Page 42 of The Earl’s Inconvenient Nemesis

They took a few steps before Anthony spoke again, “I would like to apologise for my behaviour in the library. It was completely unacceptable of me, particularly given the role I promised your brother I would fulfil while you are in London. I hope you will forgive me.”

“Of course, I forgive you,” said Alice, immediately. She paused before adding, “It was a momentary lapse of judgment on both our parts.”

Relief washed over Anthony’s face but he said, “I take full responsibility.”

Aware of what her own emotions had been like at the time, Alice knew this was grossly unfair, but she was not brave enough to contradict him. It was actually something of a relief to know the kiss had not been entirely one-sided, even if it hurt that Anthony so readily agreed it had been a mistake.

“I suggested previously that I may be in London to find myself a wife,” Anthony continued, his brow furrowed. This time it was his turn not to meet her eyes. “That is not true, though not in the way you might think. I am not actually looking for a wife.”

Anthony’s obvious discomfort prompted Alice to say, “There is no need for you to tell me this, if you would rather not.”

“No, I want you to know,” he said softly. “My father’s affair will always have the potential to be discovered, and with the stain that will place upon my family, it would not be fair for me to take a wife other than Sarah, whom I plan to marry so that I may officially make Charlie my heir.”

“You plan to marry Sarah?”

“Yes, there is no one else I could marry after what my father has done. I could never bring that shame upon my wife and her family. Even if there was someone I was extremely attracted to and thought would be perfect for me.” He swallowed and his eyes met hers. Burning into them. The intensity caught her by surprise.

Alice had no idea how to respond. She felt nauseous and her heart was thumping wildly in her chest. Thankfully, she was saved from having to say anything immediately when Anthony turned his gaze from her and continued, “I apologise if I have made you feel awkward. And I know I’m not on your list, but I just . . . I need you to understand why . . . after what happened between us . . . why I am not . . . not . . . offering for your hand.”

Alice did not think she had ever seen anyone look more uncomfortable, except herself perhaps, as she felt her face turn bright red.

It took every piece of self-control she possessed to keep her expression emotionless. “I never . . .” she began. “I never would have expected you to offer for me. It was just a kiss. A little mistake.”

“I would expect myself to in other circumstances.” He wrung his hands together.

“Well, I am glad then that you are unable to. My goodness, a marriage between you and me would, you have to admit, be a disaster,” she said, trying to make light of the situation.

A flicker of something crossed Anthony’s face, but before Alice could identify it, he said, “Right, of course. Anyway, speaking of you and husbands, I have come up with a plan to help you.”

“I told you, I do not need your help.” Her plan to find a husband was absolutely the last thing she wanted to talk about right now.

“I would argue that you do,” said Anthony, his cheery disposition attempting to reassert itself. “I imagine you have already struck off half the names from your list and, excuse me for pointing it out, but you have looked miserable at every single social event I have witnessed you attend.”

Alice sighed. Maybe he was right. She did not seem to be getting anywhere with her mission. Despite crossing many names off her list, there was no one who stood out as someone she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. But then, she still had not met all the names on her list yet. Surely, there had to be someone on there who would be a good match for her.

“My plan will help you to whittle down the remaining names and aid you in spending more time with the contenders for your hand,” Anthony tempted.

Alice suddenly felt completely deflated. All she wanted was to get away from Anthony so she could process what on earth was going on with all the feelings racing around inside her body. Instead she managed to hide the despair threatening to take over her countenance and responded, “What exactly is your plan?”

“I will organise a house party on my estate. I will invite everyone left on your list. I cannot guarantee they will all come, but I think there is a high chance they will. Of course, I will need to ensure your aunt approves, and she can attend with you. You will be able to spend plenty of time with each of your potential suitors and, hopefully, at least one of them will prove himself worthy of your affections.

“You would go to all this trouble just to help me find a husband?”

“I promised Henry I would.”

“You promised him you would look after me while I was in London. This is going above and beyond.”

Anthony shrugged.

His words could not have made it clearer that he had no romantic feelings for her. Their kiss had been a mistake, and he had even confided that he planned to marry someone else. The most sensible thing she could do was accept his offer and make the most of it. It was a very generous one, and perhaps she would feel more comfortable meeting these gentlemen in her natural habitat of the Kentish countryside. It would be more to her taste than the London balls and suppers she had been suffering through for the past few weeks.

Though she was beginning to wonder if she would ever actually find a man she wanted to marry, even if he wanted to marry her. But being able to spend more time with the men on her lists in a more relaxed environment might just be the way forward. There would be time to talk and get to know each other properly. There must be a suitable single gentleman looking for a wife who could make her forget about that kiss with Anthony.

“All right,” she said, holding out her hand as if she didn’t know that his touch would set her body on fire. They shook hands, Alice keeping her face expressionless as they did so and ignoring the urge to kiss him again as the citrusy scent of his cologne hit her nostrils. She was glad when Anthony pulled away quickly.

“I will speak to your aunt when we return and begin making plans,” Anthony said brusquely, his good humour it seemed had disappeared again. “A copy of your list would be most useful if you would be happy to provide me with one.”

Seeing the horror on Alice’s face, he added quickly, “Only so I am certain I am inviting the right gentlemen. Otherwise I will make an educated guess.”