“Indeed, I hope the same for you.” Alice bowed her head.
Nobody else dared to sit at the ladies’ table, most likely annoyed by Alice and intimidated by Camilla.
Alice did not mind, though, as she had a perfect view of the playing field, where the men stepped out from the tent across the lawn, bats in hand. She leaned forward, intrigued.
“And here he comes, showing off as usual,” Camilla muttered to her mother jokingly. “What a fine figure of a man.”
Alice squinted in the early morning sun at the figure walking out of the tent, the familiar dark hair and strong jaw catching her eye. “Is that…”
“Miss Snow, do you mind if I join you?” a voice came from above her, and she turned to see Lord Eaton standing over her, already taking the chair next to her. She nodded politely, and he grinned at her. “I am glad that I finally found you, Miss Snow. I have been looking for you.”
“You have?” She felt a blush rise to her cheeks and cast a controlled look of excitement at Grace, who smiled.
“I have. I had a wonderful time the last time we spoke, and I heard that the Duke of Grafton is planning on a courtship with you, but I have to say that I would like to get to know you more before you make a hasty decision.”
She was beginning to realize that the Earl did not have a great way of making his point without sounding officious. But she knew that marrying him and getting away from Mowbray House mattered much more now than the tiny details. She could live with his tendency toward the wrong wording.
“I have not made a decision, My Lord.” She fluttered her lashes and looked back at him.
He nodded, a slight blush growing on his face.
“I believe that we made a connection and would not want to throw that away.”
“Indeed, Miss Snow. Would you excuse me for a moment?” He stood up, smiling.
She was confused but nodded anyway, watching him as he walked across the lawn to the group of suited gentlemen who were laughing boisterously.
She watched him intently as he entered the circle and pulled out bills, throwing them out on the table, turning to point at the players on the field.
She turned back to see that the Queen’s lady-in-waiting was approaching her, and she sat up straighter.
“Miss Snow,” the older woman cooed, walking over to her. Alice stood up and bobbed a deep curtsy. “Do not tell me that you made this dress as well.”
“I did, My Lady.” She smiled.
“Amazing. Simply amazing. You truly have a gift, my dear. Her Majesty would love to see this at an event that she can attend. She meant to see you here, but unexpected circumstances arose?—”
“You made that?” Elizabeth Darcy cut in. “My Lady, it is an honor to be here today. Please, thank the Queen for inviting my family.”
“Of course,” the older woman said, giving Alice a pointed look as if she was annoyed at the interruption. “I will be finding my seat soon, but Miss Snow, please join us if you wish.”
“Thank you. Enjoy the game.”
“I will. I am looking out for the Duke of Grafton.” She gave her a knowing smile and walked away, leaving her with a blush.
“So, you were forced to make another gown, I see.” Elizabeth sneered.
“I was forced to do nothing,” Alice replied, standing taller.
“Well, you may be forced to marry someone other than the Duke.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means that he and my father are working together now, and we have been in contact for weeks. Exchanging letters, and family stopping by for tea. I just wanted you to know before you set your expectations too high, Miss Snow.” She put her nose up in the air.
“Thank you for telling me, Miss Darcy.” Alice bowed, playing along. “I hope you and the Duke have a happily ever after.”
Elizabeth huffed a breath of satisfaction, thinking she made some astonishing point, and strutted away, back to her table, where her father was looking as if he was having an amazing time, drinking all of the Royal Family’s wine.
