Page 20 of The Earl’s Inconvenient Nemesis

“Alice, are you quite well?”

She startled and quickly tucked the list away before turning to face Anthony.

“I am fine,” she said. “Just a little warm from the dancing.”

“You left the ballroom rather abruptly…”

“I needed some air.”

“I did not do anything to upset you, did not step on your toes?” Anthony asked, his face full of concern. It was so unlike the way he usually looked at her that she found herself blushing.

“No,” said Alice with a little smile.

“Good. I will… um… leave you alone then…” Anthony turned to leave.

“Why do you keep watching me in there… staring at me?” blurted out Alice.

Anthony turned back to face her, “I promised your brother I would look after you…”

“That is very noble of you, but you seem to be watching me all the time, which I am not sure is strictly necessary.”

Anthony had the decency to look embarrassed. “I…” he began. “I am sorry if I have made you feel uncomfortable,” he said, his tone suddenly formal.

“You did not,” replied Alice, realising this was actually true. She had wondered why he was doing it, questioning his motives, but had never felt uncomfortable under his gaze. In fact, in a way, it was sort of reassuring to know he was there, keeping an eye on her. It made her feel less alone in this sea of people in beautiful clothes who all seemed to know each other and the right way to do everything.

“I am glad.” He sighed. “I think I am very conscious of not wanting to let Henry down. It is a big responsibility he has given me. And it is also unusual to see you in this environment, it is strange for me. I am more used to you covered in mud on your way back from a ride.”

“I suppose you are,” said Alice with a laugh.

He hesitated before asking, “Would you like to go riding with me again?”

“Yes,” Alice found herself saying quickly, despite the memory of her falling off the horse and onto Anthony immediately replaying in her mind.

Anthony smiled. “Did Rosalind suit you?

“She did indeed, and I am impressed you remembered her new name.”

“I am sure she refuses to answer to anything else, so I thought it important I memorised it immediately,” explained Anthony, with a grin.

“Please do not really change her name on my account if she and you are used to her original one.”

“She will learn it quickly enough,” Anthony assured her.

“Have you had her long?”

“I purchased her the day I arrived in London to watch over you.”

“Oh,” was all Alice could think of to reply. So she had been correct that Rosalind had been bought with herself in mind.

“I know how much you love riding, and I did not have a suitable horse for you to use,” he explained simply. The quiet admission made something flutter dangerously in Alice’s chest.

“That was very kind of you.”

Anthony shrugged, “It was in my own self-interest. I remember how grumpy you were when you fractured your wrist and were not allowed to ride. I did not want a repeat performance.”

“I was eleven!”

“The memory is engrained.”