Page 22 of The Groom List
Naturally. How could he have forgotten? Young ladies weren’t allowed to go anywhere but riding in an open carriage with a gentleman. “I will get up a party. Perhaps your sisters would enjoy the outing.”
Lady Alice frowned slightly. “If you could arrange that, she will probably give her consent.”
She waltzed better than any lady with whom he’d danced, yet Giff would be glad when this set ended. Lady Alice was the most disconcerting lady he had ever met. Still, he found her intriguing. And entrancing. His body tightened as he twirled her again. He wished he could be alone with her.
By the time supper, such as it was, was served, Giff had been introduced to the rest of her family and was able to join in some of the conversations. He escorted Lady Alice down to the supper room and found himself being almost herded toward a long table where the whole family was gathering. “Do you always sit together?”
She gave him a weary look. “This is our first event, but I assume we will have supper together at the others. That appears to be the habit.”
After he helped her into her chair, he joined the other gentlemen in fetching supper. Somehow, Montagu appeared to have got lost. Giff made a plate for his friend to give to his lady as well. He found Montagu striding to the refreshment table and handed him the plate. “I thought you might not know.”
“Thank you.” He accompanied his friend back to the ladies. “Is this typical of an evening at Almack’s?”
“Yes.” His friend seemed focused on their table. “Albeit it is more interesting to be in the Worthingtons’ group. They are all quite remarkable.”
Giff had been alternately listening to Lord and Lady Phinn discuss their travels and trying to work out why he was having so much trouble conversing with Lady Alice.
Montagu said something to Lady Eleanor when Lady Worthington said, “She will do what her sisters have done before her. She will have toast and tea before riding, then join the family for breakfast.” Lady Worthington gave him a considering look. “My lord, you are welcome to break your fast with us if you wish. It is no trouble at all.”
That was the perfect way to spend more time with Lady Alice. “Early breakfast?”
Lady Worthington laughed lightly. “You may join us as well.”
“Thank you, my lady.” Giff was pleased his ploy had worked. By the time a date was set, he would have had a chance to adjust his approach to Lady Alice.
Then Montagu said, “I am happy to accept your invitation, my lady. Would tomorrow be too soon?”
She picked up her cup and looked at him over the rim. “Not at all.”
That was much too soon. She glanced at Giff. “Excellent, my lady. If you will excuse me, I must go to my mother.”
Lady Alice gave him a look he couldn’t interpret. When had he become such a dullard? Perhaps he should go back to what he knew, flirting always seemed to work.
CHAPTERSEVEN
Alice heaved a sigh of relief when Lord St. Albans said he had to go back to his mother. When she had first seen him tonight, it struck her how handsome he was. His auburn hair curled perfectly. His eyes were so green they vied with the emerald he wore in his elegantly tied cravat. He danced better than any of the gentlemen she had stood up with at the entertainments they had attended in the country. All that male beauty and grace, and there was nothing inside. It was a shame his parents had not taught him to be more charitable to others. On the other hand, she had no idea what his family was like. The duchess could be the reason he did not appear to care about anything. Or it could be the duke. Or even his nurse.
She rode home with Matt, Grace, and her sisters. Both the inner and outer lanterns had been lit allowing them to see each other.
As soon as they were settled, Grace said, “What did you think of Almack’s?”
“It was not as oppressive as I thought it would be,” Madeline said. “Yet, that might have been because I was surrounded by my family and friends.”
“I was happy to be able to waltz.” Eleanor looked delighted.
Alice wished she had had as much fun. “It was fine.” She was not looking forward to attending again. “I suppose we must go back next week.”
Grace gave her a sympathetic look. “We will. But there are many other entertainments to which to look forward.”
“We were supposed to attend Lady Castlereagh’s no, Lady Londonderry’s ball tomorrow, but they are now in mourning,” Eleanor said.
“Is there anything thing else to attend?” Madeline asked.
“Lady Markham has arranged a ball to take its place,” Grace replied.
“The following night is Lady Harrington’s ball,” Eleanor added.
Hopefully, Alice would meet other gentlemen who had more to offer than Lord St. Albans.
