“Were you and Lady Corbyn on the lists?” Alice asked, and then added, “Sorry, I should not have asked such a personal question.”
Lady Hamilton laughed. “I’m happy to answer it, and the answer is yes.”
“I’m not going to marry,” Alice said firmly, and then, “for a while.” She said the last because it was not normal for a woman not to want to wed, especially one who walked in society.
“Well then, you have nothing to fear,” Lady Hamilton said.
Alice regained her feet suddenly. “I need to leave as my aunt is unwell. Good evening, my lady,” she said. Turning, she did the same to Lady Petunia, who was behind her.
“I thought you were going to stay for a while,” the older woman said. “I know that Lord Stafford is most desirous to spend more time in your company.” The look in Lady Petunia’s eyes confirmed what she and Lady Hamilton had just discussed. Alice was on the list.
“Such a sweet boy he was, and now a handsome, intelligent man.”
Alice was rarely without words, but right then her mouth was open but no sound came out.
“So perhaps a drive in the park with Jamie, Lord Stafford, would be the next thing for you both. Just so you can spend time together, and see—”
“I really must leave. Thank you for a wonderful evening.” Alice patted the woman’s hand and fled. Hurrying down the hall with far more haste than grace, she reached the entrance.
“My things, please,” Alice said to the startled footman, who had watched her approach at pace.
“At once, my lady.”
In the precious moments it took to retrieve her cloak, Alice planned how she could convince her aunt to leave London tomorrow. Of course, that also meant she wouldn’t be able to continue with her investigation, but she could send someone to do it on her behalf. There was also the clinic, but again, she could get someone to take care of that too.
Breathe, she reminded herself as the panic rose inside her.
Control, Alice thought. It was important to remain in control, and right then it felt as if it was being wrestled away from her, and that would never do.
“Thank you.” She took the midnight-blue cloak—what felt like ten minutes later—and swung it around her shoulders. Raising the hood, she hurried to the door.
The footman ran by her and opened it.
“Thank you, and good evening,” Alice said, sounding breathless.
She needed to get home so she could shut the door and calm down. This entire evening had been a disaster. Alice had known Lord Stafford would likely be here, but what she hadn’t realizedwas how she’d react to him. How hurt she’d feel that he’d done what he had to her—what she believed he’d done to her.
Then there was this list business Lady Hamilton had mentioned, and Lord Stafford as a prospective husband, or so Lord Hamilton’s aunts clearly believed. It was enough to unsettle anyone.
“I shall collect your carriage for you, Lady Alice,” the footman said, having followed her outside.
Chafing at the delay for no other reason than she felt a desperate need to flee, she watched the man run down the road. Alice was rewarded precious minutes later with the sight of Ezra’s large form on the driver’s seat of the carriage now approaching.
“My lady, is all well?” he said when he pulled to a halt beside her.
“Yes, thank you, Ezra. I just wish to return home and check on my aunt.” Alice climbed inside after these words and exhaled slowly.
Chapter Twenty-One
Jamie downed thelast of his port and rose abruptly. “Excuse me.” Bowing, he left the men, ignoring their raised brows. He needed to find Alice.
When he entered the parlor, where the women were gathered for tea before the music began, he found her missing. Crossing to where Evie and Liberty sat, he bent low between them.
“Where is Lady Alice?” he murmured.
Evie’s expression turned guilty. “She left. I may be somewhat to blame.”
“What did you say to her?”
