The Groom List, page 13
She wanted to say yes, but Lord Hereford had asked her to ride with him. “I cannot, but I am free the day after that.”
“Excellent.” His tone was rather dry, but he did not appear upset. “I will look forward to strolling with you again.”
“As will I.” They reached the gate as Lord St. Albans was about to drive in. He stopped outside. “My lord, good afternoon.”
He smiled at her and ignored her companion. “My lady.”
She had almost forgotten he and Lord Normanby did not get on. “There are a great many people here. I hope you enjoy your ride.”
The look in his eyes reminded her of a sad puppy. “It will be poorer without your presence, Lady Alice.”
So, this was what the other ladies were talking about. “But you must survive.”
He put his hand over his heart. “Only if you insist.”
She grinned and waved as she and Lord Normanby strolled through the gate. “Until the next time.”
“I shall live for the moment.” Lord St. Albans drove through the gate.
“Popinjay,” Lord Normanby muttered.
Recalling her conversation with Lord St. Albans about his estate, she turned to Lord Normanby. “I know you have priest-holes in your house, but how is the rest of your estate?”
His eyes widened in surprise. “There are four in total. I want to look into modernizing all of them, beginning with my main estate.”
It was good that he wanted to improve his holdings. “Are you conversant with Holkham Hall?”
He nodded. “I have heard something about it. I suppose I should write for an appointment to visit. It is no more than two days ride from Normanby.”
“You can also ask my brothers-in-law. They have all visited and come away with excellent ideas.”
They reached Worthington House, and he bowed. “I look forward to our dance at Lady Millsworth’s ball tomorrow evening.”
Alice had almost forgotten about her dance with him. “I shall see you then.”
He bowed over her hand. As he left, he was almost run into by a young boy running to the servants’ entrance. Lord Normanby stiffened. For a second, Alice thought he might lash out at the lad, but he continued down the pavement. Why would she think he could abuse servants? She gave herself a shake. Then chuckled as she remembered Lord St. Albans’ flirtatiousness. He was much more entertaining than he had been before.
She went to her bedchamber, removed her bonnet and gloves, then ambled to her parlor. This was when she missed her twin and Madeline the most. They used to gather together and talk about the gentlemen with whom they had ridden. Alice supposed she could imagine the conversations. She knew them well enough to know what they would say. Still, it was not the same.
Just as she sighed, a knock came on the door. “Yes?”
Theo entered the parlor. “How have you been? It must be lonely for you not to have Eleanor and Madeline here.”
What a sweetheart. “It is rather. Do you miss them as well?”
“I ordered tea.” Theo sat on one of the sofas. “I do miss them. But I was thinking how Mary would feel when I wed. If I marry before she does.”
Theo was three years older than Mary. “Why do you think you would not?”
The girl lifted a shoulder in a light shrug. “I might wait until she is eighteen. We could come out together.”
Oh, dear. Alice wondered what Matt and Grace would think about that idea. “I came out with Eleanor and Madeline, and I am the last one to wed.”
Theo’s forehead wrinkled. “That is true. I must think on it some more.” The tea arrived, and they fixed their plates and cups. She ate two biscuits. “How was your walk?”
Alice might as well tell her sister. “It was nice. You probably know we made a list of qualities a gentleman must have. I asked him questions today. He has met four of them so far.”
Theo nodded. “Making a list was a good idea. Could I borrow it when the time comes?”
“Certainly.” Alice might as well show it to her. She rose, went to the desk, and took it out. “You may read it if you wish.”
Her sister’s eyes widened as if she was astonished. “Really? That would be wonderful!”
Alice kept her smile to herself and handed the paper to Theo. “It is not a secret.”
“Thank you.” Drinking her tea, she perused the list. “These are all extremely excellent attributes.”
“I am glad you agree with them. You can see at the bottom I added being a friend. It occurred to me that since I will be going off to live with someone else, he should be a friend as well as a husband.”
“Yes, indeed.” Theo’s dark brows drew together reminding Alice of Louisa. “I do not believe anyone else has considered that.” Theo handed the paper back to Alice and set down her cup. “It was nice talking to you.”
As short as the conversation had been. “I appreciate you coming by.”
Her sister rose from the sofa. “I shall see you in the drawing room.”
“Until then.” She started to put the list away but decided to read through it again.
Intelligent. Lord Normanby seemed intelligent.
