CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SIX
The following day, Giff spent the afternoon accompanying his mother on morning visits. She’d been right that he would meet a great number of young ladies. Sadly, none of them were suitable for him. Several of them glanced at their mothers before being willing to utter a word beyond a greeting. Others were clearly only interested in being a duchess one day, and a few had nothing good to say about anything or anyone. He was able to speak with some ladies of sense, but they were all married.
Lady Turley gave him a skeptical look when they ended up at the same house. “Morning visits?”
He took a seat next to her. “My mother thought it would be the quickest way for me to meet the greatest number eligible young ladies in one day.”
Giggles broke out across the room causing Lady Turley to chuckle lightly. “You look as if you are in pain. That will not do.”
Blast it all! He had let his mask slip. “This whole finding a wife business is more difficult than I thought.”
“I am not sure I would call morning visits difficult. However, I can see how you might find it challenging. Have many caps been set at you?”
He stifled a sigh. “Yes. But I was expecting that. It is the ones who are bored by life that I do not understand.”
“You know as well as anyone it is considered provincial to appear to be enjoying one’s Season,” she gently reminded him.
He knew that, but Lady Alice had not appeared bored. There was nothing false about her or her reaction to him. And that’s what it was about the other ladies. “It is clearly an act.”
“Oh, I agree wholeheartedly.” Lady Turley nodded once. “Which is the reason I never tried it.”
It was time to discuss something more interesting than young ladies. He remembered a bit of news he’d heard. “I’ve been told you and Turley have a son.”
Her ladyship beamed. “We do. He is extremely handsome and intelligent.”
She was clearly extremely happy about her acquisition. Giff would like a son as well. If he got married, he could have one. “I hope to have one within the year.”
“I wish you luck.” She lifted one brow. “Perhaps I can help. What are you searching for in a wife?”
“I’m not particularly demanding. Intelligence, a willingness to speak her mind, and the ability to stand up for herself.” Beautiful hair of gold, blue eyes, and a lush figure.
“Hmmm.” She tilted her head as she regarded him. A group of ladies made their farewells, and she stood. “I must go as well. I shall give it some thought. Shall I see you at Almack’s?”
“Indeed. Will you save me a set?”
“Of course.” A sly smile appeared. “If only to see Turley’s expression. One must not allow a husband to become too comfortable.”
Giff quietly laughed. Why couldn’t the younger ladies converse with such sense? Once her ladyship left, it occurred to him he’d not seen Lady Alice. Had he simply missed her and her sisters? How did one arrange to meet a lady during morning visits? The process seemed quite random. Ah well. He’d see her at Almack’s. And dance with her.
* * *
That evening, Giff dressed strategically. Most gentlemen would be wearing black jackets and breeches. In contrast, he wore deep blue. He affixed an emerald tie-pin, knowing it would enhance the green of his eyes. He’d been told that, although his hair was an unfortunate color, his eyes were his best feature. The first thing on the agenda was convincing one of the Patronesses to allow him to waltz with Lady Alice. He trusted she would be suitably impressed with him for making the effort. He knew the process but had only been tempted to do it once before, and that had been a disaster. The lady had been so afraid, she’d forgotten how to dance.
He met his mother in the hall. She wore a gold silk gown with a green trim, a red shawl with gold thread, and a turban with the same colors as well as the Cleveland diamonds. She inspected him as if he was still a boy.
“I can promise you I have no dirt on my face or frogs in my pockets. You look very fetching. I approve of that turban.”
“I am glad to hear you have grown out of that stage at least. I like my turban as well.” She straightened her shawl then took his arm. “Come, let us go.”
Several minutes later they arrived at the assembly rooms. She handed the gatekeeper their vouchers, and they were admitted.
Mamma stood near the entrance and scanned the crowd. “I see some old friends. I will be with them.”
Giff inclined his head. “Try not to get into too much trouble.”
“Silly boy.” She wiggled her fingers as she swanned off.
He glanced around, found Lady Jersey with one of the other Patronesses speaking with Montagu and his mother, and joined them. “My ladies.” He bowed. “It is wonderful to see you again.”
“St. Albans, I trust your parents are well,” Lady Jersey said.
“They are. My mother has accompanied me this evening.” He indicated the direction Mamma went.
