Giff’s hands curled into fists. That blackguard. He’d kill Normanby if it would solve anything. Somehow Giff had to stop Alice from marrying the cad. The question was how to do it. He forced his hands to relax and focus on the two pieces of information he had discovered. First, Normanby was under the hatches, and second, he had no intention of giving up his mistress after he married, and he was taking great pains to continue to be with her. Giff had always known the man was a runagate. He could tell Worthington and leave it in his hands. But young ladies weren’t always capable of seeing the truth about a gentleman. Even a lady as astute as Alice might do something stupid like elope with the rogue. No. It would be better for Giff to continue to befriend her and be there when Normanby’s true nature was revealed, either by chance or because Giff engineered it. And it would be better for her to discover the cur’s infamy that way. Her anger would soon end any feelings she had for him. He glanced out the window and noticed they were almost home. Another visit to Hatchards was in order. He had a feeling she was often at the bookstore.
* * *
Rain.
Alice rolled over and pulled up the covers. She really could not complain. They had not had much rain at all this Season. It was England, and one needed rain for all sorts of things. A longish nose appeared in the opening between the bed hangings. “You can come.”
Posy’s nose and head poked through, followed by one paw placed on the embroidered counterpane. The other paw joined it. Eventually, the rest of her body made it onto the bed, and she snuggled next to Alice with a soft moan.
“Someone is going to be looking for you soon.” How had the Dane escaped? It did not matter. Alice had no reason to rise immediately. The door opened and the muffled sounds of the fireplace being cleaned, then a fire being built could be heard. It really was early.
Suddenly the hangings were drawn back. “My lady. There you are!”
Where else would she be but in her bed? Something heavy landed on her stomach. She glanced down. Posy’s head. Alice rubbed her eyes. “I must have gone back to sleep.”
“It’s time to get up now,” her dresser said. “Come, Miss Posy. As much as you detest the rain, you must go out.”
“Someone should build a covered area for them.” Alice would mention it to Matt. She pushed the dog. “I cannot rise with your head on my stomach. Up.” Posy looked at Alice as if she had betrayed the Dane. It was time to be firmer. “Up.” Reluctantly the dog climbed out of the bed. She swung her legs over the side and almost stepped on Posy resting on the floor. Alice carefully arched her back to miss the dog as she left the bed. By the time she had dressed, a footman had taken the Dane to go for a walk.
When Alice reached the stairs, Theo and Mary had their heads together, speaking in hushed voices.
What were they up to? “Good morning.”
The girls broke apart and greeted her.
“Are you going to Hatchards today,” Theo asked.
“Probably.” There was not very much else to do in the mornings.
“Oh, good.” She smiled. “Will you pick me up a book on sheep? The kind whose wool is used for carpet making?”
Why in God’s name would she be interested in . . . “Sheep?”
“Yes.” Theo nodded. “For making rugs. From the wool. They are very useful animals.”
Alice had not thought she meant the animal itself. “I will take a look.”
“Thank you.” Her sister flashed her a smile. “I am starving.”
“I am peckish as well,” Mary said, and they both dashed down the stairs.
Alice followed at a much more sedate pace. It would take her some time to find the right tome for her sister. Still, there really was nothing else to do this morning. Well, that sounded like moping. It was time to find something to occupy her time. It occurred to her that she had still not found her purpose. Perhaps this was opportunity to do just that.
She took her place at the table and was glad to see it had been shortened, making it feel not so empty. Alice heaved a sigh. She really was feeling sorry for herself. It had to stop.
By ten o’clock the rain had ceased and the sun, although not fully shining, was peeping out from the remaining clouds. She went to Grace’s office, found it empty, and strolled to the hall. “Thorton, do you know where her ladyship is?”
“She is visiting Lady Evesham.”
Alice remembered hearing that Phoebe Evesham was finally in Town. “I am going to Hatchards.”
“I shall call for Williams.”
Drat. Alice had forgotten to inform her footman. Fortunately, he came immediately. “Are we walking, my lady.”
“Yes.” A good stroll was the best way to shake herself out of this mood. “I will attempt to limit the number of books I purchase.”
Williams’s lips twitched, but he did not respond. They strode out of the square and turned toward Piccadilly. She arrived shortly before ten-thirty. By now she was thoroughly familiar with where the books she wanted were located and went directly to the section dealing with land and animal husbandry.
