Chapter 20 #2
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.”
“She is a good horse,” Alice replied.
“Would you like to race?” she suggested impulsively to both men.
“Race?” repeated Sir Marcus.
“Yes, the first rider to that yew tree at the top of the hill wins!”
“I am not sure . . . ” began Sir Marcus, but he was interrupted by Anthony saying, “Ready, steady, go!” as he rode past them and urged his horse into a gallop.
“Cheat!” cried out Alice and raced after him. After being cooped up inside yesterday she was not going to miss out on the exhilaration of chasing him, either for her or her horse, who she was beginning to suspect was every bit as competitive as she was.
The wind bit into her face as she leant forwards as far as she could in the saddle, exhilarated at the burst of speed.
Anthony won, reaching the tree triumphantly a second or two before Alice.
“If you had played fairly, Rosalind and I would have beaten you!”
“I was merely using your own previous tactics, and it was you that suggested the race,” said Anthony with a grin. “Better luck next time.”
Alice could not help throwing back her head in laughter as a response.
The rest of the riders caught up with them.
Sir Marcus did not look very pleased. He took in the scene and quickly turned away to begin a conversation with the lady wearing Alice’s scarf, whose cheeks reddened with pleasure at his attention.
“That was hardly the behaviour of a lady in front of her potential future husband,” hissed Henry when he reached Alice, indicating to Sir Marcus. “What were you thinking?”
Alice snapped back to reality, realising the foolishness of her actions. After all her work to fit in and behave properly, she had given in to her stupid impulse. But it was not as though they were being presented to the Royal family or something! They were all just out for a relaxing ride.
“It was my fault,” said Anthony immediately.
“I do not doubt it, but Alice should know better,” Henry replied grumpily.
“If a man cannot handle a woman who enjoys the occasional gallop, he has no business offering for her hand,” retorted Anthony, earning him a scowl from Henry, and meaning Alice had to turn away until she could trust herself to pull a straight face.
As much as Alice would have loved to have raced more, part of her knew her brother was right.
That was not proper behaviour for the time and place.
She chastised herself before remembering what Anthony had said and smiling.
She caught Sir Marcus glancing at her and rearranged her countenance and resolved to behave herself for the rest of the ride.
Her actions clearly had not gone down well with her suitor and she did not want to miss her chance to help her family. She had to remember that was her goal.