Matt pushed back his chair and rose as well. “I’ll walk you to the door.”
Then the rest of her brothers-in-law departed as well.
Her sisters and Dotty remained for a while longer before going. As Alice started up the stairs, her twin gave her an odd look. “You are happy this morning.”
“You obviously did not see how disgruntled Lord St. Albans was by having to share his breakfast with the children.” It occurred to her she was almost gleeful about his behavior. “I do not believe he approved at all.”
“You think this will convince him to look elsewhere for a lady?” Eleanor’s tone was dubious.
“I certainly hope he does.” Alice reached the landing and waited for her sister. “He must understand that he does not fit with the lives we have.”
“We knew not many gentlemen would,” her sister reminded her.
“Very true. I hope you discover Lord Montagu is one who does.” Alice opened the door to her bedchamber. “I shall meet you in our parlor.”
An hour later, they and their footmen made their way to the new Burlington Arcade. “It is a shame the Pantheon Bazaar has become so shabby. It used to be fun going there.”
“And so inexpensive,” Madeline said.
Eleanor nodded. “But the Burlington Arcade is much nicer now.”
They entered a store with personal ornaments.
“I need a fan for this evening.” Eleanor said, glancing around the offerings. She picked up a fan with a scene painted in emerald green, deep pink, cream, and yellow. “What do you think?”
Alice tried to remember what her twin was wearing this evening. “You are wearing your yellow and cream gown?”
Eleanor nodded. “Yes.”
That would go well. “It will brighten it up.”
“Oooo. Look what I found.” Madeline pointed to a pair of garnet combs displayed in a glass case.
“They are beautiful.” Eleanor said. “They will sparkle in the candlelight.”
Alice glanced at Eleanor. “I was going to have my maid use pearls, but now I think I would like the hairpins.”
“I agree.” She chose emerald glass-tipped pins and held them up.
“Yes.” Alice imagined them with her sister’s gown. “They would be perfect. I like the purple hairpins.”
She could see her sister doing the same thing she had just done. Eleanor grinned. “I agree. The purple will go well with your gown.”
Once they made their purchases, they went to Hatchards, then home for luncheon. Alice was thrilled Charlie was there as well.
“Can you give me time to speak with Matt and Charlie about my coal mine idea?” Eleanor asked.
“Of course.” Alice wished she was as drawn to a cause like Eleanor was. It had been fortunate that she had inherited land that included a mine. “Try to be quick. I am quite puckish.”
She smiled over her shoulder. “I will.”
Alice waited with Madeline until her stomach started to growl. “I am going to have luncheon.”
“I will go with you.” Madeline looped her arm with Alice’s. “I am a little envious of Eleanor. She has found her cause, and Lord Montagu seems to be coming along nicely.”
Alice sighed. “I was just having the same thoughts. I wish I would meet a gentleman who meets the qualifications.”
* * *
