To tame an Earl (four hoydens #2)

Chapter 6

She was surprised by how well she knew him. It seemed so normal for her to know these things. He also hated yellow, she thought.

She found that disconcerting because she could name a hundred things that Ralph hated or liked easily. She didn't want to know these things. She hated him. Or at least strongly disliked him.

"Sarah and Vanessa are already there. They left without me because I was late," he said, conversationally.

And Alice realised that they were all alone in the carriage. Her parents would never allow her to be alone with an unmarried gentleman, even if it was for a few minutes. But this was Ralph and he was practically a family member.

Except, her recent awareness of him troubled her. It wasn't the sort of thing one felt with a family member.

No.

She discarded her wayward thoughts when they reached the theatre. She was determined to enjoy this night.

She removed her cloak and handed it to the footman at the entrance.

She smiled when she saw Ralph's eyes widen as he took in her gown.

He was going to kill her, she thought happily.

"What are you wearing?" He hissed, coming to take her hand.

"Uh...clothes?" she asked innocently.

"You know what I mean," he said dangerously.

"Oh come now, it only appears that way. All the other ladies are showing much more of their bosoms than I am," she said, a touch defensively. She'd die before saying the word 'bosom,' in front of any other man. But this was Ralph and he was used to her speaking this way...

Ralph swallowed.

She was right. Of course the other ladies wore far more daring gowns. But there was something about the cut that teased him as surely it would tease the other men. It was the kind of gown that would bring grown men to their knees.  And much to his chagrin, he was no exception.

"Let's go inside," he said stiffly. There was nothing else he could do of course.

"Let's," she smiled up at him and he had to close his eyes against the force of that smile.

"Oh Alice, you're a vision. I wish I could wear something like that," Vanessa gushed as soon as Alice entered the box.

"You couldn't possibly pull it off," Sarah grinned, signalling to Vanessa's chest meaningfully.

"At least I'm not fat," she huffed while Alice and Sarah laughed at her annoyance.

But then Sir George Bates entered, putting an end to their fun.

He bowed to them before turning his lewd gaze to Alice.

"I don't have enough words to describe your beauty, Lady Alice," he kissed her hand and Alice had to make an effort to not cringe.

"My lord," she curtseyed, not knowing what to say. She just wished him away.

He was smiling at her in that oily way of his that did nothing to improve his barely above average features. Some might call him handsome she supposed, with his sickly looks.

And then Ralph walked in. Alice couldn't help but compare them. Ralph practically looked like a Greek god when he stood next to Sir Bates. And his height certainly added to the effect.

Alice had never liked short men.

Alice had never paid attention to Ralph's looks either.

She sensed Sir Bates's irritation when Ralph entered even though he tried his best to hide it as he spoke about the Parliament with Ralph.

"Don't you have a box here, Bates?" Ralph asked casually.

He knew very well that he didn't. George Bates was a mere Baronet and such privileges were reserved for those of higher ranks.

It was an insult and  Alice would've felt sorry for the man when he said, "I'm afraid not," and left shortly. But strangely, she was glad that he was gone.

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Hello dear readers, I hope you guys let me know how you liked this chapter. I don't normally write about anything other than the stories, but I had to make an exception this time. Cause I had to wish you all a very happy new year! May this year bring you lots of love, good health and happiness because those are the most important things in life. I also thank all of you for your support and overwhelming response.

Love,
Roma Goyal.