“What?” He should know by now that she had many skills. “I know how to punch a man.”
“I am quite sure you do. The only question is if anyone saw the hand that perpetrated the deed, they would know it was not yours.”
She glanced at his hands and hers. How had she not realized how much larger they were? “Oh. I see your point. I suppose it will have to be our secret.”
His shoulders shook as he tried to stop from going into whoops. She would have hit Normanby if St. Albans hadn’t stopped her. That would have caused a scene. Alice doubted she would have stopped there. She probably would have given him a set-down as well. “That would be a much better idea.”
“There you are.” Charlie strolled up to them. “I’ve been looking for you.”
Thank God he had not been out here earlier. “Lord St. Albans and I decided to get some fresh air.”
Her brother glanced from St. Albans to her. “You missed the excitement.”
Her partner in crime assumed the most innocent look she had ever seen on a gentleman. “I hate to miss anything thrilling. What happened?”
Charlie glanced from Alice to St. Albans again. Her brother’s eyes narrowed slightly as if he suspected something. “Someone punched Normanby.”
Alice raised her brows as if she was surprised. “Really? Who?”
Her brother shook his head. “No one knows. He was with some chums and suddenly a fist came out from the foliage.”
“That’s odd.” St. Albans frowned. “Who would do such a thing?”
“Maybe it was a lady he wronged.” Alice knew she had to tread carefully if they were not to be found out. “Lately, I have been getting the impression he is not all he appears to be.”
“It happened so quickly, no one knows who it could have been.” Charlie gave them another look. Naturally, he would know that not many females were taught to fight. “I suppose a lady would be more apt to hit a man and want to remain hidden.”
“If she did not wish to cause a scene.” Alice couldn’t look at St. Albans because she was sure her guilt would be apparent to her brother, and she could not glance at Charlie for the same reason. “We had better go in. St. Albans owes me a dance.”
Her brother shook his head and frowned again. “I’ll accompany you.”
Giff tried hard not to allow his chest to puff out. He not only had a second dance with Alice, but it was the supper set. He still had to speak with Worthington. But at least she did not seem to be as upset as he thought she would be. At any rate, she wasn’t now. Who knew what would happen later this evening. For the present, he would do his best to keep her entertained.
By the time they arrived at Alice’s family circle, Normanby had departed, and the set was forming. It had seemed like years since Giff had waltzed with her. He took her into his arms, and she suddenly stared at him. Damn, was she missing that rogue’s touch? “What is it?”
“Nothing.” She shook her head slightly and smiled. “Nothing at all. I am glad you are here.”
“I am too.” The music started, and he twirled her. No other lady danced as gracefully as she did. He wanted to ask her how she felt, but this was not the place. This, however, was the place to begin courting her in earnest. He caught her gaze and smile. “No other lady dances as well as you.”
A blush rose into her cheeks. “I might say the same about you. I never have to think when I’m dancing with you.”
It occurred to him she had never been happy with what he had brought to her for supper. “You must tell me what you like at supper.”
Alice chuckled lightly. “Not lobster patties.”
“Duly noted.” They twirled again. “But what do you like?”
“I enjoy asparagus, ices, almost everything else. And champagne.”
An image of her naked as he poured champagne into her belly button caused him to tighten. “I shall ensure you are well supplied.”
“I would appreciate that,” she said in a heartfelt tone.
“Is there anything else you like to eat? Poached chicken, salmon?”
“I enjoy both dishes.” Giff wished he could pull her into his arms.
He grinned. “I still like lobster patties. I’ll bring one for myself if you do not mind.”
