Chapter 9 #2
Alice pushed a lock of her hair that had come loose behind her ear.
She glanced down at herself and her face must have turned several shades redder.
She was a sweaty, hay covered mess. What had she been thinking?
She was not at home on her family’s estate now, she was in London society!
What if she had been seen by a potential suitor?
Well, that was quite unlikely given the likelihood of an eligible young man wandering down the mews behind Lord Tonbridge’s house, but the servants had seen her, and likely been scandalised!
Servants talked. They talked between themselves and with servants from other houses . . .
As if guessing what was going on in her mind, Anthony said, “Do not worry. You have not done anything untoward. I am sure my horses are very grateful for your service. And my servants are discreet.”
Alice managed a little smile. It was good of him to attempt to reassure her.
“You must be tired from your exertions,” Anthony said. “Let us go inside and have some tea. You can get cleaned up while my housekeeper prepares it. I shall have the carriage prepared to take you home afterwards.”
“Thank you,” Alice said. It was the sensible option, she could not very well travel home on foot or horseback like this.
“It might be best if we did not go in the front entrance,” Anthony said, not even attempting to hide his grin. “Come this way.”
He led her through a gate into a walled garden. She followed him along the path, taking in as much of her surroundings as she could. She loved the ivy clinging to the back of the large white house as they approached it.
He continued through an open door which led into a large hallway. The staff did not seem overly surprised to see their master walking in. Alice entering directly behind him definitely raised a few eyebrows though.
“Martha?” Anthony addressed a young girl who came through a doorway carrying a pile of linen. “Would you be able to aid Miss Fairfax, please? She would like to freshen up.”
“Of course, My Lord,” replied Martha with a curtesy. “This way, please, miss,” she said to Alice.
Alice followed the girl along the corridor and into the house’s impressive entrance hall. They went up the ornate sweeping staircase and Alice was shown to a bedroom where she was left while Martha went to fill up a jug with warm water for her to clean her hands and face with.
Alice braved glancing at herself in the large mirror standing in a corner of the room.
It was as bad as she thought. What must Anthony’s servants think of her?
It was clear to anyone that she had been mucking out the stables.
And doing it rather zealously at that. Her hair was a mess and even had a couple of pieces of straw in it, and there were various suspicious markings on her riding habit.
At least she had not been stupid enough to do something like that in one of her beautiful dresses, she supposed.
Martha returned with the water and helped Alice to tidy herself up. The maid made no comment about Alice’s appearance, but she clearly found it amusing judging by the twitching at the corners of her mouth.
Without an outfit to change into, there was only so much that could be done, but Alice was infinitely more presentable when she went to join Anthony in the drawing room. Though she definitely still smelt a little of horse.
Anthony was waiting for her. He had changed out of his riding clothes and looked as impeccable as always, making Alice feel even worse about her own appearance.
He stood as she entered and indicated to an armchair opposite his in front of the fireplace.
A table between the chairs was laden with a tray containing a teapot, sugar bowl, milk jug, two sets of cups and a plate with some finger sandwiches.
“I thought you might be hungry,” Anthony explained.
Alice sat down tentatively. This was a very strange situation.
She looked around the room. It was very tastefully decorated.
No one could deny that his home was impressive and beautifully situated in the heart of Mayfair.
Distant banging signalled that workmen were still doing whatever improvements Anthony deemed necessary, though Alice could not imagine that the place could be improved on; it was immaculate.
“I told Mrs Bateman we would serve ourselves,” Anthony said, lifting the silver teapot and filling her cup with quiet competence.
Alice surprised herself by realising how pleased she was that they were essentially alone - save for the footman who stood discreetly just inside the door, far enough away to grant them the illusion of privacy while still preserving the barest requirements of propriety.
She told herself it was merely because she was still untidy from the stables and would have been mortified to be seen by more of the household.
Yet there was no denying the truth: she felt herself relaxing in a way she rarely did in London.
As they spoke easily of Anthony’s horses, sipped their tea, and shared the delicate finger sandwiches, the warmth of the fire and the quiet intimacy of the moment wrapped around her in a way that felt far too pleasant for her peace of mind.
Eventually, Alice built up the courage to say, “I really must apologise for my behaviour outside. I did not think through my actions.”
“It is quite alright,” said Anthony, with an easy shrug. “I am sure the horses are extremely happy.”
“But imagine if someone had seen me! Someone who would pass around that I like to clean out stables for my amusement!” Alice put her head in her hands. Why could she not just behave like every other woman here for the Season seemed to? Why did she have to be different?
“You can rest assured, all the members of my household are very discreet.”
“I should not have done it,” Alice said, quietly.
“You are not hurting anyone and I imagine you enjoyed yourself,” said Anthony, lightly.
“I did,” Alice admitted. “I feel like I am putting on an act for so much of my life here. Cleaning out the stables and talking with the horses is something familiar that I am good at and I enjoy. Unlike making polite conversation and dancing.”
They were quiet for a moment before Anthony said, “What if I came up with a way for you to be able to spend time in the stables here without anyone realising it was you? Just when you need a break from things.”
“What do you have in mind?” Alice asked.
“I have an idea, leave it with me,” Anthony replied, mysteriously.
The conversation changed to the characters of Anthony’s horses. The warmth of the fire was so comforting. Alice was feeling sleepy and could feel her eyes beginning to close.
“I think we had better return you to your aunt’s house,” Anthony said. “She will be starting to worry.”
Alice nodded her agreement and reluctantly got up.
Anthony instructed the carriage to be brought around to the front of the house and Alice hurried inside, grateful not to have to walk past all the servants in the kitchens again, but not wanting to be spotted by anyone on the street either.
“Thank you,” said Alice as the carriage pulled up outside her aunt’s house. “I have had a really nice time.”
Anthony laughed, “Only you would thank me for allowing you to clean out my horses, but it was my pleasure.”
Alice giggled. “The riding and the tea as well! I enjoyed myself. Can we go riding again tomorrow? Please?”
“Certainly,” Anthony replied with a little smile.
Alice went inside, grateful to discover that her aunt was not home and she had time to properly change before she returned. Beth shook her head good-naturedly at the state of her clothes, used to her mistress’ often strange behaviour.
As Alice was going to leave her bedroom, she saw the book Anthony had given her by the side of the bed.
She had not taken the time to properly become absorbed in it since he had disturbed her reading session, though she had been amused by what she had read.
She picked it up, determined to try again.