Page 24 of The Earl’s Inconvenient Nemesis

“It is quite alright,” said Anthony, with an easy shrug. “I am sure the horses are extremely happy.”

“But imagine if someone had seen me! Someone who would pass around that I like to clean out stables for my amusement!” Alice put her head in her hands. Why could she not just behave like every other woman here for the Season seemed to? Why did she have to be different?

“You can rest assured, all the members of my household are very discreet.”

“I should not have done it,” Alice said, quietly.

“You are not hurting anyone and I imagine you enjoyed yourself,” said Anthony, lightly.

“I did,” Alice admitted. “I feel like I am putting on an act for so much of my life here. Cleaning out the stables and talking with the horses is something familiar that I am good at and I enjoy. Unlike making polite conversation and dancing.”

They were quiet for a moment before Anthony said, “What if I came up with a way for you to be able to spend time in the stables here without anyone realising it was you? Just when you need a break from things.”

“What do you have in mind?” Alice asked.

“I have an idea, leave it with me,” Anthony replied, mysteriously.

The conversation changed to the characters of Anthony’s horses. The warmth of the fire was so comforting. Alice was feeling sleepy and could feel her eyes beginning to close.

“I think we had better return you to your aunt’s house,” Anthony said. “She will be starting to worry.”

Alice nodded her agreement and reluctantly got up.

Anthony instructed the carriage to be brought around to the front of the house and Alice hurried inside, grateful not to have to walk past all the servants in the kitchens again, but not wanting to be spotted by anyone on the street either.

“Thank you,” said Alice as the carriage pulled up outside her aunt’s house. “I have had a really nice time.”

Anthony laughed, “Only you would thank me for allowing you to clean out my horses, but it was my pleasure.”

Alice giggled. “The riding and the tea as well! I enjoyed myself. Can we go riding again tomorrow? Please?”

“Certainly,” Anthony replied with a little smile.

Alice went inside, grateful to discover that her aunt was not home and she had time to properly change before she returned. Beth shook her head good-naturedly at the state of her clothes, used to her mistress’ often strange behaviour.

As Alice was going to leave her bedroom, she saw the book Anthony had given her by the side of the bed. She had not taken the time to properly become absorbed in it since he had disturbed her reading session, though she had been amused by what she had read. She picked it up, determined to try again.

Chapter Ten

Alice came down to breakfast the following morning tired from reading until the early hours, but dressed ready for riding and excited to be going out to clear her head before an afternoon of calls with her aunt.

Aunt Jane was already in the breakfast room enjoying toast and a boiled egg with her pot of tea, but there was no sign of Anthony.

“Good morning, dear. I hope you slept well,” said Aunt Jane.

“Yes, thank you, and you?” replied Alice, helping herself to coffee.

“Very well. I am afraid, however, that Lord Tonbridge will not be able to take you riding this morning as planned. He was out last night and has not yet returned.”

“Oh,” said Alice, feeling suddenly foolish in her riding gear. “That is a shame.”

“I am sure he has a good explanation for letting you down,” Aunt Jane said kindly.

Yes, like one of his mistresses making him a more exciting offer, thought Alice bitterly.

“Never mind,” Alice said as brightly as she could. “I daresay I should have felt quite exhausted riding a second day in a row.”

“I would imagine so,” agreed Aunt Jane. “Perhaps we could take a little stroll together before luncheon?”