“Matt told me what he did by watching over you.”
Alice had been told that just before the ball, St. Albans had found out what the cur was up to. “He is a good friend.”
Grace reached for her glass of wine. “He appears to be.”
“I want to write a letter to tell that blackguard I never want to see him again.” If Alice couldn’t hit him or run him through with her parasol sword, she had to do something to take control of the situation. “Even though Matt is writing to him warning him not to approach me again, I think I should say it as well.”
Her sister nodded. “That is wise. He might, after all, believe you are still interested in him if he does not hear it directly from you.”
“I agree.” The clock chimed the hour, and she slumped. “I am very tired.”
The worried look appeared in Grace’s face again. “I shall wish you a good night.”
Alice finished her wine and rose. “I will see you in the morning.”
Tears began to roll down her cheeks as she left the parlor. She did not want to cry. Especially over such a horrible, deceitful excuse for a person. People married for money all the time, but to hide his circumstances and to plan to break his vows before they were even made was inexcusable. It was more than that, it was cruel and unforgiveable. She swiped at her cheeks.
I will not cry over him!
When she got to her chamber, Bertram was waiting. “Let’s get you ready for bed. Miss Posy is already in bed.”
“How?” Alice shook her head. “Thank you.”
“What’s a dog for if it can’t provide a bit of companionship.” Her maid began unlacing Alice’s gown. “Let’s get you to bed. You’ll feel better after a good sleep.”
She did not think she would sleep well at all, but after the Dane snuggled in, the next thing Alice knew was the sky was beginning to lighten. First, she would have a ride, and then she would write a letter. Swinging her legs out of the bed she padded to the screen to brush her teeth. She hoped St. Albans was at the Park. Once dressed, she started down the stairs and stopped. He was standing in the hall petting Zeus.
St. Albans glanced up. “Good morning. I’d met Miss Posy, but I didn’t know you had Master Zeus as well.”
Alice was stunned that St. Albans was behaving as if it was the most normal thing in the world to be greeted by a Great Dane. “Yes. Ever since Grace and Matt wed, we have had two. He had one before they married, and we had one as well.”
“That makes perfect sense.” St. Albans glanced at the dog. “I must be on my way.” He gave the Dane one last stroke and held out his arm. “Shall we? Galyna was being brought around just as I arrived.”
“Yes, of course.” Alice could not believe he was here to escort her riding. “Thank you for coming to fetch me.”
He shrugged quickly. “I rode past the Park and didn’t see you.”
“You came to see how I was?” She had not realized how truly kind he was.
“Oh, no.” St. Albans grinned. “I knew you would be fine. I merely wished to honor myself by escorting you.”
She did not even try to cover her laughter. It felt so good. “Thank you, in any event.”
“You are quite welcome.”
He lifted her onto her mare and swung gracefully onto his gelding, and they rode out of the square. A few minutes later, they were racing to the oak tree. Then they walked the horses to the Serpentine. “I have decided to write to him and tell him I want nothing to do with him again. Matt is writing to him as well.”
Interesting. Apparently, Normanby would no longer have a name. “Wise.” Giff was pleased Alice had made the decision, but he was concerned the scoundrel would not give up. That though, would not be a problem. He planned to remain close enough to her that nothing could happen. “What are your plans for the morning? Hatchards?”
“I suppose so.” That was uttered without much enthusiasm.
“Is there something else you would rather do?”
Alice gazed across the Serpentine. “I would dearly like to hit something.”
He didn’t blame her at all. He studied her profile. She said she knew how to fight. He could box with her and let her hit him. “I can help you with that.”
Her head jerked around to him, anticipation in her eyes. “Would you? When?”
