“I would. I wondered how you made room for so many children.” His mother grinned.
“It is a double house.” That was one of the things Alice had learned recently.
“Mamma,” Giff held out his arm to help her down the stairs. “We were just discussing what the renovations will cost.”
She glanced at Alice. “Other than this attic, what do you want to do, my dear.”
Alice followed them. “It is really a matter of the wall-coverings and other soft furnishings. I like most of the furniture.”
“I think I would have thrown everything out and started all over. Do not worry about the cost. The duchy will, of course, pay for it.”
“Thank you.” That took care of that.
When they reached the hall, Giff took Alice’s hand. “I must go to St. George’s the vicar wasn’t there when I stopped by the last time. I’ll meet you at your house and leave from there.” He glanced at his mother. “Do you wish to ride with me or with Alice?”
“Believe it or not, I have never been in a high-perched phaeton. I will ride with Alice.”
“Shall I order your carriage, my lord?” Simmons asked.
“Please.” Once he had left, Giff said, “What do you think of hiring them as our butler and housekeeper?”
“I want to consult with Williams first. If he does not want to be the butler, I believe we will do well with Simmons and his wife. Once that decision is made, we must consult with them regarding other servants.” Alice and Giff were almost in the same position as Madeline and Harry having to hire all their servants. “Your grace, if you are ready, we should go.”
The duchess linked arms with Alice. “I cannot tell you how excited I am to ride with you.”
Giff escorted them out to where her phaeton was brought around as well as his curricle. He helped them both into the vehicle, then climbed into his. “Lead on, my dear.”
Alice glanced at their part of the house, and it occurred to her that it was almost as wide as Worthington House. Perhaps that was the reason it had not appeared small to her.
When they arrived at her home, Grace went with them to the nursery and the schoolroom. Both Giff and his mother’s eyes were wide as they took in the light and space.
“I have never seen anything like this before, Grace. You said you designed it?”
“I did. The architect I used was able to include everything I wanted. Of course, after Matt and I married, we had to make some adjustments.”
“Giff, I do not see why we cannot do the same thing in your wing of Cleveland House. After all, I would like to feel comfortable when I visit my grandchildren.”
“Mamma.” Gaia toddled out closely followed by Edward and Nurse.
“She heard your voice, my lady,” Nurse said.
Grace picked up her youngest daughter, then her son. “Your grace, I would like to introduce you to Lady Gaia and Master Edward Vivers.”
All the yearning for a grandchild could be seen in the duchess’s face. “Oh, they are adorable. That settles it. We must have the nursery done as soon as possible.”
Giff breath brushed Alice’s ear. “Because if the nursery is finished that means we’ll have a child?”
She was not going to laugh. “Apparently.”
“I’m off to the church.” He took her hand and kissed it. “I will find you after I’m done speaking to the vicar.”
Alice kissed his cheek. “I will talk to Williams, and we can make a decision as to our butler.”
After Giff left, Alice went down to the kitchen and waited until Jacques was done stirring and tasting something.
“My lady. You require my aid in hiring achef de cuisine, non?”
“I do. I am uncertain if he will remain in Town or go to the country with us.”
