“They would be if the men had anything to say about it, but, at least in the past two hundred years or so, the ladies have taken charge and made them very comfortable.”
It was a shame she would never be able to see them.
“My lady,” Robertson said. “We should be getting back for breakfast.”
“I had not realized how late it was getting.” A thought occurred to her, and she glanced at St. Albans. “Would you like to break your fast with us?”
“It would be my great pleasure.” They galloped to the gate, and he came to a stop. “I would like to change. When should I arrive?”
She took out her watch. “Forty-five minutes.”
“Until then.” He headed toward the end of the Park.
Where did he live, and why did she not know? Well, that lack of knowledge would be remedied this morning.
She and her groom rode back to Worthington House. As soon as she had informed Thorton of the guest joining them for the morning meal, bathed and dressed, Alice went to the library and took out a copy of Debrett’s. She flipped to the page where the Dukes of Cumberland were listed and ran her finger down the page until it mentioned a house on Park Lane. The clock chimed the hour, and she closed and reshelved the book. Alice headed toward the breakfast room at the same time the knocker was plied on the front door. She glanced at her watch. St. Albans must be early, but instead of a deep melodious tone, she heard high-pitched squeals. Who was here?
Quickly striding to the hall, she stopped short to see most of her family there. Had she forgotten they were gathering this morning, or had she not been told? A small body almost knocked her over.
“We came to cheer you up,” Hugh said, hugging her.
Charlotte laughed and bussed Alice’s cheek. “Not to cheer her up, to keep her company.”
“Well, I want to make her happy.” Hugh had a stern look on his childish mien.
She hugged him. “You are cheering me. Would you like to escort me into the breakfast room?”
He held out his arm as he had probably seen his father do. “I’d like to.” She placed her hand on it. “Besides,” he whispered. “Gideon’s not here so I’m the oldest boy.”
He was the only boy, but she would never tell him that. His sister and cousins were chatting as they strolled to the large breakfast room, while her sisters and brothers-in-law were greeting Matt and Grace.
The door closed and opened again.St. Albans. He strode in smiling and greeted the others, then looked at her. “I see a gentleman was before me.”
Hugh straightened. “Yes, you are correct.”
St. Albans gave one nod acknowledging his defeat. “May I walk on your other side, my lady?”
Alice met his gaze and her heart sped up. “Yes, my lord.”
He bowed to Hugh, “If his lordship has no objection, that is.”
His chin rose. “I do not.”
“Oh dear,” Constance said in a perfect imitation of her mother. “There will be no living with him now.”
Alice exchanged a glance with St. Albans. His lips twitched, and she almost went into whoops. How mistaken she had been about him.
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
Giff was surprised, but not overly so, to see the same members of Alice’s family as he had the first time he’d been invited to breakfast. She flashed him an apologetic smile while everyone said their greetings. Apparently, this gathering hadn’t been planned. Still, he was happy they were all present. It would give him an opportunity to do what he had not done the last time. Come to know her better and her family. He might also have a chance to show her he deserved her notice as more than a friend.
The little boy—was his name Hugh?—who was always getting into trouble proudly escorted Alice into the breakfast room. However, he not being tall enough to pull out the chair ran into a bit of a problem in helping her take her seat.
“Allow me to assist you, if I may.” Giff pitched his tone to be appropriately sober.
“Thank you, sir.” The child inclined his head. “I will have to grow taller.”
“I have no doubt that in a few years you will be as tall as your father.”
