Alice did not like making people jealous, as it made her feel like Elizabeth Darcy, but occasionally, she had to make a strategic move to stay ahead. She was smart and put just enough interest in Rowan to catch Lord Eaton’s attention.
The audience cheered as more points were scored by Rowan’s team, and Alice sipped her tea, watching the game go on.
* * *
The final horn blared, and the game was over, meaning that Rowan’s team had won. They all cheered in a huddle, ruffling each other’s hair and shouting.
The gentlemen retreated to get cleaned up and join the ton to see how much money was raised in bets. He jogged to a washroom in the estate, splashing his face with water and running the wetness through his hair, cooling himself off. Sweat had begun to drip from his forehead, and he wiped it off, feeling refreshed.
He had not played cricket in a long time, but it came back to him like muscle memory. He ran back outside just in time to make it to the ceremony, where the Prince shook his hand heartily.
“Congratulations, Salvator. You played wonderfully!”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Rowan looked out at the crowd who cheered him on, noticing Alice at the front, clapping. Next to her was a disgruntled Lord Eaton, glaring at him. It made Rowan slightly happy to notice this, and he was glad that his skill on the field could somehow make every woman swoon, and every man jealous.
The team was awarded a trophy, and they announced that with the contributor’s help, they managed to raise six thousand pounds for events of the ton’s choosing.
The crowd was finally allowed to greet the players, and most of the eligible women ran to Rowan, fanning themselves endlessly and giggling. He said his thanks to them for their support and kindness before finally being greeted by Alice and the Earl.
“Your Grace, you played wonderfully.” She bowed.
It was the first time they had seen one another since their tryst at Xander’s castle, and he felt his core stir as she stood this close to him.
“Thank you, Miss Snow.” He smirked. “Lord Eaton, it’s nice to see you.”
“Your Grace.” The Earl nodded, pulling Alice a fraction closer. “Well done out there. I used to play cricket, as well. I just do not think it is a very safe sport, especially when I have a family to think of.”
So, he was scared.
“It is worth it to have the pride of the game on your shoulders when you win, though, do not you agree?” Rowan eyed him up and down, challenging him with his eyes.
“I do not bother with such trivial pursuits, Your Grace.”
“I was telling the Earl about your business, Your Grace.” Alice gave him a look, telling him to follow along with whatever she had in mind. “He said he is an investor, and I thought you two might get along well.”
“Do you plan on making money from long-term investments, or are those trivial as well?”
His eyes flitted to Alice, who shot him a vexed stare.
“I only invest long-term. It sounds like you need my help.” The Earl smirked, and it took all of Rowan’s being to plaster a smile on his face and bow his head.
“We can meet somewhere soon to discuss further. There is no reason to bore Miss Snow with business talk. Speaking of, may I borrow Miss Snow from you for a moment?”
The Earl was not happy about it, but he let Alice’s arm go, and she waved to him as he walked away, Rowan chuckling as he left.
“What was that all about?” she suddenly said, shaking her head. “You must play nice if this is going to work.”
“I was just trying to get a rise out of him.” Rowan laughed. “It worked, too.”
“You’re impossible.” She giggled. “He was already quite flustered to hear me speaking so fondly of you on the field.”
“Oh, were you, now?” He leaned down, smirking. “Did I look attractive out there?”
“Oh, you are so full of yourself.” She rolled her eyes, backing away and looking away.
Her blush dusted her cheeks, as usual, and he wondered if it was something that he caused or if she just always looked so perfectly windswept.