One of Lady Cowper’s mobile brows rose. “And is there someone who has interested you?”
“Yes. Lady Alice Carpenter. I would like to waltz with her.”
Her ladyship’s lips seemed to twitch. “And are you able to recognize the lady apart from her twin?”
What a strange question. Of course, he could recognize her. He hoped she and her party had arrived. He started to search the room, but he didn’t have to. His gaze was immediately drawn to her. “Yes. She is wearing a butter-colored gown with purple on it. Why do you ask?”
“We would not wish to recommend you to the wrong lady,” Lady Jersey said. “I will perform the duty. Find me at the end of the second set.”
Suddenly, Montagu said, “Is it possible to be recommended earlier?”
Giff glanced at Lady Alice’s group. Several gentlemen had either already joined the family or were headed in that direction. Damnation.
Lady Jersey sighed. “I do believe we are going to have one of those Seasons.”
Lady Cowper nodded. “I think you are correct.” She looked at Montagu. “Accompany me, my lord.”
One of those Seasons indeed. Giff huffed.
Lady Jersey’s lips twitched. “Very well, St. Albans, you may come with me.”
“With pleasure, my lady.” He held his arm out for her to take, and they followed Lady Cowper and Montagu. Alice was standing next to a young matron who looked very much like her.
“Lady Kenilworth, I am pleased to see you again,” Lady Jersey said.
“And I you.” The lady held out her hand and they touched fingers.
Lady Jersey smiled at Lady Alice. “My dear, Lady Alice, I would like to recommend Lord St. Albans to you as a suitable partner for the waltz.”
Lady Alice’s eyes sparkled as the corners of her lips tipped up. He hadn’t noticed how rosy they were. “Thank you, my lady.”
Lady Jersey left as Lady Sefton approached with that bounder Lord Lancelot. Giff almost stepped in front of Lady Alice, but another gentleman stepped forward first.
“Oh dear.” Lady Sefton didn’t look at all sorry. “I fear you are too late, my lord.”
Lord Lancelot made a rather theatrical bow. “Ah, my dear Lady Sefton, that only means that they may now waltz with the lady.” The music for the first set started, and he bowed to Alice. It was all Giff could do not to take the man by his elaborate cravat and throw him out a window. “May I have this dance, my lady.”
Next to him, Alice stiffened slightly. There must be a way to stop his lordship.
Harry Stern, whom Giff knew from school, bowed. “I am sorry, my lord, but Lady Alice has done me the honor of promising her first set to me.”
Stern always had been brilliant. Giff glanced at Lady Eleanor. “Lady Eleanor, I believe this is our set.”
She gave him a polite smile. Then Montagu claimed a set with Lady Madeline, thus thoroughly routing the here-and-therein.
A dark-haired gentleman who was vaguely familiar to Giff fixed a hard look on Lancelot. “Their first three sets are taken. We will leave after supper.”
The worthless fribble’s bow was not nearly as showy as before, and he slinked away. By then the group around them had become larger. Giff recognized some of the other gentlemen.
“Good Lord,” a gentleman with tanned skin standing with a lady who looked like Lady Madeline appeared as if he’d eaten a worm. “Not him again.”
The lady’s brows drew together. “He looks to be improved. At least he is not wearing a spotted kerchief as a neckcloth.”
“But is he?” The gentleman who appeared familiar raised his quizzing glass at his lordship’s retreating form. “I will make inquiries.”
“It would be a shame not to be able to stand up with someone that gorgeous.” Giff could have sworn Lady Alice had sighed.
“If you like peacocks.” Giff tried not to show his ire. “He reminds me of a Gainsborough painting I once saw of a young boy in a light blue suit.”
Lady Eleanor’s eyes widened. “Do you know him?”
He couldn’t very well tell them Lancelot’s brother had caught Lord Lancelot attempting to importune a lady when Giff had been present. “Not so much know him as know of him. I went to school with one of his brothers. Lord Lancelot is said to be as spoiled as his name might suggest. He fancies himself a poet.”
Stanwood’s lips flattened. “I was in school with him. He was a dead bore. Perhaps it will be easier if I have a conversation with him to see if he has changed.”
