Page 40 of The Earl’s Inconvenient Nemesis

She took the opportunity to peer at herself without restraint once Beth had left, turning herself from side to side so she could see herself from all angles. Did she like what she saw? Would she be being terribly vain if she thought yes? She was probably more attractive now she was spending more time on her appearance and wore beautiful, fitted clothes. Though she would not be sorry to see some of the pastel colours disappear once she was back home, even if she had to admit the cuts of her new dresses were beautiful.

She certainly appeared more sophisticated and glamorous and felt like she fitted in better at the events she and her aunt attended. But she did not look like herself, and even to her eyes, she was pale and drawn. She gave her cheeks a pinch to get some colour into them before heading downstairs to join her aunt.

The dinner they were attending was being held at the townhouse of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The Duchess happened to be a close friend of Aunt Jane from childhood, hence the invitation to such a prestigious, and exclusive, event.

Pre-dinner drinks were served in the large, extremely opulent drawing room. Alice stuck close to her aunt, having decided balls were far easier than dinner parties: at least at a ball you had the dancing to discuss and occupy you as opposed to having your twentieth conversation about the unusually clement weather at the moment.

Alice was taking a sip of champagne as she was talked at by an earl who was at least twenty years too old for her. He was explaining that his wife had died giving birth to their seventh child and he was in the market for a new spouse, when she spotted Anthony entering the room. Late as he usually was to society events, though never when meeting her, she thought with a smile as her stomach gave a little flip. She watched him for a moment, wondering if he was searching for her, if he felt as awkward about this first meeting after the . . . moment they shared together in the library, as she did. A moment she must have gone over thousands and thousands of times ever since it happened.

Anthony glanced about the room and, much to Alice’s equal horror and pleasure, their eyes met. He gave a nod in her direction which she returned, her heart thumping like it was threatening to break out of her chest. She did her best to return her attention to the widowed earl, but every part of her being was intensely aware of Anthony making his way across the room towards her.

“Excuse me,” he said smoothly to the earl. “I am terribly sorry to interrupt, but I have a private message for Miss Fairfax from her brother.”

“Oh, but of course,” said the Earl. “It has been a pleasure talking to you, my dear,” he added to Alice. “Let us hope we are sitting next to each other at dinner.”

Alice managed to hide her grimace and then her smile at the face Anthony pulled as the Earl walked away.

“What makes him think he stands a chance with Miss Alice Fairfax?” Anthony said, handing her a fresh drink and relieving her of her empty glass.

Alice went to open her mouth to reply, but Anthony quickly said, “Do not even think about considering him, or I shall have you whisked off back to your brother before you can say unpaid nursery maid.”

The thought of being taken back home seemed very enticing at that precise moment, especially if it meant sharing a carriage with Anthony . . . No! She told herself firmly. Anthony was not interested in her, he had proven that to her already.

“Do not worry, I was merely being polite,” she replied.

“Thank goodness for that.”

“What is the message from Henry? Is everything well at home?”

“Everything is fine,” reassured Anthony. “And there was no message, other than your siblings sending you their love. They are all missing you. It was merely an excuse to rescue you from that old bore.”

“I did not need rescuing, thank you very much,” said Alice, firmly. “And I doubt my siblings have even noticed I am not around.”

“You would be surprised how much of an effect you have on those around you,” said Anthony softly.

Alice’s heart gave a flutter, but she betrayed nothing on her face when she replied, “Maybe the horses are missing me.”

She noticed her aunt beckoning her from across the room, “Excuse me, I believe Aunt Jane needs me.” And, feeling rather proud of her composure, she walked away from Anthony to be introduced to another of her aunt’s friends.

Alice was definitely flagging by the time the dinner gong rang. Hopefully food would perk her up and at least she would not have to make so much conversation while eating. She prayed she would be spared sitting next to that earl . . . Couples began lining up and Anthony appeared by her side and offered his arm. She could hardly refuse without appearing churlish, so she accepted it and focused on those around them as much as she could, ignoring her body’s reaction to Anthony being so close to her.

They walked into the dining room and Anthony took her to her designated seat and pulled it out for her. Alice sat down and he took the place next to her. She checked the name on his place setting and it did indeed say Lord Tonbridge.

“Is this a coincidence?”

Anthony shrugged. “I wanted to talk to you,” he said. “About what happened in the library . . .”

“I hardly think this is the time or the place!” whispered Alice urgently.

“When then? I do not want to leave things this way between us.”

“It was you who left.”

“I had some estate business to attend to . . .” explained Anthony.

“So I was informed . . .”

“I could take you riding tomorrow morning? We can talk more privately then.”