“Is it that time already?” Alice took the reticule and the fan to the clerk. “I would like to purchase these.”
“Very good, my lady.”
After paying him, she glanced at St. Albans. “Would you like to join us for luncheon?”
He pouted sadly. “I would, but I am promised elsewhere. If it isn’t raining, I will see you tomorrow.”
“Yes, of course.” She should have remembered he was courting another lady. “I will see you then.” Alice took her package and left with her footman. “We must make haste. Her ladyship will leave directly after luncheon on morning visits.”
“Yes, my lady.” As if he did not know the schedule.
This had been an excellent, a perfect, morning. Why was she out of sorts, again?
* * *
That afternoon, Lord Normanby arrived as the clock struck the hour. Alice had stopped waiting to be told he was here, and when the front door opened, she went to the stairs.
He held out his hand as she reached the bottom tread. “How lovely you are.”
She fought the blush rising to her cheeks. “Thank you.”
He took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm. He had never done that before. “Shall we?”
“Yes, indeed.” They strolled out the door and down the street. She had only a few more questions before she would know if he met all the qualifications on the list. “How do you like children?”
He glanced at her and chuckled. “I find them delightful. Why do you ask?”
This was very good. “In my family, the children are used to dining with us unless we have guests. I plan to do the same thing with my children.”
He inclined his head, and his breath touched her ear. “Of course, if you wish it.”
“I do.” Alice wondered how bold she could be in her questioning. He had not, after all, offered for her. Then again, he had spoken to Matt. “I also want to continue to support and be involved in my charities.”
“I do not know why that would change.” Lord Normanby’s tone had never been so low, so seductive.
A shiver raced down her back. This must be the feelings she had been told about. Not the prickles she had with St. Albans. Those had been strangely disconcerting.
Lord Normanby gazed down at her. “At the ball, would it be possible to have another set in addition to the supper dance?”
Oh, no! Alice did not have any sets left. “I am so sorry, but I have none.”
“I waited too long.” He pouted, but it was not the same as St. Albans’s earlier pout. It seemed a bit calculated. She shook off the thought. “It is I who should beg your forgiveness.”
“There is always the next ball.” That should make him certain of her position.
Something, a look she did not recognize, lurked in his blue eyes. “In that case, I would like to ask for them now.”
“Of course.” If he proposed soon, he could have all her sets. She would like to ask him what he wanted from a marriage. He already met her requirements. Did he not have some of his own? Unfortunately, until he mentioned marriage, she could not ask.
“Then I think I shall look forward to that ball more than the one this evening.” He bent his head again as if he did not want to miss anything she might have to say.
What should she say? “I will as well.”
“I cannot tarry in Town much longer. I am needed at my estate.”
What did that mean? Was he just going to go home? “I understand. Needs must.”
They had reached the Park and entered. For a long time, it appeared as if all they would do was to greet friends and acquaintances. Finally, they were as alone as they could be during the Grand Strut. “I would like to settle some things before I leave.”