Kind. She had not seen that he was not kind. Was there a way she could test this?
Like house animals. Well, he said he did. Perhaps she could give Posy another chance.
Like children. Still an open question.
Make us laugh, and think we are funny. Hmmm. He had laughed today, but he had not made her laugh.
Interested in the plight of the poor and unfortunate. He agreed that charities were necessary.
Must support us in our charities and other ventures. Would he allow her to support her charities? He indicated that they were necessary, and he had not said he did not want his wife involved in them. But would he tell her before he asked to wed her?
Passable looking. He was not the most handsome gentleman she had met, but he was quite good looking.
Allow us to be ourselves . Unknown.
Be able to support a family. Matt would know more about that, but he had allowed Lord Normanby to dance with her and walk with her.
Must love us in return. Did she love him? Could he love her? Time would tell.
Alice slipped the list back into the drawer. It was important she get this right.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Giff arrived home to another note from Lady Mary.
Dear Lord St. Albans,
I would greatly appreciate it if you would have someone watch the mews behind Normanby House just after six in the morning and follow the female who leaves through the back gate and has a hackney waiting.
Yr. friend,
M.C.
Bloody-hell hounds! Was she referring to a mistress? If so, how would she know about such a thing? And what in perdition was Normanby doing with a mistress when he was courting Alice? Giff ran a hand down his face. He should probably tell either Worthington or his lady, but he didn’t want Lady Mary to get into trouble for trying to help him. Still, he had to do what she asked. As much as he didn’t want that bounder Normanby around Alice, for her sake Giff had to know what was going on. The problem was if the man did have a ladybird, how could he tell her? Would she even believe him? He held the note to a candle and lit it on fire, placed it in his cold fireplace, went to the stables and found Fergus. Giff handed the groom a small sack of coins. “I have something I want you to do.”
Always up for a lark, the man’s pale blue eyes were bright. “What is it?”
He told him what was in Lady Mary’s note, but not how he came about the information. Fergus nodded. “I’ll get one of the other grooms to take care of Hector tomorrow.”
“When she arrives to where she is going, make note of the address, and I’ll talk to her myself if need be.”
“I think I can find out about her another way.” He tapped his nose. “If it’s what yer thinkin’, one of the maids will talk.”
“Good man.” Giff really did not want to have a conversation with Normanby’s mistress. That could cause all sorts of trouble. “I wish I could be there myself.”
“Better you go riding with the lady, me lord.”
The man was a sage. “You’re right.”
The next morning Giff awoke to rain. There’d be no riding with Alice today, but he could go with Fergus.
Gunn entered the room. “What are yer plans for the day, my lord?”
Giff flung back the covers. “A little spying is in order. I’ll need something nondescript.”
His valet went into the dressing room and came out with a set of older garments he wore in the country. “I’ll notify Fergus.”
It wasn’t until he was halfway through dressing that Giff realized that his valet must know what his groom was up to today. Not that he was concerned it would go any further. His Scots servants treated the English ones as if they were still at war. In the politest way possible, of course. Several minutes later he’d donned a waxed coat, hat, and had arrived at the stables. A small, unmarked town coach he hadn’t seen in years stood ready, with Fergus sitting on the covered box. Giff climbed in and it rolled forward without him having to knock on the ceiling. Soon they came to a stop, and he got out. The carriage was in the middle of a small alley down two stables from one that was open.
One of the servants from the open stable strode up the street to them. “Ye can’t stay there. A hackney’s comin’ soon, and I don’t want to be the one she screams at if she can’t get right in.”
Giff had moved toward one of the gates and pretended to look at it, giving Fergus the lead.
“Wouldn’t want ye to get into trouble. Me employer is just looking at this property. We won’t be a second.” Silence fell while Giff tried to look as if he had a purpose there.
“How much longer?” the servant asked.
“She must be a real bitch,” Fergus said.
“That’s bein’ kind. Ain’t happy she’s to come here, but his lordship can’t be caught seeing her.”
“If he’s a laird, what does it matter?” Fergus said innocently.
“He needs a leg-shackle, or we’re all lookin’ for new places. How much longer?”
“Almost done,” he said.
Giff took the hint, strolled back to the coach, got in, and it started forward. Behind him came a hackney. They drove around the corner, stopped, and waited until the hackney drove out of the mews then followed it to an area of row houses known to be home to several high-flyers. A woman got down from the hackney and ran to the house.
