Page 3 of The Earl’s Inconvenient Nemesis

Alice faltered. She had not wanted to have this conversation in front of him. Yet time was short, and Anthony had a positive talent for appearing at the worst possible moment.

“I had hoped to speak with you alone,” she told Henry pointedly.

Anthony merely flashed her a wicked smile. “You would not deny a chap his breakfast, would you? Besides, I am practically family. Do not forget, I have seen you - ”

“Anyway,” Alice cut in, her cheeks burning. “Aunt Jane is in London for the Season. She has agreed to sponsor me and is sending her carriage today. I have already packed.”

Henry set his coffee cup down slowly. “Why the sudden rush?”

“The Season is well advanced, it is already April. I waited until mourning ended, but I cannot delay any longer.”

Her brother studied her for a long moment. “I thought you considered the Season ridiculous. You once made Father swear an oath that you would never endure one.”

“I know,” Alice said quietly. “But our situation has changed.”

She saw colour rise in her brother’s cheeks and hated herself for causing it. Their father had been the kindest of men, but a hopeless businessman. His disastrous investments had left the estate in a terrible financial position.

“I am dealing with our problems as best I can,” Henry said stiffly.

“I know you are. But I am of marriageable age, and I refuse to be a burden. If I make a good match, my husband might sponsor our sisters when their turn comes, or even help with the estate.”

“So you mean to sell yourself to the highest bidder,” Anthony drawled from across the table.

Alice spun to face him. “No, of course not!” She turned her back on him once more. “I am certain I can find someone I could respect and who would be willing to marry me,” she continued to Henry. “I still have my dowry, do I not?”

“Yes,” said Henry, quickly. “All the dowries are safe. They are set aside, separated from the estate finances.”

Alice nodded. “But I am aware there is no money to sponsor me, so I asked Aunt Jane. She offered before last year when I turned seventeen, and you know she will be thrilled to do it. There is nothing she loves more than matchmaking, and now that all her daughters are wed, she has a gap before she begins marrying off her granddaughters.”

“We cannot afford to sponsor you this season. Not with all the new dresses you would need, renting a house, and goodness only knows what other expenses,” confirmed Henry, “But I wish you had not gone behind my back to Aunt Jane. How does that make me look? I am supposed to be the head of this family.”

“I am sorry,” said Alice. “I did not think you would agree to let me ask her, but she is so looking forward to it. Look, here is her letter.” She handed the piece of paper to her brother, who read it in silence.

“That is very good of Aunt Jane,” he said, passing it back.

“So, you see, there is no problem. Aunt Jane says she would love to have me stay, and she is quite suitable as an escort.”

Henry drummed his fingers on the table and looked to his best friend.

“What do you think, Anthony? I admit, I would be happier if I were going with her, but I simply cannot leave the estate at the moment.”

Alice glared at Anthony, daring him to interfere. He was keeping suspiciously quiet, his face blank, and she was waiting for him to say something to destroy all her plans.

“I shall have Aunt Jane as an escort…” repeated Alice before Anthony could speak.

“Aunt Jane cannot possibly accompany you everywhere. You forget, I know what the London season is like,” said her brother.

“I can take Beth with me as well…” suggested Alice, knowing her lady’s maid would be thrilled to visit London.

“I shall keep an eye on her,” said Anthony, barely glancing up from his food.

“What?” blurted out Alice.

Anthony ignored her and spoke to Henry, “I was planning to be in London for the next few weeks and you know how your aunt adores me. She shall be delighted to have me around. I will most likely be going to the same events as Alice anyway. I can travel up tomorrow.”

His absurd confidence made Alice want to scream.

“Fine,” said Henry.