Page 41 of The Earl’s Inconvenient Nemesis

“I do not want to talk privately with you.”

“Then I suppose we will have to speak more publicly here.”

“Fine,” Alice found herself hissing hurriedly. “We can ride together tomorrow.”

“I will pick you up at ten in the morning.”

“Very well,” replied Alice, before turning away and proceeding to ignore Anthony for the rest of the meal. She chatted instead with the gentleman on the other side of her. He was not the most entertaining of dinner companions but he did help to keep her mind off of Anthony a little . . . or at least aided her in not being without anyone to converse with.

She must have been imagining it, but she was sure she could feel Anthony’s eyes boring into her back for the entire meal.

Chapter Sixteen

For probably the first time in her life, Alice was not looking forward to going for a ride the following morning. She was still so embarrassed about what had happened in the library, and just the thought of going over it with Anthony was excruciating. But at least she had managed to delay discussing their transgression so they were not having the conversation in front of some of the most important members of the Ton. And she supposed, technically, she had already survived the first meeting after the kiss.

She had considered cancelling today’s ride at least fifty times, but she knew they had to talk about what she privately continued to call “the moment” eventually. Besides, it would be lovely to ride Rosalind again. Though she was not entirely certain any horse ride was worth what she was about to endure.

The more she thought about it, and she had thought about it a great deal, the more she wondered if their kiss had been entirely her fault. Anthony had only been dancing with her to help her, which he had promised her brother he would do. Presumably it was in his own interest for Alice to find a husband quickly so he could return to his own life, and helping her improve her dancing would aid that goal. He had seen her dance and realised she was in need of assistance he could provide. And then she had gone and read more into it than there was and kissed him… But he had leant down to meet her lips… Not that that necessarily meant anything, he was probably used to kissing women without a second thought.

Her mind was in such turmoil, she could hardly manage to eat anything at breakfast.

Aunt Jane seemed pleased that Anthony and Alice were going out together. “I know how much you enjoy riding, dear, and you must have been missing his company.”

Alice did not trust herself to answer so she gave a little nod of her head.

“Just make sure you do not exhaust yourself, we have morning calls later.”

“I will be careful not to,” said Alice.

She came downstairs in her riding gear at ten to find Anthony talking with her aunt while he waited for her.

“Are you sure you will not have a cup of tea before you go?” asked Aunt Jane, ever the perfect hostess.

Alice was grateful when Anthony replied, “No, thank you, we should set off if I am to have Alice back to you in plenty of time for your engagements.”

Aunt Jane smiled at them both affectionately. “Well, have fun!”

Alice grinned back as convincingly as she could as Anthony allowed her to exit the front door first and they walked down the steps to where the horses were waiting.

“Hello, Rosalind,” said Alice, stroking the mare’s nose and receiving a nuzzle in response before mounting.

They rode towards Hyde Park in silence. Eventually Anthony cleared his throat. “It is good to see you,” he said. “I think Rosalind has been missing you.”

“And I her,” Alice replied.

An awkward silence fell between them again. They reached the park and automatically turned towards the quieter paths.Surrounded by greenery and peace, Alice finally felt her breath become freer and her shoulders relax a little.

“About what occurred in the library . . .” Anthony began once they were sure they were alone.

Alice stared straight ahead, willing the conversation to be over despite knowing it needed to be had.

“Alice? Would you please look at me?”

She turned her head to meet his gaze. He dismounted and took hold of Rosalind’s reins. “Could you come down so we can talk properly, please?”

Alice reluctantly slid from the saddle and took her reins from him.

“Shall we walk?” Anthony asked. She nodded.