Page 14 of The Earl’s Inconvenient Nemesis

Alice hesitated. She suspected her sore head was more likely the result of dealing with Anthony than being stuck indoors for longer than she was used to. A ride did sound wonderful though and she could hardly go by herself. Her aunt was not a rider so accompanying her was not an option.

At home she tried to ride every day, rain or shine, and she missed it.

But she would be choosing to spend more time with Anthony, which she had sworn she would not do…

Still, it seemed that he was determined to hang around her like an annoying insect buzzing in her ear anyway, so she may as well do something she enjoyed while suffering his company.

“Fine,” she said.

“You do not need to sound quite so thrilled about it…” Anthony remarked dryly.

He received a glare in response.

“Can you be ready to leave in an hour?” Anthony asked.

“I will see you then,” said Alice, sweeping out of the breakfast room.

Alice descended in her riding habit to find Anthony waiting in her aunt’s entrance hall. The cut of his buckskin breeches and dark coat emphasised his powerful thighs and broad shoulders rather too effectively for her peace of mind.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked.

"Yes," replied Alice, feeling her cheeks redden.

"Good, there's a horse saddled up and prepared for you."

Alice followed him outside and down the steps to where two horses were waiting with a groom. Anthony’s large chestnut stallion looked every bit as imposing as its master, while a pretty dapple-grey mare stood patiently beside him.

"Her name's Grey," Anthony said, as the groom helped Alice to mount.

"Very original."

"It was the name she came with when I bought her," he shrugged. "Do you have a better one?"

Alice thought for a moment before replying, "Rosalind."

Anthony rolled his eyes. "Fine, from now on she's Rosalind."

They rode the horses at a walk to Hyde Park. Alice looked around her eagerly as they went through the gates, feeling herself begin to relax upon entering the green space. She'd always wanted to ride along the famous Rotten Row.

The wide sandy track was bustling with members of the Ton enjoying the fine weather. Elegant ladies in smart riding habits rode side-saddle, their plumes nodding gracefully. Gentlemen in polished boots and tailored coats cantered past, exchanging greetings and covert appraisals. Open carriages rolled along more slowly, their occupants scanning the crowds for acquaintances and potential matches. The air was filled with the sounds of hooves on sand, laughter, and the occasional trill of birdsong from the surrounding trees.The park was undeniably lovely, with its manicured lawns, graceful trees, and ornamental water features, but Alice still preferred the wilder, less perfect beauty of the Kent countryside. Here everything felt calculated and on display — much like the marriage mart itself.

Charlotte and Margaret would be very envious, but they would much rather have been experiencing the park from the comfort of a barouche.

“This is your first time in London without your siblings, is it not?” Anthony asked, as if reading her thoughts.

“Yes.”

“Do you miss them?”

“In some ways,” she admitted carefully. She was not about to give him ammunition for future teasing. She could well imagine him recounting her homesickness to Charlotte and Margaret with great amusement.

Anthony stopped to greet a couple in a carriage and she took the opportunity to watch him in London society.

Alice had only ever known Anthony in the country. She had seen him at country dances a handful of times, but he had always been with Henry and often their other friends. They had never paid any attention to Henry's odd little sister, except when Anthony decided to torment her.

He seemed comfortable here in London society and very… grown up. So very different from the annoying boy who had once delighted in putting frogs in her bed or pulling her pigtails. Watching him, tall and commanding in the saddle, Alice felt an unsettling warmth bloom in her chest.

He introduced Alice to people he stopped to talk to, but did not continue to attempt to make conversation with her directly, which suited her just fine. She was happy to look around, soaking in the atmosphere and watching all the people and horses they passed. She was, naturally, far more interested in the horses.