Page 61 of The Earl’s Inconvenient Nemesis

“I . . . I simply needed to see you,” she whispered, hanging her head. “I am sorry.”

Anthony’s expression softened. For a moment she thought he might pull her into his arms, but he closed his eyes, took a steadying breath, and released her. “Your room is the second door on the left at the top of the stairs.”

He turned and walked away down the hallway toward his study, leaving Alice standing in the grand entrance hall, heart pounding and mind in turmoil.She had come seeking answers and reconciliation, but seeing him with Sarah and Charlie had only deepened the ache in her chest. And yet, the way he had looked at her just now . . . She climbed the stairs on unsteady legs, wondering how she would survive until morning.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Alice woke the next morning and for a few blissful seconds could not remember where she was. Then the memories of the previous night came rushing back - the rain-soaked walk, her foolish disguise, and her mortifying discovery by Anthony’s groom. She groaned and pulled the covers over her head, wishing she could remain hidden there forever. But she could not avoid the consequences of her actions indefinitely. With a heavy sigh, she rose and prepared to face breakfast.

Charlie was such a lovely boy; he would make a fine earl one day, Alice was certain. If she truly had to watch Anthony marry someone else, she was glad it would be Sarah, and that Charlie would be so well cared for. She should be happy for them. She must be happy for them.

Sarah had been exceptionally kind the previous evening. She must have found Alice’s sudden, rain-drenched appearance exceedingly strange, especially as they had just returned from a pleasant family outing, yet she had asked no awkward questions.

Instead, she had chattered warmly and provided a soft linen nightgown trimmed with delicate lace, along with a fresh morning dress for the following day. Alice had been deeply grateful for her kindness, even if it had done little to ease her embarrassment.

Even now, the following morning, she had no idea what on earth she’d been thinking with her little escapade and very much wished she was in bed in Aunt Jane’s house, where at least no one thought she was crazy.

A soft knock sounded at the door. A maid entered carrying a pitcher of warm water scented with rosewater and offered to help Alice dress and arrange her hair. Though Alice would have preferred solitude, she accepted. It was better to face the day looking composed.

The maid worked efficiently, fastening Alice into a simple but elegant morning gown of pale blue muslin with delicate white embroidery at the cuffs and hem. She dressed Alice’s hair in a neat, becoming style with a few soft curls framing her face. To her credit, the girl made no mention of the previous night’s unusual events, limiting her conversation to the weather and compliments on Alice’s hair.

Once ready, Alice descended the stairs with considerable trepidation. Her heart sank when she was shown into the bright breakfast room and found Anthony, Sarah, and Charlie already seated together. Sunlight streamed through tall sash windows, illuminating the polished mahogany table set with fine china, silver, and fresh flowers.

“Good morning,” Alice said, trying to sound cheerful as she entered.

“Alice!” Charlie cried with delight. He jumped up and ran to hug her. “Mother said you were here! We had such fun last night. We saw Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the theatre!”

“That sounds wonderful,” Alice replied, managing a genuine smile for the boy.

“Let Alice sit down and have something to eat, Charlie,” Sarah said gently, giving Alice an understanding smile. Alice did her best to return it while carefully avoiding Anthony’s gaze.

As Alice took her seat, Anthony stood. “If you are finished, Charlie, there is something I wished to show you in the garden while Alice has her breakfast. Then I need to speak with her privately.”

Dread settled heavily in Alice’s stomach. Food suddenly seemed impossible.

“I am finished!” Charlie announced, wiping his mouth hastily. “May I go, Mother?”

“Yes, darling,” Sarah said. “But no traipsing mud back into the house, either of you!”

Once they had gone, an awkward silence fell. Alice focused on her plate, though she had little appetite.

“I can just imagine you as the mistress of Anthony’s earldom when you boss him around like that,” Alice said lightly, attempting to fill the silence.

“Me?” Sarah laughed. “Now that would be something to see.”

“It will,” Alice said softly. “You will make an excellent mistress when you marry Anthony.” Though the words pained her, she believed them to be true.

“Marry Anthony?” Sarah’s tone was one of pure astonishment. The surprise on her face told Alice everything.

“In what world would I marry Anthony?” Sarah said, her eyebrows raised. “What is going on?”

“I thought Anthony would have spoken with you about his plans . . .”

“His plans to marry me?”

“Yes,” Alice said slowly, embarrassment flooding over her. “Plans he only shared with me by way of explanation for his . . . actions.”

“His actions in not offering for your hand, which he quite clearly should have done long ago,” Sarah said, shaking her head. “The fool.”