Page 12 of The Earl’s Inconvenient Nemesis

Alice did her best to hide her surprise. Anthony was back and forth to London all the time to partake in all the pleasures it held for him and which the Kentish countryside was definitely lacking, but it was true that he rarely stayed in town for long now.

“Actually, it is a relief to be away from it,” replied Anthony. “I am having some improvements done and the noise is very distracting.”

“Oh no,” said Jane. “There’s nothing worse than the sound of building work.”

“I could not agree more,” said Anthony.

“Why then, you must come and stay here until your improvements are done. I will not hear of any refusal. You are practically one of the family and it will be so nice for Alice to have another young person about the place. I fear she shall soon grow tired of my company.”

Alice’s mouth fell open in horror, what was her aunt doing? She could not possibly stay in the same house as Anthony. That would be a nightmare! It was bad enough having to see him at whatever social events she was invited to but having him across the breakfast table from her was asking too much! Surely he would not agree to it. He was a grown man, used to doing whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted to. He ran his own estate. Goodness only knew what time he staggered in every morning from the accounts she had heard. And, as amusing as he obviously found teasing her, he did not actually enjoy her company. Of course, he would not agree to stay in her aunt’s house…

“You are most generous, Lady Jane. I should be delighted to accept your kind invitation. It would be lovely to spend my time in London with friends.”

“Wonderful news!” said Lady Jane, clapping her hands with obvious satisfaction. “And I insist you call me Aunt Jane as my nieces and nephews do. Shall I tell Thomas to collect your things and inform your valet?”

“That would be marvellous, thank you, Aunt Jane,” replied Anthony. He turned to look at Alice. “This way I can be available whenever Alice needs me.”

“Alice, dear, would you mind checking what is happened with the tea? I cannot fathom what is taking so long,” Aunt Jane asked.

“Of course,” Alice said, grateful for the excuse to escape Anthony’s stares. Just what was he up to? She knew he liked to torment her, but surely this arrangement would inconvenience him a great deal. How could it be worth it for him? The thought of Anthony living under the same roof, sharing breakfast, occupying the same drawing room, and watching her every move, filled her with equal parts dread and an unsettling flutter she refused to examine too closely.

She delivered her aunt’s message to the kitchen and was making her way back to the drawing room when she heard a visitor being announced. She quickly checked herself in the hall mirror; her cheeks were flushed from the vengeful thoughts she was having about Anthony, but, hopefully, this just gave her a healthy glow.

Returning to the drawing room, she found that she did indeed have a gentleman caller.

“Ah, Mr Edward Cawlston, here is my niece, Miss Alice Fairfax,” introduced Lady Jane.

Alice curtsied in response to Mr Cawlston’s bow. His name was perhaps familiar from her dance card, but she could not place him. But then, she had been so nervous last night, it was hardly surprising she was unable to recollect a great deal about anyone she’d danced with.

“It is an honour to see you again, Miss Fairfax,” Mr Cawlston said.

“Mr Cawlston brought you these beautiful flowers,” said Lady Jane.

A vase of lilies had been placed on a side table.

“Thank you,” Alice said, smiling at her visitor and ignoring Anthony, who stood by the fireplace, as best as she could.

She sat down and was joined by Duchess, who, if possible, looked even more judgemental than usual. She clearly saw it as her duty to take part in whatever was going on and ensure her mistress’ potential suitor was up to her exacting standards.

A tea tray was brought in and Alice took the opportunity to examine Mr Cawlston. He was certainly young, his sideburns had not come in yet. She believed she did remember dancing with him. He had not been very accomplished if she recalled and she had been more than a little concerned for her feet. Not that her dancing was much better.

"Will you not sit down, Lord Tonbridge?" asked Lady Jane.

"I am quite comfortable standing, thank you," replied Anthony.

What was he doing? Did he think he was her bodyguard or something? Alice felt a wave of pity for poor Mr Cawlston. He really had not known what he was letting himself in for when he had decided to pay her a visit.

"I have not seen you around London before," commented Anthony, an accusatory tone to his voice.

Alice mentally rolled her eyes.

"No," replied Mr Cawlston, "I am newly arrived from my family seat in Northumberland. It is my first time in London and I am very much still finding my way around."

"How inconvenient to be situated so far from the capital…" said Anthony.

There was silence apart from the clinking of spoons on teacups.

"I find the country delightful, and far superior to town," said Alice, feeling someone should say something to relax her visitor.