Worthington’s steady gaze met Giff’s before the man left the parlor.
As Alice joined her sister, Giff realized how much her family loved and protected her. Lady Alice Carpenter had been no match for Normanby’s deceit. Worthington could have kept the rogue at bay but hadn’t had the information he needed to understand the danger. Other than knowing about the blackguard’s mistress, Giff had only had intuition to go on until last night. The same as Ladies Mary and Theo. He pulled his jacket sleeves down. He’d make sure Alice was even more protected than before. He’d be damned if he’d allow anything to happen to her.
Williams, Alice’s footman, walked Giff to the front door and bowed. “Thank you, sir.”
“It was my pleasure.” He donned his gloves and took his hat and cane. “Have an excellent day.”
“I will, my lord. You as well.”
The door closed behind him, and he headed home. Even the servants were protective of Alice. Still, it behooved him to find a way to keep track of Normanby. The man would soon be desperate, and desperate men were not to be trusted to behave in a reasonable manner.
* * *
By the time Alice reached her bedchamber, her dresser had a bowl of ice water ready. She placed her hands in it and jerked them out again.
“I know it is uncomfortable, but you will feel better later.” Grace gently pushed Alice’s hands back into the water. “I trust you have expended some of your hurt and anger.”
Thanks to St. Albans, she had. “I did. Although, I am surprised Lord St. Albans allowed me to pummel him.”
“He seemed to know just what you needed to do.” Her sister’s tone was thoughtful.
“He did.” Alice had said she would like to hit Normanby. Yet, she had not thought St. Albans would allow her to vent her anger hitting him. “He is a very good friend.”
“Hmm.” Grace’s tone indicated she did not believe he was merely a friend.
“He is interested in another lady.” Alice wished he was not. She wished she had been able to get to know him before she sent him on his way. Before she had met Normanby.
“Oh?” Her sister met her eyes in the toilet table mirror. “Who would that be?
“I do not know. He has not confided in me, and I did not ask.” Truth be told, she did not want to know.
Grace turned and looked at Alice directly. “Has he said anything about her?”
“Only that he had met her, and he seemed to be making progress.” Whatever that meant.
“I see.” Her sister glanced around the room. “Soak your hands for at least fifteen minutes. After that, I shall apply a cream.” Grace left the room.
Why? She cut a glance at her maid. “I could apply the cream. Or you could do it.”
“I suspect her ladyship has her reasons,” Bertram said. “You will want to freshen yourself. I will get out a clean gown.”
Alice looked in the mirror. Her hair was a mess, as was her face. She was also a little sticky. And hungry. Alice could not see the clock from where she was. “How long is it until luncheon.”
“A good two hours. I’ll have Cook send up something.”
“Thank you.” Alice’s hands were numb, but the rest of her felt better than it had since the start of the Season. She hoped it was not because of St. Albans. She did not want to be hurt again. This time she feared her heart really would be broken.
After her hands had been well soaked and dried, she went to her sister’s upstairs parlor and was waved to a chair. Grace held a jar of something green. “This will heal your hands in very little time.”
She opened the container and an acrid smell wafted out. Alice wrinkled her nose. It had been years since she had needed it. “What is it exactly?”
“Horse liniment.” Grace glanced at the jar and shrugged. “I do not know what is in it. My groom makes it.”
“I am going to smell of it all day.” Alice wondered if St. Albans would think it strange that she wore such a disgusting scent.
Grace grinned. “It is not that bad. The worst of the smell will dissipate within in a few hours.” She worked the cream into Alice’s hands. “You will be able to go with me on morning visits.”
She wondered what, if anything, would be said about Normanby. She had to admit it was a little exciting knowing something only a few others did and most never would.
