Con looked at Hugh. “Very well. After everyone is settled.”
In short order another coach of servants and baggage arrived followed by Alice’s older sisters and Dotty.
Williams came up and bowed. “My lady. Bertram said a gown is ready if you wish to change.”
Alice’s gown was rather mussed. Being thrown into a coach did nothing for one’s clothing either. “Thank you. I will be up in a few minutes.” She turned to greet her sisters who had not heard about her betrothal. “Welcome to Whippoorwill Manor.”
Charlotte’s jaw dropped for a slight second. “You are betrothed!”
“This is perfect!” Louisa exclaimed.
“Just as I thought,” Dotty said.
First Giff’s mother and now Alice’s cousin. “How could you know when I had no idea at all?”
Dotty grinned. “You had too many . . . oh I do not know, feelings I suppose. Although, that does not explain it well, for him. There was just something there. Especially during the past couple of weeks.”
That was fair. After that first day in Hatchards, Alice had started being attracted to him. “I think I understand what you mean.”
After Alice changed and everyone else washed the dust of the road off, the duchess suggested the morning room for tea, and Alice ordered it served there. After tea, she and her sisters followed the duchess around the house. The rest of it was as well decorated as the rooms she had already seen. There was also a substantial garden on three sides of the building that included a maze and a courtyard between the two wings. Once they finished sliding down the banister, the children would have fun there. The fourth side held the dairy, a kitchen garden, and the laundry. It was no wonder the house was Giff’s favorite. Alice already loved the estate.
They flustered the servants by dining in afternoon gowns instead of evening gowns and by having the children join them. Alice hoped their dress and customs would give her staff a hint that her family, ergo she, was more relaxed than they were used to.
The talk was, naturally, about the wedding. Alice told the duchess about the garden wedding. “Harry and Madeline could not get the date they wanted at St. George’s.”
“You could marry in the garden,” Mary suggested.
Seated next to Giff, his mother leaned closer to him and whispered. He nodded. “If we cannot get a date at St. George’s, would you object to a wedding at Cleveland House? The gardens are extensive and there is a ballroom.” He smiled. “Naturally, the children and dogs would attend as well.”
Alice had never seen the house much less the gardens, but she knew it was free-standing with a good bit of land around it. “I like the idea. When could I see it?”
“Tomorrow or the next day depending on when we depart.”
Matt glanced at Giff. “I’ll give you a letter for your father. We must settle the contracts sooner rather than later.”
Alice suspected at least one of her brothers-in-law had spoken with her betrothed about them while she was touring the house. What would the duke say about Matt’s conditions? She wanted to be present when they spoke.
The children began to yawn when dessert was served. Shortly thereafter, their maids were called to put them to bed. Hugh grinned at Giff. “It is a truly splendid banister.”
Once the children had gone, Con said, “I suspect you will be plagued by him for invitations. Shall I forbid it?”
“Not at all. I’m sure when we are on the way to someone’s house or another this will be a convenient stop. It will be a pleasure to have him and the other children visit.” Alice raised one brow and directed it at her betrothed. Giff added, “Provided he is accompanied by his nursemaid.”
Alice rose. “It is time to repair to the drawing room.” She glanced at Giff. “Are you remaining here or joining us?”
“We will come with you.” He went to the foot of the table to escort her. “Cummings, have the port and brandy brought to the drawing room you have set up. A footman will lead us there.”
“Yes, my lord.” The butler’s bow was not quite as stiff as before.
CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN
Once they were gathered in the parlor and everyone had a beverage, Alice dismissed the servants.
“There is an issue we have not discussed,” Worthington said.
Giff noticed the other gentlemen’s countenances were grim. “Normanby. Do you know what happened to him?”
Worthington shook his head. “Unless Lady Bellamny had him locked up, which is extremely unlikely, he is no longer at the inn or its vicinity.”