Giff’s coach came to a halt, and Fergus appeared at the carriage door window. “I’ll be a few minutes. She’ll be in a temper at the weather. Someone’s bound to come in or out for somethin’.” The groom strolled down the street as if he enjoyed being out in the rain. “Here now, let me help ye with that.”
Giff glanced out and saw Fergus with a woman.
“Oh, thank you.” The servant handed him the basket. “My mistress is going to be upset that her breakfast is late. Especially in this weather.”
“That’s a might heavy for someone as slight as ye.”
“It will all be over soon, and we can get back to normal,” the woman said. “None of this running back and forth at night and early morning.”
“I’m glad for ye,” Fergus said sympathetically.
That was the same thing the other servant had told them.
“What’s going to make the change?” he asked.
“Her protector is getting married. Once that happens it will all go back to the way it was.”
“Didn’t know a gentleman gettin’ married kept his mistress.”
“It’s not a love match.” They passed by the coach window, but all Giff could see was her bonnet. “Here we are. I’ll take the basket now. Thank you for your help.”
“Not at’all. I’ll carry it to the door fer ye.”
“That would be lovely. Thank you.”
Giff’s hands curled into fists. That blackguard. He’d kill Normanby if it would solve anything. Somehow Giff had to stop Alice from marrying the cad. The question was how to do it. He forced his hands to relax and focus on the two pieces of information he had discovered. First, Normanby was under the hatches, and second, he had no intention of giving up his mistress after he married, and he was taking great pains to continue to be with her. Giff had always known the man was a runagate. He could tell Worthington and leave it in his hands. But young ladies weren’t always capable of seeing the truth about a gentleman. Even a lady as astute as Alice might do something stupid like elope with the rogue. No. It would be better for Giff to continue to befriend her and be there when Normanby’s true nature was revealed, either by chance or because Giff engineered it. And it would be better for her to discover the cur’s infamy that way. Her anger would soon end any feelings she had for him. He glanced out the window and noticed they were almost home. Another visit to Hatchards was in order. He had a feeling she was often at the bookstore.
* * *
Rain.
Alice rolled over and pulled up the covers. She really could not complain. They had not had much rain at all this Season. It was England, and one needed rain for all sorts of things. A longish nose appeared in the opening between the bed hangings. “You can come.”
Posy’s nose and head poked through, followed by one paw placed on the embroidered counterpane. The other paw joined it. Eventually, the rest of her body made it onto the bed, and she snuggled next to Alice with a soft moan.
“Someone is going to be looking for you soon.” How had the Dane escaped? It did not matter. Alice had no reason to rise immediately. The door opened and the muffled sounds of the fireplace being cleaned, then a fire being built could be heard. It really was early.
Suddenly the hangings were drawn back. “My lady. There you are!”
Where else would she be but in her bed? Something heavy landed on her stomach. She glanced down. Posy’s head. Alice rubbed her eyes. “I must have gone back to sleep.”
“It’s time to get up now,” her dresser said. “Come, Miss Posy. As much as you detest the rain, you must go out.”
“Someone should build a covered area for them.” Alice would mention it to Matt. She pushed the dog. “I cannot rise with your head on my stomach. Up.” Posy looked at Alice as if she had betrayed the Dane. It was time to be firmer. “Up.” Reluctantly the dog climbed out of the bed. She swung her legs over the side and almost stepped on Posy resting on the floor. Alice carefully arched her back to miss the dog as she left the bed. By the time she had dressed, a footman had taken the Dane to go for a walk.
When Alice reached the stairs, Theo and Mary had their heads together, speaking in hushed voices.
What were they up to? “Good morning.”
The girls broke apart and greeted her.
“Are you going to Hatchards today,” Theo asked.
“Probably.” There was not very much else to do in the mornings.
“Oh, good.” She smiled. “Will you pick me up a book on sheep? The kind whose wool is used for carpet making?”
Why in God’s name would she be interested in . . . “Sheep?”
“Yes.” Theo nodded. “For making rugs. From the wool. They are very useful animals.”
Alice had not thought she meant the animal itself. “I will take a look.”
“Thank you.” Her sister flashed her a smile. “I am starving.”
“I am peckish as well,” Mary said, and they both dashed down the stairs.
