He grinned. “I thought you’d never ask.” He took them to a steep staircase. “Go right down there. Your nose should lead you to the dining room.”
Alice wondered where they would sleep. “Are our rooms down here as well?”
“No, my lady. They are down the other set of stairs.” He pointed to the middle of the ship.
“Thank you.”
They found porridge, eggs, bacon, some sort of grilled bread, and a smoked fish.”
“Mornin’ to ye,” a man said. “Got tea. If yer wantin’ coffee, it’s in Inverness.”
“Tea for me, please.” Alice looked at her sisters and new brothers. “Tea for everyone.”
They all nodded.
“Tea it is.”
The dishes were placed in holders on a sideboard with raised edges. “I suppose this is so the plates do not fall or slide around.”
Madeline seemed to have a hard time keeping her eyes open. “Eat and sleep.”
“That sounds like an excellent idea.” Alice took a bit of everything and poured tea. She took a sip. It was excellent but different than what she was used to. She would ask what type it was later.
* * *
On the fourth day, they landed at Inverness. After spending ten days touring the area, visiting Giff’s family, and learning more about their estate, they were back onboard for the passage to France and a continuation of their joint honeymoons.
Paris, France.
One night the ladies retired early, and Giff and his brothers-in-law were sipping fine French brandy.
Stern twirled his glass, watching the amber liquid coat the sides of the glass. “I am sure Madeline is breeding.”
Giff did not understand. “You mean she told you.”
“No.” Stern took a sip then shook his head. “She has not had her courses since we . . . since we were betrothed.”
Montagu set his glass down. “What do you mean, her courses?”
Stern glanced at Giff, but he had no idea what his brother-in-law meant.
Stern blew out a breath. “Let me start from the beginning. All female mammals have courses. Cows, sheep, goats, cats, dogs, women.”
“What are courses?” Giff asked, feeling like an idiot.
“A woman bleeds. It is a sign she is not pregnant.” He took a large drink of brandy. “Now, other mammals have their courses two or possibly more, in the case of cats, times a year. Women have them every month.”
Giff stared at Stern. “If they are not pregnant.”
“Yes.” He frowned at Giff. “How do you not know this? Didn’t you have a mistress?”
“No. I couldn’t afford one.” Damn his father and the skimpy allowance he was on.
Montagu choked on his wine. “I never had the opportunity.” He motioned with his hand. “Go on. This is becoming interesting.”
“As I said, women, our wives, have their courses every month if they are not pregnant. My wife has not. It has been two months.”
Montagu leaned forward. “How would we know?”
