The Enchantment of Lady Ice

VII. Chasers

Alice watched in silence as Harold ran down the grand staircase.

In merely half an hour after his announcement that he would go after Martin and Eva, he had managed to cause havoc around the household.

First, he lied to Lord August, telling the man that he and Martin had decided to meet in Devonshire to join a hunting game. As Janet had whispered to Alice earlier, Harold managed to convince the new lord of Langworthy by claiming that Martin needed time alone after their fight. During the hunting game, he, Harold, would convince Martin that marrying Alice was the best idea. August, as Janet had said, immediately agreed, giving his son and Harold permission to leave Langworthy for a while.

"But that boy ought to know he is coming back to a wedding!" Janet had whispered to Alice earlier, imitating Lord August's stern voice.

As Harold walked past her without even a glance, Alice followed him.

"Why did you not tell Lord August the truth?" she asked after him, walking briskly to keep up with his pace. He was already in his coat. He was ready to leave now.

"Because it will only make things worse for Martin, that bloody bastard. He should be stopped before it's too late."

"He will still end up married, you know."

Harold stopped and whirled around to face her. "But it would not be with you. That is the big difference."

For a moment, Alice was confused. Why was he insisting that she was the right woman for Martin? "It will be with Eva," she countered. "That is the big difference. I do not understand why you constantly insist he should marry me when you have nothing to gain from it. We know ourselves better than anyone does and we have agreed that we do not suit well."

He shook his head. "I have no time to put sense into your pretty head, my lady."

"You do know that you are the one making no sense, yes? Have we not made it clear enough—insisted enough—that we do not wish to marry one another?" Before he could answer, she waved her hand in dismissal. "Ah, do say nothing further. Your reasoning infuriates me. Whatever your true frustration is, you do not articulate it well for me to understand."

"I have no other reason why I am infuriated with this situation." A glint of annoyance flashed over his emerald green eyes before he shook his head, turned around and continued his way out the grand entrance. "If you would rather stay here than join me on my quest to stop your friend from ruining her life, then do so. You seem to enjoy being alone, after all."

Alice's jaw tightened. "I do love to be free of company such as yours." When he did not reply, she added, "Have a safe journey," Alice said wryly. "I do hope your riding skills is better than... well, your reasoning."

He stopped and she saw his shoulders stiffen.

Alice prepared herself for yet another battle of wit, but was surprised when Harold did not turn around to face her and instead kept walking as though he did not hear her.

Winson, the butler, stood beside Alice, watching Harold climb down the grand entryway toward the awaiting horse. Everyone in the household save for August, was aware that Harold was going to Tiny Town to stop Martin's elopement.

"You gave him Benjamin, did you not?" Alice asked the butler.

"As per your instructions, my lady," Winson murmured.

Alice nodded. "Very good then." She turned around to walk back to her chamber. "Have my horse ready after luncheon."

"Yes, my lady."