Page 50 of The Earl’s Inconvenient Nemesis

As the weather continued to be thoroughly miserable, more indoor activities were required. Alice longed to hide away with her book for a little while, but there was no chance of her having the opportunity with Sir Marcus stuck to her like glue.

He was so attentive, that it was a little stifling, and frankly exhausting to be constantly on show and on her best behaviour. Somehow it felt different to when Anthony was around her. That was comforting, she knew he would not mind if she started reading. But then she did not know Sir Marcus nearly as well as she knew Anthony.

Her siblings drove over to join them after luncheon which livened things up and soon they were in teams for charades and the whole atmosphere felt much more relaxed and playful.

They played parlour games so silly that none of the women's hair looked as neat as it had when they had begun, but everyone was smiling and clearly having a wonderful time.

Much to their chagrin, Henry took his sisters home when everyone retired to their rooms to prepare for supper.

With everyone now knowing each other so much better, Alice was beginning to enjoy herself more, especially as she had a chance to read a few pages of her book while Beth was redoing her hair.

Sir Marcus was once again at her side as soon as she returned downstairs. The chatter was pleasant as they all enjoyed a pre-dinner drink while waiting to be called into the dining room.

Alice felt like she was beginning to at least feel comfortable around these people and maybe even like she fitted in as she chatted away about the London balls she had attended while sipping on a drink with a handsome man next to her. Looking about the room at the beautiful, sophisticated women around her, she could not believe that Sir Marcus would single her out for his special attention and that he was not bored of her yet. He was happy to talk about horses with her for hours, she knew all about his new estate and his family, and that he read extensively . . . but he did not make her laugh like Anthony did, he did not understand her as Anthony did, and he did not make her feel the way that Anthony did just by him being in the same room.

She was scared, she told herself. Getting married was going to be a big change when it happened, and she wanted it, but that did not mean she was not also nervous. Of course, Sir Marcus did not know her as well as Anthony did. Anthony had been in her life for years; she was used to him, that was all, and she would get used to somebody else, possibly even Sir Marcus if he offered for her. Which she was beginning to suspect he would do soon.

The dinner gong rang and Sir Marcus had his arm out to escort Alice in immediately. Tradition dictated that Anthony walk in with Aunt Jane, but Alice saw him look around to check on her, and she was almost certain she saw Anthony scowl at Sir Marcus. Was there something Anthony did not like about Sir Marcus? Anthony had always seemed so easy-going before she started her Season, annoyingly so at times. But now he took his role as protector very seriously. At least he was not questioning Sir Marcus as intensely as he did some of her previous would-be suitors . . . But the constant glaring at him was not much better. She hoped Sir Marcus did not notice and feel uncomfortable.

Anthony sat down at the head of the table with Aunt Jane and Alice on either side of him. Sir Marcus was seated on Alice’s other side.

“Lord Tonbridge,” Sir Marcus began once everyone was seated. “Our reminiscing about the balls we have attended in London puts me in the mood for dancing. What would you think of us using your charming ballroom tomorrow night? We have just about enough couples, I believe, to make it worth our while.”

“I do not see why not,” replied Anthony. “If everyone else is amenable to it.”

Cries of assent rang out, but Anthony was looking at Alice and she knew he was checking whether she was happy with the plan. He was aware of how difficult she had found attending the balls. She gave him a discreet nod. Personally, she would rather not dance tomorrow, but she would not want to spoil everyone else’s fun and she certainly was not going to speak out against it. She should have been practising daily, but not imagining they would be dancing while on Anthony’s estate, she had been conveniently forgetting, especially as it brought thoughts of dancing with Anthony to the front of her mind. Maybe she could slip away at some point tomorrow and go over some steps by herself or with her sisters . . .

The next day dawned dry at least, if a little grey, and a ride was decided upon for those who fancied braving the outdoors.

Beth fussed over her mistress’ hair even more than usual. “Beth, I am going to miss breakfast if I do not hurry,” Alice eventually said.

“I am sorry,” replied Beth. “I just want you to look perfect for Sir Marcus.”

Apparently the servants also knew about the particular attention he was paying her.

“That is very sweet of you,” said Alice, “but you are well aware of how horrible I become if I miss breakfast, and poor Sir Marcus will face the brunt of it if I do not head downstairs soon.”

Beth sped up her efforts knowing the truth in her mistress’ words, and Alice was soon enjoying eggs and bacon and a cup of coffee.

Six of them had decided to ride, two ladies and four gentlemen, including Henry and Sir Marcus who arrived as breakfast was finishing. Alice was glad she had decided to wrap up warmly as the weather had become much cooler. The other lady in the party had not, and she already looked cold. Alice passed her her scarf and received a warm smile in thanks.

They set out along a familiar route Alice must have ridden a hundred times. Not that that diminished her pleasure in riding it. On the contrary, seeing all that she loved and that was familiar to her was what she craved.

“Are you quite sure you are warm enough?” asked Sir Marcus, riding up alongside her.

“I am. Thank you,” she replied, rewarding him with a smile.

“You do not need a . . . hat of some kind?”

“I thank you, but I have one,” said Alice, indicating her riding hat. “And I am quite comfortable.”

He was being lovely but she couldn’t help finding his fussing oppressive. She needed to stop being so silly, she told herself. It was nice of him to be checking up on her.

They were out in open countryside and the morning mist was clearing nicely, allowing them to see further.

Anthony’s horse came up on the other side of Alice on Rosalind. Their little group was ahead of the others.

“You have done well with Rosalind,” Anthony said. “She is riding well.”