Alice's Arranged Marriage by Joyce Alec

Author:Joyce Alec [Alec, Joyce]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, Women's Fiction, Regency & Victorian Romance, London Society, England & Britain, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Hearts Desire, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Clean & Wholesome, Christmas Holidays & Celebration, Christmas Time, Holiday Whimsy, Festive Season, Winter Weather, Home For Christmas, Christian Stories, Faith Based
Publisher: Joyce Alec
Published: 2019-10-28T04:00:00+00:00

7

The carriage was very cold when it came time for Alice to climb back inside and return home. The earl came in after her and shut the door tightly, leaving Alice to sit by Lady Fossett whilst he sat opposite them. Lady Fossett had chosen to spend the entirety of the evening apart from Alice and from Lord Allerton and Alice had not even caught sight of her during the many hours that had passed. She suspected that this had been entirely on purpose, thinking silently to herself that Lady Fossett had feared Alice would embarrass the family once again.

She sighed heavily and looked out of the window, although there was very little that could be seen. She shivered again, grateful for the rugs that had been waiting for them. Adjusting them slightly, she then pulled her cloak a little tighter about her and wondered just how long it would be until they reached Lady Fossett’s townhouse.

“Did you enjoy this evening, Miss Jones?”

A little surprised that Lord Allerton wanted to make conversation, given that she was quite certain he would be tired of her company, Alice turned to look at him but could barely make out his face in the flickering shadows.

“It went very well,” she answered, hearing Lady Fossett’s slight snort of evident disagreement. “I thank you.”

“But did you find any enjoyment from the evening?” he asked, sounding more than a little eager as though he was desperately hoping she had enjoyed herself. “You were not as…” He trailed off, making Alice frown hard.

“If you are asking me whether or not I felt out of place, as I have done before, then you will be glad to know that things are much improved,” she said, a little tartly. “But that is only because the duchess has been very kind to me.”

There was a long silence thereafter, and Alice turned to look steadfastly out into the darkness, choosing not to say anything more. She had no qualms in stating quite openly that the Duchess of Sussex had been kinder to her than either her betrothed or Lady Fossett. There was not even a single modicum of doubt over such a statement, and she was not about to pretend otherwise.

“I must hope to make amends for my lack of consideration.”

Alice turned her head, now beginning to wish that she could see Lord Allerton’s features.

“Your lack of consideration?” Lady Fossett asked, as though Lord Allerton was being quite ridiculous. “What can you mean, Allerton? You have been nothing but kind to Miss Jones and she should be grateful to you for—”

“You know very well that I have been less than considerate, Aunt,” came the hard reply, slicing the air in the carriage. “And yet you have said nothing.” There was a momentary pause and Alice sucked in a breath, waiting to hear what would be said next.

“And I fear,” Lord Allerton continued, his voice low and filled with emotion, “that you have not lifted a word of protest to my ears because you yourself are contented to treat Miss Jones in such a way.

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