“Not at all. You may enjoy them all you wish.” The moves of the dance placed her back at his chest. She had such a smooth neck. He wondered how she would taste. “I used to like them. However, when one can eat them most evenings, they lose their desirability.”
“I never thought of it in that manner.” He was very sure he would not lose his desire for her even if he had her every evening. He bent his head and almost touched the shell of her ear with his tongue before remembering where he was. Then the music stopped. “Come. Let us find your family, and we can all go to supper.”
When they approached her circle, Mamma was speaking with Worthington. His visage darkened, and he glanced at Giff. He hoped Alice’s brother-in-law was not angry at him for not telling him about Normanby first. Giff escorted her to the table and made his way to where supper was laid out.
Worthington caught up with him. “Is there a reason you did not tell me?”
“Yes. I tried to catch your eye, but you were in conversation with someone else and obviously didn’t see me. I was more concerned about keeping Lady Alice away from the scoundrel. I did not want him to get her alone.”
“I see.” Worthington seemed to relax. “Was that the reason you and she were on the terrace?”
They had kept the knowledge from her brother, but Giff did not think he could keep it from her guardian. “Partly. I found her slipping around the edge of the room to where Normanby was standing with friends. I got to her just as she arrived, hidden behind a plant.” They made their way along the line speaking quietly. “She heard him tell his friends what he’d done and what he had planned. Including keeping his mistress.”
“Who punched him?” You had to respect a gentleman who knew his family.
“She was about to, but I did it.” He grinned at Worthington. “Then we ran to the terrace.”
Her brother-in-law bit his lip as he tried not to laugh. “Thank you for looking out for her.”
Giff inclined his head. “The pleasure was mine. I’m just glad that I was able to be there for her.”
Worthington gave Giff a searching look. “You seem to be getting on better than you did in the beginning.”
“Yes, well, it turns out I can be a fool at times.” He wanted to cringe.
“Cannot we all.” Worthington had a wry look. “It never occurred to me to ask one of the ladies to see what they could learn about Normanby. I had a feeling, but nothing solid.”
Giff often thought it was amazing how one’s senses attempted to warn one. “I felt the same. That was the reason I asked my mother.”
Worthington signaled to two footmen to help them, and Giff slipped them vails. “It was an excellent idea.”
“And just in time.” A chill struck him. What would have happened if Mamma had not received the information when she did?
“Indubitably. I take it you’re still interested in marrying her.”
“I am.” Absolutely and entirely. “Even more so now than before if that’s possible. At first, I was dazed by her beauty and grace. Now that I’ve got to know her, I’m dazed by her mind.”
Worthington smiled. “I think that’s the way it is with all the ladies in my family.”
Giff wondered what Worthington meant, but they had reached the table, and their conversation ended as they attended to their ladies. The footmen set down the plates and another servant brought champagne. Perhaps Giff would ask later. “I brought you everything except lobster patties.”
“This is wonderful.” Once again Giff was blinded by her smile. Good Lord! Was he in love?
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
Alice was happy and thankful St. Albans had been by her side when she heard Lord Normanby speaking to his friends. Despite all her lessons in deportment, she probably would have caused a scene. She still wanted to hit the scoundrel. And it was better to have found out what he was up to now and not after they had wed. Alice could not believe she had been so stupid, so blind. She had been so intent on finding a husband she matched him to her list without being certain he was qualified. When she looked back on their conversations, she realized she had attributed the requirements to him when he had not objected to anything she had said. And why would he? All he wanted was her dowry. What would he have done when he discovered that he would not have control over it? It did not bear thinking about.
“It might help if you had a good cry,” Grace said.
They were in her parlor with a glass of wine each. “I am more disgusted with myself than sad.”
Her sister narrowed her eyes. “Did you not love him?”
“I thought I did.” Alice tried to be analytical in thinking how she could have allowed herself to be “in love” with him. “I think I was more in love with the idea of being in love and having a husband.”
Grace nodded. “I understand. I do not think any of us considered how alone you would feel if Eleanor and Madeline wed first.” She moved over to Alice and hugged her. “I should not have left you so much on your own.”
Tears pricked Alice’s eyes as she hugged her sister. “I have been lonely and feeling left behind. I can see now how much I rushed into wishing to wed him.” Not wanting Grace to see her tears, Alice blinked her eyes. “I am glad St. Albans was with me.”
