“I’ll have to suggest it to m’father.” Maybe that would hurry the process along. “Have you visited Weston yet?”
“No. He has my measurements. My valet sent over my requirements. You?”
“I have an appointment later this morning. I like to go myself. It gives me something to do.”
Montagu frowned. “Will your father not give you any responsibility at all?”
“Not until I’m wed.” Giff drank the rest of his tea and rose. “I must be off. By the time I bathe and change, I will have to be at Weston’s.”
“Of course. I’ll see you out.”
As they strode to the door, Giff wondered if his mother might have some suggestions of things to keep him busy. In the meantime, he had his appointment at Weston’s and would go through his invitations. After he’d been fitted for a few new suits, he strolled down Bond Street, then over to Bruton Street, and Piccadilly. When it occurred to him he was looking for ladies he could be introduced to, specifically one lady, he went home. It was a sad state of affairs when one was reduced to roaming the streets. After luncheon, he went to his desk and read through the cards. It was as he suspected, none of them were for events where young ladies would be. The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting Angelo’s and Jackson’s. But even they were thin of company. Fortunately, he arrived home as his mother’s and father’s personal servants along with the baggage were disembarking from the coach. That meant his parents would be here in an hour. Not for Mamma a hall filled with luggage. She wanted everything put away before she stepped into the house. Giff left a message to be notified as soon as their coach was sighted and was in the hall to greet them.
“Mamma, Papa, how was your journey?” He hugged his mother and shook his father’s hand.
“Excellent,” Mamma said as she removed her bonnet. “The roads were dry, and, of course, we only stay at the inns where we are known.”
“What have you been doing since you arrived?” Papa asked.
“I had a card waiting from Montagu.” Giff told them about their rides, but not the ladies.
“I had heard his father died,” Mamma commented.
“Yes. He’s here looking for a wife. He was never on the Town. We have decided to help one another.”
Papa raised a brow. “That’s the blind leading the blind.”
Giff couldn’t argue with that. Instead he gave his most ingratiating smile. “That is the reason our mothers are here as well.”
Mamma graciously inclined her head. “Indeed it is. Come along with me. I expect to have received several invitations that should interest you.” She glanced at their butler. “Ardley, I’d like tea in my parlor.”
“Yes, your grace.”
Giff followed his mother to her parlor and took a seat in front of her desk.
She donned a pair of spectacles and started going through a surprisingly large stack of cards. Tea arrived with, sandwiches, and biscuits. He helped himself and waited while she sorted the cards into three stacks.
Mamma placed her hand on one stack and glanced up. “These are invitation to entertainments where you will be able to meet eligible ladies.”
“Excellent.” Then his curiosity got the better of him. “What are the other two?”
Her hand moved to the stack on the right. “These are purely political events. Naturally, you may attend if you wish.” She indicated the pile on the left. “These are from my friends. I will attend the events alone.” She lifted one reddish brow. “Did you, by chance, receive any helpful invitations?”
Not unless she thought an orgy would be useful. “No. I have declined all the ones I received.”
“I must say I am not surprised.” She pulled the middle stack to her. “Most of these events will not take place until after Easter. However, there are a few balls, two Venetian Breakfasts, one musical evening, and a soiree.” She took a breath. “Normally I do not approve of soirees for someone attempting to find a spouse, but this one is at Lady Thornhill’s. It should be quite interesting.”
“I will attend all of them.” In fact, he’d go anywhere his mother suggested.
“In that case, I shall have my dresser provide a list to your valet.” She pursed her lips. “It might be helpful if you were to attend a few morning visits as well. You will also want to invite any ladies in whom you are interested to ride in the Park.”
Now was the time to acknowledge he had seen his carriage. “I thank you for refurbishing my curricle.”
“It was my pleasure.” Mamma smiled. “I enjoyed the process so much I decided to brighten up my landau.” She glanced at the clock. “It is time to dress for dinner. I will see you in the drawing room.”
“Until then.” Giff rose. He’d have a wife sooner than later. He was sure of it.
CHAPTER THREE
This evening was Lady Bellamny’s soiree for young ladies coming out. Alice had heard about it from her older sisters. When Charlotte and Louisa had attended, Lady Bellamny had intimidated not only them, but the other ladies as well. But Alice had known her ladyship for so long she did not think she would be afraid of Lady Bellamny at all.
A knock sounded on her door, and it opened. “Are you ready?” Madeline asked.
“Yes.” Alice took one last look in the pier looking-glass. This was their first adult event in Town, and she was happy to see she actually looked like an adult. Her hair was arranged simply in a high knot with curls framing her face. A yellow ribbon with seed pearls was wrapped around the knot and seed pearls were scattered across the bodice of her yellow silk gown. A Norwich shawl covered her shoulders. Nodding to herself, she picked up her reticule. “I am ready.”
Grace was in the hall when they arrived and fixed each of them with a stern look. “I understand you have known Lady Bellamny for several years, but tonight is a bit different. You must act as if you are meeting her for the first time. Think of it as a test.”
A test. That is what Charlotte had called Lady Bellamny’s soiree. Louisa had said she felt as if she were a horse being inspected.
“It sounds daunting,” Madeline said.
“It does,” Eleanor replied.
They were both right, but Alice knew they had been prepared. “We will do well.”
Her sisters nodded in agreement.
When they arrived at her ladyship’s house, the line of carriages quickly discharged their passengers and moved away smartly. Footmen escorted the ladies to the door, not allowing anyone to linger on the pavement. From what Alice had heard about the long line of carriages at most events, this seemed like a very good idea. “That is efficient.”
