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.”