“I, for one, will stand up with him if he asks,” Lady Madeline said. “Then we will soon know if he has improved or not.”
The man who had spoken previously rubbed his forehead as if it ached. “He will not be allowed an introduction until I have determined he is the type of gentleman you should know.”
Worthington. That’s who he was. Ladies Alice, Eleanor, and Madeine were his wards.
Guests were taking their places for the set. If they were going to dance this set, they must make haste. Giff held his arm out to Lady Eleanor and escorted her to the dance floor. The sisters and their partners along with one other couples joined them in circle. It was easy to carry on a conversation during the quadrille as two couples danced at the same time while the other two couples waited until it was their turn to dance.
Giff and Lady Eleanor took their places. She curtseyed, and he bowed. While they were awaiting their turn, he should attempt to discover more about Lady Alice. “Lady Alice said that the only thing different about being in Town this year was that she was finally making her come out.”
Lady Eleanor shook her head slightly. “We have been coming to Town during the Season for several years. However, I do think she will change her mind about nothing being different. After all, we have never before been to balls and other entertainments. This is the first year we are allowed to go riding in the mornings without Matt or one of our brothers with us.”
“I hope you are right. I would hate for her to be bored.” He’d dislike it immensely if she faked enjoying herself.
“I am certain she will not be.”
The other two couples returned to their places, and it was time for them to begin.
His next set was a country dance with Lady Madeline. “You have such a large group around you. Will you tell me who they are?”
“My sisters, brothers, and brothers-in-law.” She grinned. “My brother, Worthington, married Alice and Eleanor’s sister. Lady Grace Carpenter. They both had guardianship of their respective sisters and brothers. Ergo, we became one large family.”
Giff could hardly imagine it. And they all seemed to get on with one another. He’d heard Kenilworth and Rothwell had wed. Giff hadn’t known they’d married into the same family. He escorted her back to the group. The next set was the waltz. He looked forward to dancing with Lady Alice.
He led her out to the dance floor and took her in his arms, or as much in his arms as propriety would allow. Giff looked forward to learning to know her better, and this was one of the best ways to do it. Providing, of course, she did not forget how to perform the steps. The music started and within the first two movements it was clear she was extremely accomplished. She responded to his every move as if they had been dancing together for years. He spent a minute or so enjoying the set. Then he looked down into her summer blue eyes and something inside him happened. He wasn’t quite sure what it was, but he was certain he needed to spend a great deal more time with her.
“What are you looking forward to most this Season?” The instant she raised her brow, he knew what a stupid question he’d asked. She was here to find a husband, just as he was here to find a wife. How could she even answer that question? And when had he become so inept? “I mean, your sister mentioned this was the first time you were allowed to ride with only a groom. Are there any other activities that have been denied to you that you may now do?”
“Driving our carriage when it arrives.” She did not seem impressed by his conversation.
“What type is it?”
“A high-perched phaeton.”
He knew many married ladies drove them, but a lady just out? “They can be dangerous. I’m surprised your guardian would allow it.”
Her eyes narrowed slightly. “We have all been well-trained by a friend of our family who is a famous whip. Tell me, my lord. What interests you?”
Was that a bite in her tone? He did not dare tell her he wanted to marry to get his estate. That and a son. Then again, he did have his uncle’s house now. “Naturally, to enjoy the Season.”
“What do you do when you are not in Town?” Once more, there was something in the sound of her voice.
“I do the usual things. House parties, hunting.” He almost cringed when he considered the house and hunting parties he’d attended. “I suppose you will be doing the same things now that you are out.”
Lady Alice mumbled something that sounded like ‘I doubt it.’ “Do you do anything to help people?”
That hurt. He wanted to take care of dependents and contribute in some way to the unfortunate, but he had not had an estate, and his father kept him on a small allowance. He couldn’t even afford rooms on Jermyn Street. Yet, he was not going to tell her that. “I generally leave that to others.”
“I see.” He’d never been at a loss in conversing with a lady. Why was this so much different? “Do you enjoy going to museums?”
She appeared interested. “Very much.
Finally, he’d found something that interested her. “I would like to take you to see the Elgin marbles if you like.”
He twirled her. “I must have my eldest sister’s permission. I do not think she will allow me to attend alone with you.”
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.