Alice had been wondering what the duchess had decided. And now she knew. Having her as well as Alice’s family and Lady Bellamny would depress any talk. No one would want to be on the wrong side of those ladies. The duchess smiled at her and lifted a teacup. Alice saluted her in return.
When the box arrived, her sisters gathered around as she inspected the rings. One stood out. It was a square sapphire with small diamonds on the sides. “This one.”
Giff came to her. “Allow me.” He slid it onto her left ring finger. “Perfect. I believe there is a parure that goes with it. Mamma?”
“There is. I will give them to her as a wedding present.”
Which meant they were Alice’s to keep. “Thank you. For everything.”
“Now that that is settled,” Matt said, “it is time we depart.” He glanced at Grace. “When is the next large entertainment?”
She worried her bottom lip and glanced at the duchess. “Tonight.”
His mother’s eyes flew wide. “My ball! The plans were made so long ago I completely forgot.” She pushed her chair back and rose. “We must go immediately. I would like all of you to dine with us.” A sly expression donned on her face. “We will put it about very quietly that this is where we planned to announce the betrothal.”
“What an excellent idea,” Grace said rising as well.
“Alice.”
“Your grace?”
“You shall wear the sapphire parure this evening.”
That would certainly make a statement.
CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE
This was better than her come out ball. Alice twirled in front of the mirror. Her gown was so creamy it looked like butter. The parure consisted of a gold filigree necklace in which square sapphires dropped down like flowers from gold and diamond leaves. The earrings were of the same design. The sapphires in the bracelet and tiara were set into the leaves. The pins holding Alice’s hair had light-green tips that matched the embroidery on her gown.
A knock came on the door, and her maid opened it. Eleanor and Madeine stood there smiling. Alice almost fell into their arms. “How did you arrive so soon?”
“Well.” Eleanor had a sheepish look on her face. “After Madeline’s wedding, we all decided to stay in Richmond at a house John and I have. We were certain you would wed soon, and we wanted to ensure we were close by.”
Tears filled Alice’s eyes. “I have missed you so very much.”
“We have missed you too.” Madeline hugged her again. “We are overjoyed for you. All along we knew there was something between you and St. Albans.”
Eleanor stepped back. “You look so elegant. You will cast the rest of us into the shade.”
That was hardly true. They both had ball gowns befitting young matrons and wore parures. “You both look beautiful.” Alice glanced at the clock. “We should go. I do not want to be late.”
Eleanor and Madeline laughed as they linked arms with Alice and strolled with her into the corridor. Grace joined them on the landing. “You all look lovely.”
John Montagu, Harry Stern, and Matt waited in the hall.
“I hope St. Albans realizes how lucky he is,” Matt commented.
Alice glanced up at the ceiling. “You have to say that. You are my brother.”
“I agree. And I’m only newly your brother by marriage,” Harry added.
“Thank you both. However, we need to depart if we are not to be late.”
“Is St. Albans as prompt as you?” Madeline asked.
“Indeed, he is.” That was one of the things Alice had appreciated even when she had not liked him.
The gentlemen took one coach, and the ladies rode in the other. Eleanor placed her hand on Alice’s arm. “Are you nervous?”