Alice followed at a much more sedate pace. It would take her some time to find the right tome for her sister. Still, there really was nothing else to do this morning. Well, that sounded like moping. It was time to find something to occupy her time. It occurred to her that she had still not found her purpose. Perhaps this was opportunity to do just that.
She took her place at the table and was glad to see it had been shortened, making it feel not so empty. Alice heaved a sigh. She really was feeling sorry for herself. It had to stop.
By ten o’clock the rain had ceased and the sun, although not fully shining, was peeping out from the remaining clouds. She went to Grace’s office, found it empty, and strolled to the hall. “Thorton, do you know where her ladyship is?”
“She is visiting Lady Evesham.”
Alice remembered hearing that Phoebe Evesham was finally in Town. “I am going to Hatchards.”
“I shall call for Williams.”
Drat. Alice had forgotten to inform her footman. Fortunately, he came immediately. “Are we walking, my lady.”
“Yes.” A good stroll was the best way to shake herself out of this mood. “I will attempt to limit the number of books I purchase.”
Williams’s lips twitched, but he did not respond. They strode out of the square and turned toward Piccadilly. She arrived shortly before ten-thirty. By now she was thoroughly familiar with where the books she wanted were located and went directly to the section dealing with land and animal husbandry.
Seated at the table was St. Albans. “Good morning.”
He raised his head and gave her a distracted smile. “Good morn to you.”
Alice scanned the shelves for volumes on sheep. “Do you happen to know which sheep are used for making carpets?”
“Scottish Black-face, Welsh Mountain Sheep, and Piebald. Which breed you want depends on where you are.”
She almost dropped her jaw. Just a day ago, he said he knew almost nothing about them. “How did you learn so much in such a short time?”
He tapped the book. “Reading. I have a great deal of opportunity for it.” He’d risen when she entered the space. “What brought on your interest?”
“My sister Theo wanted me to bring her some information on sheep for rug making.”
He frowned. Did he not like ladies involving themselves in the subject? But that did not make any sense. He had asked Alice for help. “How old is she?”
Laughter burbled up inside. “Fourteen. Mary is eleven. They surprise me as well. Sometimes they remind me of older people in young bodies.”
“I understand what you mean.” He took two books down from the shelves and placed them on the table. “This will get you started.”
Alice took the chair opposite St. Albans. “Thank you.”
“Excellent.” His tone was rather dry, but he did not appear upset. “I will look forward to strolling with you again.”
“As will I.” They reached the gate as Lord St. Albans was about to drive in. He stopped outside. “My lord, good afternoon.”
He smiled at her and ignored her companion. “My lady.”
She had almost forgotten he and Lord Normanby did not get on. “There are a great many people here. I hope you enjoy your ride.”
The look in his eyes reminded her of a sad puppy. “It will be poorer without your presence, Lady Alice.”
So, this was what the other ladies were talking about. “But you must survive.”
He put his hand over his heart. “Only if you insist.”
She grinned and waved as she and Lord Normanby strolled through the gate. “Until the next time.”
“I shall live for the moment.” Lord St. Albans drove through the gate.
“Popinjay,” Lord Normanby muttered.
Recalling her conversation with Lord St. Albans about his estate, she turned to Lord Normanby. “I know you have priest-holes in your house, but how is the rest of your estate?”
His eyes widened in surprise. “There are four in total. I want to look into modernizing all of them, beginning with my main estate.”
It was good that he wanted to improve his holdings. “Are you conversant with Holkham Hall?”
He nodded. “I have heard something about it. I suppose I should write for an appointment to visit. It is no more than two days ride from Normanby.”
“You can also ask my brothers-in-law. They have all visited and come away with excellent ideas.”
They reached Worthington House, and he bowed. “I look forward to our dance at Lady Millsworth’s ball tomorrow evening.”
Alice had almost forgotten about her dance with him. “I shall see you then.”
He bowed over her hand. As he left, he was almost run into by a young boy running to the servants’ entrance. Lord Normanby stiffened. For a second, Alice thought he might lash out at the lad, but he continued down the pavement. Why would she think he could abuse servants? She gave herself a shake. Then chuckled as she remembered Lord St. Albans’ flirtatiousness. He was much more entertaining than he had been before.
She went to her bedchamber, removed her bonnet and gloves, then ambled to her parlor. This was when she missed her twin and Madeline the most. They used to gather together and talk about the gentlemen with whom they had ridden. Alice supposed she could imagine the conversations. She knew them well enough to know what they would say. Still, it was not the same.
