Chapter 28
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?”
“I definitely do not think of you as any of those things now,” Alice said, her voice soft.
“The thoughts I have been having about you are very unbrotherly,” he growled.
“Oh, really . . .”
“Yes, really. I think I had better marry you before you are completely ruined.”
“Is that the only proposal I am going to receive?”
Alice felt as if her heart would overflow as Anthony said,“Alice Fairfax, I love you. Would you do me the great honour of becoming my wife?”
“I will,” said Alice, fervently.
He rose swiftly, pulling her into his arms before capturing her lips in a deep kiss.
When they finally broke apart, both breathless, Anthony rested his forehead against hers. “Thank goodness for that. It would have made things incredibly awkward if I needed to go to explain to your brother that you had turned me down.”
“I cannot believe I am agreeing to marry the most annoying, infuriating person I have ever met, but I think I may as well,” said Alice, with a laugh. “After all, I am fairly sure there is no one else left on that list of mine.”
“Your list needs to be torn up and thrown in the fire as soon as possible, Little Squirrel,” Anthony said.
“Agreed,” Alice replied, narrowing her eyes, “but you know I loathe that nickname.”
“But it suits you so well!”
The glare she gave him made Anthony raise his hands in mock defeat. “I will do my best to stop using it.”
“I suppose that will have to do,” Alice said, before Anthony swept her back into his arms and the years of bickering, teasing, and misunderstanding finally gave way to something far sweeter, as they allowed themselves the joy of loving one another.
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