“When you were in Richmond at the breakfast. He came to see his lordship.”
He must have come to ask permission to marry her. “I see.” Perhaps Posy was merely not up to meeting anyone new. “I must be off.” Alice left the room before her dresser could say anything else. When she reached the main landing, Lord Normanby glanced up and the corners of his lips rose. She descended the remaining stairs. “Good afternoon, my lord.”
“A good day to you, my lady.” He held out his hand. “I trust you have been well.”
She placed her hand in his. “Yes. Very well. Thank you for asking.”
They turned and walked out of the house. She smiled at him. “Do you like dogs?”
“I do, very much.” He returned her smile. “I thought I was going to meet one of your Great Danes, but she changed her mind.”
Ah, so it was Posy and not him. “I wonder what got into her?”
“Who can tell with dogs and other animals.”
He did not seem to be surprised the Danes were in the house. “How do you feel about charitable endeavors?”
Looking slightly amused, he said, “That they are necessary. I must suppose you are interested in them.”
“Yes, indeed.” This would be a good time to let Lord Normanby know that she intended to continue her work. “I give part of my pin money to a few charities. Although, I plan to become more involved in them.”
They entered the Park, and as usual it was full. She thought he had a moue of distaste on his mien, but it disappeared so quickly, she might have been wrong. “I would be interested in hearing about them.”
“My sister Worthington and my brother-in-law as well as other members of my family help war veterans, their children, and widows by providing training and positions. The children attend school. My sister Kenilworth is involved in aiding poor children as is my sister Rothwell and our cousin Merton.”
“All worthy efforts,” Lord Normanby said.
She was happy he agreed. That made three stipulations on the list he met. One more, and she would stop for the day. “You mentioned an older sister to Lady Bellamny; is your family close?”
He barked a laugh. “Not at all. But I have seen that your family is.”
“We are.” This was going very well. “We even have yearly gatherings.”
“That must be delightful.” He smiled at her again.
“We all enjoy them very much.” She returned his smile.
Lord Bury stopped his curricle next to them. “I say, is this a new fashion?”
A growl seemed to emanate from Lord Normanby, and Alice hid a grin. “Bury.” Lord Normanby raised his quizzing glass. “Do you mean to tell me you have not discovered the joys of walking?”
Lord Bury glanced at her. “My lady, it would be my pleasure to stroll with you.”
Now what was she to say? They had an appointment for a ride tomorrow afternoon. “I think a carriage ride is also enjoyable.”
He inclined his head. “As you wish, my lady. I shall see you then.”
As he rode away, Lord Normanby said, “Do you prefer a carriage?”
Alice glanced at him, then lowered her lashes. “With Lord Bury I do.”
“That is good to know.” They spent the next several minutes greeting others they knew. “Would you be available to stroll with me the day after tomorrow?”
She wanted to say yes, but Lord Hereford had asked her to ride with him. “I cannot, but I am free the day after that.”
“Excellent.” His tone was rather dry, but he did not appear upset. “I will look forward to strolling with you again.”
“As will I.” They reached the gate as Lord St. Albans was about to drive in. He stopped outside. “My lord, good afternoon.”
