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Alicia smiled gratefully at the housekeeper. “A cup of tea would be most welcome, Mrs. Timmons. Thank you.”

“The Duke is looking for you, Your Grace,” Mrs. Timmons said meaningfully.

Alicia hid a smile. “Very good, I have no doubt that he will find me.”

Since she had told Seth of their impending arrival, he had been worse than a mother hen.

Alicia could not get away from him, no matter where in the house she chose to be. He would seek her out, looking concerned, insisting that she sit down at any given opportunity.

In secret, she adored his attentions, but it was rather suffocating every hour of the day.

Not long after the bustle of the servants had died down and she had wandered a little way across the lawn, she heard the crunch of footsteps through the snow behind her.

Alicia turned and laughed at Seth’s furious expression.

Dove was perched on his shoulders, looking for something to hunt in the vicinity, her white fur shining in the faint winter sunshine.

“This creature must be locked away,” Seth barked, picking up the cat and glaring at her. “She chased Christopher away,again.I shall be heartbroken if anything happens to him. From now on, she cannot be allowed in the gardens unsupervised.”

He handed Dove to Alicia, who cradled her gently in her arms.

“I am sorry, my love, but she is a wild animal at heart. I do not wish for anything to happen to Christopher either, but I do not believe he is in any real danger.”

“No danger?” Seth huffed, looking agitated. “However can you say such a thing?”

“Because I believe he baits her deliberately. I was having a cup of tea in the parlor yesterday and he fluttered about outside as if waiting for something. When Dove arrived, he watched her, teased her, and fluttered away just as she pounced. She is very bad at catching things, and I do not think she will ever manage it.”

Seth eyed Dove for a few moments, his lips thinning.

He had many expressions that were not obvious to those who did not know him, but Alicia had learned to read them all. He loved the cat beyond reason.

“She is a menace,” he said peevishly, then plucked her out of Alicia’s arms and hugged her. “How are you feeling this morning? It is damnably cold to be outdoors.”

Inclining her head, Alicia shrugged a shoulder. “I like the cold, and I am a little tired but looking forward to our soiree. Have you heard from Isaac?”

Seth nodded. “Indeed, I have. Had to harangue him into coming, but he will be here shortly. I believe he only attends such events to speak with you. Whatever do the two of you talk about anyway?”

“Oh, many things. I enjoy how straightforward he is.”

Seth glared at her, and she fought back the smile that threatened to break free.

“We are very much in love, Isaac and I. He is the best man I know,” she said thoughtfully.

“You may be with child, but I can still throw you over my shoulder and carry you to our room if I wish,” Seth warned.

Alicia could not help but laugh at him.

“You are the most foolish man in the world,” she said, putting a hand on his cheek and giving him a kiss. “I love only you, as you well know.”

“Hm.”

He stroked the cat and offered her his arm as they headed back to the house.

Frost glittered across the terrace steps, and Seth paused to allow her to go first, watching carefully should she slip.

“Has there been any word?” Alicia asked as they reached the top step.

Seth shook his head. “The trial should take place soon, or so they tell me. But these things take an age. I cannot imagine Grant is particularly happy in gaol. It warms my heart to think of him amongst the vagrants and the rats.”