Just as she sighed, a knock came on the door. “Yes?”
Theo entered the parlor. “How have you been? It must be lonely for you not to have Eleanor and Madeline here.”
What a sweetheart. “It is rather. Do you miss them as well?”
“I ordered tea.” Theo sat on one of the sofas. “I do miss them. But I was thinking how Mary would feel when I wed. If I marry before she does.”
Theo was three years older than Mary. “Why do you think you would not?”
The girl lifted a shoulder in a light shrug. “I might wait until she is eighteen. We could come out together.”
Oh, dear. Alice wondered what Matt and Grace would think about that idea. “I came out with Eleanor and Madeline, and I am the last one to wed.”
Theo’s forehead wrinkled. “That is true. I must think on it some more.” The tea arrived, and they fixed their plates and cups. She ate two biscuits. “How was your walk?”
Alice might as well tell her sister. “It was nice. You probably know we made a list of qualities a gentleman must have. I asked him questions today. He has met four of them so far.”
Theo nodded. “Making a list was a good idea. Could I borrow it when the time comes?”
“Certainly.” Alice might as well show it to her. She rose, went to the desk, and took it out. “You may read it if you wish.”
Her sister’s eyes widened as if she was astonished. “Really? That would be wonderful!”
Alice kept her smile to herself and handed the paper to Theo. “It is not a secret.”
“Thank you.” Drinking her tea, she perused the list. “These are all extremely excellent attributes.”
“I am glad you agree with them. You can see at the bottom I added being a friend. It occurred to me that since I will be going off to live with someone else, he should be a friend as well as a husband.”
“Yes, indeed.” Theo’s dark brows drew together reminding Alice of Louisa. “I do not believe anyone else has considered that.” Theo handed the paper back to Alice and set down her cup. “It was nice talking to you.”
As short as the conversation had been. “I appreciate you coming by.”
Her sister rose from the sofa. “I shall see you in the drawing room.”
“Until then.” She started to put the list away but decided to read through it again.
Intelligent. Lord Normanby seemed intelligent.
Kind. She had not seen that he was not kind. Was there a way she could test this?
Like house animals. Well, he said he did. Perhaps she could give Posy another chance.
Like children. Still an open question.
Make us laugh, and think we are funny. Hmmm. He had laughed today, but he had not made her laugh.
Interested in the plight of the poor and unfortunate. He agreed that charities were necessary.
Must support us in our charities and other ventures. Would he allow her to support her charities? He indicated that they were necessary, and he had not said he did not want his wife involved in them. But would he tell her before he asked to wed her?
Passable looking. He was not the most handsome gentleman she had met, but he was quite good looking.
Allow us to be ourselves . Unknown.
Be able to support a family. Matt would know more about that, but he had allowed Lord Normanby to dance with her and walk with her.
Must love us in return. Did she love him? Could he love her? Time would tell.
Alice slipped the list back into the drawer. It was important she get this right.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Giff arrived home to another note from Lady Mary.
Dear Lord St. Albans,
I would greatly appreciate it if you would have someone watch the mews behind Normanby House just after six in the morning and follow the female who leaves through the back gate and has a hackney waiting.
Yr. friend,
M.C.
Bloody-hell hounds! Was she referring to a mistress? If so, how would she know about such a thing? And what in perdition was Normanby doing with a mistress when he was courting Alice? Giff ran a hand down his face. He should probably tell either Worthington or his lady, but he didn’t want Lady Mary to get into trouble for trying to help him. Still, he had to do what she asked. As much as he didn’t want that bounder Normanby around Alice, for her sake Giff had to know what was going on. The problem was if the man did have a ladybird, how could he tell her? Would she even believe him? He held the note to a candle and lit it on fire, placed it in his cold fireplace, went to the stables and found Fergus. Giff handed the groom a small sack of coins. “I have something I want you to do.”
Always up for a lark, the man’s pale blue eyes were bright. “What is it?”
He told him what was in Lady Mary’s note, but not how he came about the information. Fergus nodded. “I’ll get one of the other grooms to take care of Hector tomorrow.”
“When she arrives to where she is going, make note of the address, and I’ll talk to her myself if need be.”
“I think I can find out about her another way.” He tapped his nose. “If it’s what yer thinkin’, one of the maids will talk.”
