his parents’ house.
They were greeted by the Cleveland under-butler, a tall well-built man who looked to be in his thirties. Alice had thought to make Williams the butler, but the under-butler was clearly hoping for the position. She would have to speak to Giff about it.
The servant bowed. “Her grace said you would want to inspect the wing today.”
Alice smiled. “Thank you. What is your name?
“Simmons, my lady. Mrs. Simmons, my wife, is the senior maid. She is waiting to show you around and assist you.”
Mrs. Simmons would most likely become their housekeeper. It was a good thing to have senior staff already in place. “Let us begin.”
Mrs. Simmons arrived with a notebook and pencil in hand and curtseyed. “My lady, I have had an opportunity to inspect the linens.” She grimaced. “Most of them will need to be replaced.”
