Alex handed Ella down at an emporium where they hoped to find presents for all those of the family expected for the festivities, with extras for those who arrived without announcement.
They stood aside at the door to allow a couple to exit; the Marquis of Aldridge and one of the loveliest women Alex had ever seen, from the black ringlets dancing around her heart-shaped face, through a luscious figure discreetly outlined by the exquisitely tailored redingote, to dainty feet in leather boots. Aldridge hovered protectively over the woman, and she laughed up at him, cornflower blue eyes sparkling.
“You will give them ideas beyond their station, Aldridge,” she scolded.
“I hope they will make their own station, my love,” the Marquis replied. “My ancestors might have been kings in ancient Kent, but their ancestors were pirates and reivers. Why should my sons and their half-brothers not found dynasties that will one day eclipse my own?”
“Radical views for a duke-in-waiting, Aldridge,” Alex commented, startling the pair, who had been intent on one another.
Aldridge grinned but also shifted so the woman was half hidden behind his body.
“One far distant day, Redepenning, long after I’ve shuffled off this mortal coil. Good day, Lady Melville.” He doffed his hat. “Shopping for Twelfth Night presents? They have a fine range. My friend has spent half my fortune! Good shopping to you.” He bowed again and turned to offer his companion his arm to his own carriage, which drew up at that moment.
“Aldridge,” she protested as he hurried her away, “you are the one who insisted on buying half the store.”
Ella frowned after them. “That was not… Was she his mistress?”
Alex opened the door for her and followed her into the vast space of the emporium, where goods of all kinds were spread out on row after row of tables. “That, Ella, unless I am very much mistaken, is the famous Rose of Frampton.”
“But he has only known her a short time. Sons, Alex?”
Alex shrugged. “Not hers, I imagine. And not that I had previously heard, but given his… Let me just say that his reputation is not undeserved. I would be more surprised if he had no—er—consequences. Most men would not be buying them Twelfth Night presents, however!”