“Good man.” Giff really did not want to have a conversation with Normanby’s mistress. That could cause all sorts of trouble. “I wish I could be there myself.”
“Better you go riding with the lady, me lord.”
The man was a sage. “You’re right.”
The next morning Giff awoke to rain. There’d be no riding with Alice today, but he could go with Fergus.
Gunn entered the room. “What are yer plans for the day, my lord?”
Giff flung back the covers. “A little spying is in order. I’ll need something nondescript.”
His valet went into the dressing room and came out with a set of older garments he wore in the country. “I’ll notify Fergus.”
It wasn’t until he was halfway through dressing that Giff realized that his valet must know what his groom was up to today. Not that he was concerned it would go any further. His Scots servants treated the English ones as if they were still at war. In the politest way possible, of course. Several minutes later he’d donned a waxed coat, hat, and had arrived at the stables. A small, unmarked town coach he hadn’t seen in years stood ready, with Fergus sitting on the covered box. Giff climbed in and it rolled forward without him having to knock on the ceiling. Soon they came to a stop, and he got out. The carriage was in the middle of a small alley down two stables from one that was open.
One of the servants from the open stable strode up the street to them. “Ye can’t stay there. A hackney’s comin’ soon, and I don’t want to be the one she screams at if she can’t get right in.”
Giff had moved toward one of the gates and pretended to look at it, giving Fergus the lead.
“Wouldn’t want ye to get into trouble. Me employer is just looking at this property. We won’t be a second.” Silence fell while Giff tried to look as if he had a purpose there.
“How much longer?” the servant asked.
“She must be a real bitch,” Fergus said.
“That’s bein’ kind. Ain’t happy she’s to come here, but his lordship can’t be caught seeing her.”
“If he’s a laird, what does it matter?” Fergus said innocently.
“He needs a leg-shackle, or we’re all lookin’ for new places. How much longer?”
“Almost done,” he said.
Giff took the hint, strolled back to the coach, got in, and it started forward. Behind him came a hackney. They drove around the corner, stopped, and waited until the hackney drove out of the mews then followed it to an area of row houses known to be home to several high-flyers. A woman got down from the hackney and ran to the house.
Giff’s coach came to a halt, and Fergus appeared at the carriage door window. “I’ll be a few minutes. She’ll be in a temper at the weather. Someone’s bound to come in or out for somethin’.” The groom strolled down the street as if he enjoyed being out in the rain. “Here now, let me help ye with that.”
Giff glanced out and saw Fergus with a woman.
“Oh, thank you.” The servant handed him the basket. “My mistress is going to be upset that her breakfast is late. Especially in this weather.”
“That’s a might heavy for someone as slight as ye.”
“It will all be over soon, and we can get back to normal,” the woman said. “None of this running back and forth at night and early morning.”
“I’m glad for ye,” Fergus said sympathetically.
That was the same thing the other servant had told them.
“What’s going to make the change?” he asked.
“Her protector is getting married. Once that happens it will all go back to the way it was.”
“Didn’t know a gentleman gettin’ married kept his mistress.”
“It’s not a love match.” They passed by the coach window, but all Giff could see was her bonnet. “Here we are. I’ll take the basket now. Thank you for your help.”
“Not at’all. I’ll carry it to the door fer ye.”
“That would be lovely. Thank you.”
Giff’s hands curled into fists. That blackguard. He’d kill Normanby if it would solve anything. Somehow Giff had to stop Alice from marrying the cad. The question was how to do it. He forced his hands to relax and focus on the two pieces of information he had discovered. First, Normanby was under the hatches, and second, he had no intention of giving up his mistress after he married, and he was taking great pains to continue to be with her. Giff had always known the man was a runagate. He could tell Worthington and leave it in his hands. But young ladies weren’t always capable of seeing the truth about a gentleman. Even a lady as astute as Alice might do something stupid like elope with the rogue. No. It would be better for Giff to continue to befriend her and be there when Normanby’s true nature was revealed, either by chance or because Giff engineered it. And it would be better for her to discover the cur’s infamy that way. Her anger would soon end any feelings she had for him. He glanced out the window and noticed they were almost home. Another visit to Hatchards was in order. He had a feeling she was often at the bookstore.
* * *
Rain.
Alice rolled over and pulled up the covers. She really could not complain. They had not had much rain at all this Season. It was England, and one needed rain for all sorts of things. A longish nose appeared in the opening between the bed hangings. “You can come.”
