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?”
