Page 44 of Conveniently Trapped with the Marquess
Right on cue, Alice narrowed her eyes to slits and William tried his best not to laugh.
“What are your plans for the day, Lord Erlington?” asked Emma, effectively changing the topic.
“I do not have any at the present moment,” he responded. “I shall be taking the day in strides.”
“If that is the case, My Lord,” the Duke spoke up. “Then might I interest both you and Lord Christopher in a bit of hunting? I know you two engaged in such a few days ago and I cannot deny that I found myself a bit envious.”
“That would be wonderful, Your Grace,” Christopher spoke up. “We were saying ourselves that it would be fun to have you with us.”
“Is that so?” The Duke looked pleased by Christopher’s words. “If that is the case, then I suppose neither of you will have any qualms with the things I’d like to ask you while we’re hunting.”
William didn’t miss the way Alice looked sharply at her father. “Things like what?” she asked.
“It is nothing you need to concern yourself with, Alice,” the Duke told her, not unkindly. But Alice’s wariness lingered, even as she resumed eating.
Once again, it was Lady Emma who broke through the quiet. “I hope you all enjoy yourselves. Alice and I shall find something to do while you are all away.”
“And it shall be far more entertaining that hunting, I assure you,” Alice interjected. Then, she lifted her gaze to William, a small smile appearing on her lips, a challenge in her eyes.
God, I don’t think I can love this woman more.
He said nothing, though he returned her smile. It took him by surprise how quickly he’d accepted his feelings for her. Saying it aloud, finally being truthful to both their feelings, had made a world of difference. All that was left was to hear her say it back.
Throughout the remainder of breakfast, William couldn’t help sneaking glances at Alice, who’d grown quiet. She was still eating but he could see that she was trapped in her thoughts.
Realizing that she wouldn’t notice him, he continued to appreciate the beauty that was in front of him. She moved a piece of her hair behind her ear and bit on her lip in thought. He let out a deep breath at the sight, which caught her attention.
Realizing that he had been observing her, Alice raised a brow—an impressive feat considering her face had gone red again. Before he could say anything, she was distracted by a question that Lady Emma asked her. William smiled to himself.
“Seeing that you are all finished, you may all leave. I need to go find my hunting gear,” said the Duke once breakfast was finished. He bid them all goodbye, resting gentle hands on his daughter’s shoulders and made for the door. They all rose, intending to follow suit.
William kept his eyes on Christopher and Lady Emma, reaching out to Alice. He touched her lightly on the arm, an indication for her to wait. They both drew to a halt and the others left without realizing that they’d fallen behind.
Alice turned to face him. “You are getting bolder and bolder by the day.”
“And you seem to be enjoying it more and more as well.”
She huffed a laugh. “I assume there is a reason for stopping me?”
He nodded, giving her a smirk. “Are you all right?” he asked.
“Yes, I am as fine as I’ve ever been.”
“Is that so? You seemed very lost in thought during breakfast that I couldn’t help but wonder what was on your mind.”
To his surprise, Alice looked a bit flustered by his suggestion. She tried to keep her composure, but he could see the cracks. “Yes, well, there was much I needed to think about. You can hardly blame me.”
William laughed. Always so stubborn. “Can I see you later tonight then? So that you may air your thoughts and chastise me as much as you wish?”
Her face lit up at his question. “I cannot think of anything better.”
“Wonderful. Then, I’ll see you at the same place tonight.” The ease with which she’d agreed took him by surprise. He’d expected her to put up more a fight, even if she secretly wanted to go along with their secret meetings.
Alice turned away first, looking back at him once before she left the dining room. William stared after her and once she was gone, he waited a few seconds before he followed suit. Now, there was a pep in his step to replace the coil in his stomach.
Tonight, he hoped he would get her to admit her feelings for him.
* * *