Posy’s nose and head poked through, followed by one paw placed on the embroidered counterpane. The other paw joined it. Eventually, the rest of her body made it onto the bed, and she snuggled next to Alice with a soft moan.
“Someone is going to be looking for you soon.” How had the Dane escaped? It did not matter. Alice had no reason to rise immediately. The door opened and the muffled sounds of the fireplace being cleaned, then a fire being built could be heard. It really was early.
Suddenly the hangings were drawn back. “My lady. There you are!”
Where else would she be but in her bed? Something heavy landed on her stomach. She glanced down. Posy’s head. Alice rubbed her eyes. “I must have gone back to sleep.”
“It’s time to get up now,” her dresser said. “Come, Miss Posy. As much as you detest the rain, you must go out.”
“Someone should build a covered area for them.” Alice would mention it to Matt. She pushed the dog. “I cannot rise with your head on my stomach. Up.” Posy looked at Alice as if she had betrayed the Dane. It was time to be firmer. “Up.” Reluctantly the dog climbed out of the bed. She swung her legs over the side and almost stepped on Posy resting on the floor. Alice carefully arched her back to miss the dog as she left the bed. By the time she had dressed, a footman had taken the Dane to go for a walk.
When Alice reached the stairs, Theo and Mary had their heads together, speaking in hushed voices.
What were they up to? “Good morning.”
The girls broke apart and greeted her.
“Are you going to Hatchards today,” Theo asked.
“Probably.” There was not very much else to do in the mornings.
“Oh, good.” She smiled. “Will you pick me up a book on sheep? The kind whose wool is used for carpet making?”
Why in God’s name would she be interested in . . . “Sheep?”
“Yes.” Theo nodded. “For making rugs. From the wool. They are very useful animals.”
Alice had not thought she meant the animal itself. “I will take a look.”
“Thank you.” Her sister flashed her a smile. “I am starving.”
“I am peckish as well,” Mary said, and they both dashed down the stairs.
Alice followed at a much more sedate pace. It would take her some time to find the right tome for her sister. Still, there really was nothing else to do this morning. Well, that sounded like moping. It was time to find something to occupy her time. It occurred to her that she had still not found her purpose. Perhaps this was opportunity to do just that.
She took her place at the table and was glad to see it had been shortened, making it feel not so empty. Alice heaved a sigh. She really was feeling sorry for herself. It had to stop.
By ten o’clock the rain had ceased and the sun, although not fully shining, was peeping out from the remaining clouds. She went to Grace’s office, found it empty, and strolled to the hall. “Thorton, do you know where her ladyship is?”
“She is visiting Lady Evesham.”
Alice remembered hearing that Phoebe Evesham was finally in Town. “I am going to Hatchards.”
“I shall call for Williams.”
Drat. Alice had forgotten to inform her footman. Fortunately, he came immediately. “Are we walking, my lady.”
“Yes.” A good stroll was the best way to shake herself out of this mood. “I will attempt to limit the number of books I purchase.”
Williams’s lips twitched, but he did not respond. They strode out of the square and turned toward Piccadilly. She arrived shortly before ten-thirty. By now she was thoroughly familiar with where the books she wanted were located and went directly to the section dealing with land and animal husbandry.
Seated at the table was St. Albans. “Good morning.”
He raised his head and gave her a distracted smile. “Good morn to you.”
Alice scanned the shelves for volumes on sheep. “Do you happen to know which sheep are used for making carpets?”
“Scottish Black-face, Welsh Mountain Sheep, and Piebald. Which breed you want depends on where you are.”
She almost dropped her jaw. Just a day ago, he said he knew almost nothing about them. “How did you learn so much in such a short time?”
He tapped the book. “Reading. I have a great deal of opportunity for it.” He’d risen when she entered the space. “What brought on your interest?”
“My sister Theo wanted me to bring her some information on sheep for rug making.”
He frowned. Did he not like ladies involving themselves in the subject? But that did not make any sense. He had asked Alice for help. “How old is she?”
Laughter burbled up inside. “Fourteen. Mary is eleven. They surprise me as well. Sometimes they remind me of older people in young bodies.”
“I understand what you mean.” He took two books down from the shelves and placed them on the table. “This will get you started.”
Alice took the chair opposite St. Albans. “Thank you.”
