Page 4 of The Earl’s Inconvenient Nemesis

“It is not fine!” responded Alice, hotly. “I do not want to be followed around by him all the time! What if everyone assumes we have an arrangement? That would completely ruin my chances of receiving a proposal.”

Her brother’s expression told Alice the matter was settled.

Anthony laughed. “Anyone who has met me knows how unlikely that would be.”

“The long friendship between our families makes it entirely appropriate for Anthony to act as a sort of elder brother,” Henry said firmly.

“But he is not - ”

“I know,” Henry interrupted, his patience clearly fraying. “Alice, I am very busy. I will not prevent you from going, but you are only eighteen and barely out of the schoolroom. I cannot escort you. Therefore, if you are determined to go to London, you will go with Beth and Anthony.”

Alice stared at her brother. He was perfectly serious. If she wished to travel to London to find a husband and save her family from ruin, these were the terms she must accept.

Beth would be no hardship; Alice would be glad of her company. But the thought of Lord Tonbridge shadowing her around town…

Still, he would be staying in his own London house. She would only have to endure his presence at public events, and even then she could largely ignore him. She made a silent vow to decline any invitation her aunt could not attend.

“Very well,” she said at last, tight-lipped. “I shall tell Beth to pack.”

She swept from the room without sparing Lord Tonbridge a single glance.

Henry rose and shut both doors to the breakfast room. He returned to the table, poured two cups of coffee, and slid one across to his friend.

“How long?” he asked quietly.

Anthony’s hand stilled on his saucer. “How long, what?”

“How long have you been in love with my sister?”

Anthony froze. For a moment he looked as though he might deny it. Then he let out a long, defeated sigh. “About three years, I suppose. What gave me away?”

“The look of pure horror on your face when she announced she was going to London,” Henry said dryly.

Anthony rubbed a hand over his jaw. “Enough said.”

“So, what are you going to do? What about Sarah?”

“Nothing,” Anthony replied, his voice flat. “It changes nothing where Sarah is concerned.”

Henry raised an eyebrow. “Nothing? Because Alice claims to dislike you, I presume?”

“Your sister cannot stand the sight of me,” Anthony said with a bitter smile. “Her feelings are many levels above mere dislike. And I have Sarah and Charlie to think of. Now that my mother is gone, I planned to marry Sarah soon. I thought you would be glad a worthless rake was staying well away from your sister.”

“You are aware of my opinion regarding that plan,” Henry muttered. “And we both know most of what is written and passed around about you is utter rot. I do not know why you cannot put at least some of it to bed.”

Anthony shrugged. “Let people believe what they want.”

“Does it not bother you though?”

“Not all of it is fabricated, and it helps keep attention away from Sarah. Plus, it makes you look like an absolute angel by comparison, old man. Anyhow,” he said, finishing the last of his breakfast, “I had better deal with a few matters of my own seeing as I am now off to London tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Anthony,” said his friend. “I appreciate this. And if you ever did decide to set your cap at Alice…”

“She would never give me a second look. There was once a time I thought I might have had a chance, but… well, things changed,” said Anthony, his grin still present but looking forced as he avoided his friend’s eyes. “I shall keep you updated and, do not fret, no unsuitable suitor will get anywhere near your sister while I am with her.”

Chapter Three

Three Years Earlier