Page 64 of The Earl’s Inconvenient Nemesis

Henry explained, “Anthony has offered me financial help many times before, but I always refused, saying I would never accept money from a friend. But as it appears he is to be my brother-in-law, that is another matter entirely, and the last of my scruples have vanished.”

Anthony put a hand on Henry’s shoulder. “This is a sound business investment. You have seen the figures. Besides, it would devastate my wife if this estate did not remain in your family, and I would not have her upset for the world.”

“You seem to be presuming something in all this planning,” said Alice, trying and failing to keep the smile from her face.

“You are quite right,” Anthony said seriously. “And that shall be remedied.”

He turned to Henry. “If you will excuse us, I am going for a ride with the woman I love. We may be gone for some time.”

Henry shook his head with good-natured amusement. “Have fun, and please put him out of his misery, Alice.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

They rode in companionable silence along a familiar track that wound away from the back of the house. Anthony appeared in no great hurry to reach their destination, and Alice was content to follow his lead, letting her mind slowly absorb everything that had happened. He had brought Rosalind here especially for her. Her family’s estate was safe because of him. How could she ever have thought such ridiculous things about this man? He had supported Henry with unwavering loyalty, been a true friend to her entire family, and, most astonishing of all, he apparently loved her. He really loved her. Her heart could scarcely take it in.

Eventually, they came to a stop and Anthony pointed to a tree in the distance - the tree Sir Marcus had been rather unimpressed that she had raced to.

“That is my favourite tree in the whole world,” Anthony said softly, “because it has always reminded me of you.”

“It reminds me that I heard it was not you who invited Sir Marcus to your house party, but my brother. Why do you imagine that was?” Alice teased.

“Because that man is far too handsome and wealthy for his own good,” Anthony replied, “and I behaved poorly. I should have invited him as you asked.”

“It is of no consequence now.”

“I am very glad to hear it.”

Alice smiled, about to reply, when he suddenly grinned. “Race you to the tree!” He urged his horse into a gallop.

Alice gasped and set off after him, the wind whipping at her riding habit as Rosalind surged forward with eager delight. Anthony slowed a few metres before the tree, allowing Rosalind to pass him. Alice reached out and touched the trunk, claiming victory.

“You let me win,” she accused, breathless and laughing.

“I want you in a good mood,” he replied with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Do not expect it to happen again.” He dismounted, helped her down from Rosalind with strong, steady hands, and tied both horses’ reins to a nearby fence.

Anthony swallowed, suddenly serious. He took her hand in his.

“You have thought me a horrible person for most of the time you have known me,” he began. “I believe I have managed to change your opinion to some extent, but I need to be certain you know me for who I truly am. A man who may not be perfect, but who loves you, and your family, with his whole heart, and who would do anything for you.”

Alice’s heart thundered in her chest as Anthony dropped to one knee on the soft grass, still holding her hand. He looked up at her with such open, vulnerable love that her breath caught.

“I had to do this properly,” he continued, “so that it was a proposal designed especially for you. I never want you to feel you were forced into marrying me because of what has passed between us or the business arrangement I have made with your brother. I want your family to be happy for us. And I want you to understand there may still be some fallout from my father’s actions.”

“I know,” Alice whispered. “But neither you, nor Sarah, nor Charlie have done anything wrong. People may think and say what they like.”

“I suspect it will help that I imagine you will be happiest if we live the vast majority of the time on my estate, away from society.”

“Yes,” she said, “but it is important that Charlie spends time with you.”

“It is,” Anthony agreed. “And with you. We will see him whenever we are in London, and hopefully they can visit us here, if you are amenable and I can convince Sarah?”

“Of course,” Alice said warmly. “They would be welcome any time.”

“I have always told Sarah I will provide for anything she and Charlie need. I know that is a great deal for a wife to accept . . .”

“I would not have it any other way.” Alice took his face gently in her hands, her eyes meeting his. “You are the kindest, most generous man I have ever known, and I love that Charlie will have the future he deserves because of you.”

“Kind and generous, eh?” Anthony’s voice dropped, a playful glint returning to his eyes. “I thought I was a cad? A thoughtless, gambling womaniser? An annoying brother figure?”