Page 25 of The Earl’s Inconvenient Nemesis

“That sounds lovely,” Alice said.

“And I am sure Lord Tonbridge will be able to take you riding tomorrow.”

Alice nodded.

She ate her breakfast quickly and went back up to her room to change out of her riding clothes. A terrible mood had settled over her. She was cross with Anthony for disappointing her, but even more frustrated with herself for having begun to trust him. She had allowed his charm and their pleasant rides to make her forget what he truly was: a self-serving rake primarily interested in the pursuit of pleasure. Of course he would choose his own amusements over honouring a commitment to her. And it was not as though this was the first time he had let her down, she reminded herself, recalling the summer three years ago when he had failed to appear for their ride.

And she had been looking forward to seeing him and telling him now she’d read ‘Pride and Prejudice’ for hours last night, until she could no longer force her eyes to stay open. She loved Lizzie, and despaired of Mr Darcy, and had planned to finish it after their ride. She glared at the book by the side of the bed before turning her back to it.

She was wasting her time and energy on him when he was not worth it and there were far more important things that she should be focusing on.

The day dragged interminably for Alice. She was glad whenever she and her aunt were out of the house for it prevented her from listening out for Anthony’s return or being tempted to read the book he had given her. She was, however, forced to spend far longer than she liked pretending to be interested in gossip about people she barely knew.

When she and Aunt Jane finally returned after paying calls on what seemed to be half of London, Anthony was waiting for them in the drawing room. He rose as they entered. He looked exhausted, Alice noted. A surge of unwanted pity rose within her, but she swiftly quashed it. It served him right for staying out all night. She hoped he was suffering the most dreadful hangover.

“Lord Tonbridge, I trust you had a good night,” said Aunt Jane, with an indulgent smile.

“I admit, I am rather feeling the effects of it now,” Anthony replied. “I hope you will forgive me if I retire for a time until supper?”

“Of course,” said Aunt Jane. “In fact, I believe I shall go for a lie down myself. Today has quite exhausted me.”

Once her aunt had departed, Anthony turned his attention to Alice. “I am sorry I had to cancel our ride this morning.”

“It is quite fine,” replied Alice, coldly. “I think I shall also go to rest in my room.”

She turned to leave.

“I am free tomorrow morning if you would care to go riding then?” Anthony suggested.

“That is very kind, but no thank you,” Alice said, continuing out of the door. There was no question of putting herself in the position of being let down by him again.

“I was not aware you had any prior engagements…” Anthony called after her.

Alice spun back around. “I do not,” she said, surprised at her own boldness in speaking so to an earl. Social decorum was the furthest thing from her mind.

Anthony’s eyes flashed. “I apologised for this morning, it really could not be helped,” he said, stiffly.

Alice rolled her eyes. “You could not help staying out all night, no doubt drinking, gambling and… womanising?” She took a deep breath.

“It was not like that…”

“It is none of my business what you do, Lord Tonbridge,” Alice said firmly.

She turned to leave once more, but Anthony strode across the room and caught her by the arm. “Please, wait,” he said urgently.

Alice looked up into his eyes and found herself transfixed. His gaze was so intense, she felt herself melt despite her best intentions to remain cross at him possibly for the rest of their natural lives.

“It is not what you think, I was not out… doing any of those things, especially the womanising,” he said with a little smile Alice had to fight very hard not to return.

“What were you doing then?” she asked quietly.

“You said that was none of your business.”

Alice glared back at him and Anthony sighed.

“Can I trust you?” he asked.

“Of course you can.”