He took her other fan from her and handed it to a footman. “But not as beautiful as you, my love.”
She had never been happier, and she would be happier still. This was just the beginning of their live together. She reached up and kissed him. “Thank you, my love.”
“Now.” He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. “We must discuss the matter of dances for the evening,” he said as they strolled toward the ballroom. “I believe I am allowed to claim every one of them.”
“You are.” It might appear odd if no one knew they were betrothed. “Do you know when your parents plan to make the announcement?”
He took two glasses of champagne from a footman and handed her one. “At the opening of the ball. My mother already spoke with your sister about which time would be best.”
Under the circumstances, it was the best idea. Alice was very glad she had taken care not to be seen in the coach with Normanby. The only time anyone could have spotted her was at the inn. “In that case, every set is yours.”
Eleanor, Madeline, and their husbands joined them. Madeline leaned over and whispered, “There is some talk that you might have been with Normanby in his coach.”
Lady Bellamny had been correct. Someone had noticed them. Alice hoped rumors would soon be put to rest. “The announcement should dispel any gossip.”
The room was filling, and the rest of her family joined them. Matt glanced at the short set of stairs to the ballroom. “Here they come.” He placed Grace’s hand on his arm. “It’s time. Alice, St. Albans, come with us.”
A small dais had been set up in the middle of the room against the wall. They met the Duke and Duchess of Cleveland and took their places.
The duke raised his glass of champagne. “It has taken many years. Longer than I wanted it to.” Light laughter greeted his remark. “But I am delighted to be able to welcome a new daughter into my family. My son St. Albans is betrothed to Lady Alice Carpenter.”
The announcement was greeted by polite applause. Once they had stepped down from the platform, people came forward to wish them happy and congratulate Giff on his achievement. Alice could hear various snatches of conversation.
One older lady smirked. “I knew the rumors were not true.”
“I know for a fact that both families met outside of Town for the betrothal. You cannot hide that number of coaches,” another lady added knowingly.
Still another lady tapped her cane on the floor. “Whoever tried to blacken her name should be ashamed of themselves.”
“Have you heard that Normanby is bankrupt?” a gentleman commented.
“No surprise there. I was told that he’s betrothed to the daughter of a Cit,” his companion added.
A gentleman with several daughters sighed. “I wish I knew how Lady Worthington managed to make such excellent matches for all her sisters. Perhaps I should have my wife ask her.”
Giff leaned down and his breath caressed her ear. “Fences cleared.”
Lady Bellamny caught Alice’s eye and gave an imperceptible nod that she returned. “Now for the wedding.”
Giff groaned. “It would be so much easier if we could do it the Scots way and just have witnesses.”
It would, but neither of their families, with the possible exception of his mother, would agree. “I will be interested to hear what the plan is.”
“I have received my orders. The first thing tomorrow, I am to go to St. George’s and try to get a date and time. If they have nothing left, I am to convince that vicar your family has used to come to a garden. I hope they make that decision this evening.”
“In the meantime, I have appointments for gowns, shoes, hats, and other things.”
Giff’s mien brightened. “I can attend some of those with you. We must also see what needs to be done to our wing of the house.”
The strains of the first set began. “A waltz?”
“I asked Mamma to include as many waltzes as possible. I love holding you in my arms.”
They strolled onto the dance floor. “I love being in your arms.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY
Two days after the betrothal ball, Giff was breaking his fast at Worthington House. Yesterday, he, Worthington, and Alice worked out the settlement agreements regarding Giff’s property. Today his father was meeting with them. At first, he wondered why Papa had decided to allow the meeting to be here rather than at Cleveland House. But decided he was curious to meet with the earl who thought nothing of commanding a duke. Or a marquis for that matter. Giff’s future brothers-in-law had taken him aside and explained exactly what would happen during his meeting with Worthington.
