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worn out by an evening of intense concentration, had
obviously gone wandering.
Fortunately, brother and sister had been walking at
a respectable pace and reached the Clarendon just as
Alex recognized the complete deterioration of her
faculties. She bade Tony good night and hurried up to
her chamber. As she entered, she caught a glimpse of
herself in the looking glass a slim, straight figure,
long-limbed and moving with a certain pride, her hair
glinting red in the candlelight. Come to think of it, she
made a fine figure of a man herself. On that thought,
she tumbled into bed fully clothed. The last thought in
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her mind, disturbingly enough, was of Lord Wrotham
and whether or not she would continue to prove
worthy of his interest and assistance.
Chapter 15
In truth, the next time Alex encountered the major it
was in rather unexpected circumstances. The sun was
alarmingly high when she awoke, fully dressed, to a
room so bright that she knew it must be close to noon.
Drat! She had missed her opportunity for a ride in the
park while it was still un-crowded. Soon it would be
filling up with elegant carriages and splendidly
mounted riders all vying for attention. A ride at that
hour, under such conditions, was not so much fresh
air and exercise as it was a social affair fraught with as
much gossip and slander as any ball or assembly.
Strolling along Bond Street would be hardly less of a
crush, but at least she could make mental notes of
everything she saw and send it along in a letter to Ally.
Less than an hour later, exquisitely attired in buff-
colored pantaloons and a dark blue coat of Bath
superfine, cravat carefully tied in a Mathematical that
she had mastered at last, Alex was sauntering along
Bond Street, swinging the gold-headed cane which
Tony had given her, and trying to unobtrusively study
the delicious gewgaws on display.
Pausing to examine the decoration on an elegant
bonnet, she nearly stumbled over Lord Wrotham, who
was just emerging from a shop, a woman on his arm.
Somehow Alex had never thought him to be much in
the petticoat line, why she could not precisely say. She
rather hoped he would be so absorbed in his
companion so as not to notice Alex and thus afford her
time to take a better look at the woman with him. It
was the vain hope of a minute, for they were upon her
before she could move or turn away.
The major halted and nodded at Alex. Hello, de
Montmorency, he exclaimed in friendly fashion. As
you are new to town, I should warn you that if you
have anything at all to do with females the major
glanced sardonically in the direction of his
companion it is a far greater risk of your blunt to
walk along here than it is to bet it at White s.
The woman at his side, a vision in an elegant pale
blue walking dress that matched her eyes, smiled
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coquettishly at Alex and then turned to the major.
But, Christopher, you are keeping me in suspense.
Who is this handsome acquaintance of yours? I do not
believe I know him.
Much to her annoyance, Alex blushed to the roots of
her hair something her twin would never have done.
He abhorred anything female, especially one of as
indeterminate an age as this one, who wore a
decidedly predatory expression.
A look of resignation settled across the major s
tanned countenance. Very well. Allow me to present
you to my mother. Lady Linwood, Countess of
Claverdon. Alexander de Montmorency.
The flirtatious smile broadened as the lady peeked
at Alex from under the brim of a very youthful bonnet.
Why, I believe I knew your father Alfred. You have the
look of him. What a scamp he was, ripe for any
mischief, that is, until he met your mother. Then he
became a pattern card of perfection. She sighed
romantically. What a beautiful couple they made. It
was so sad they proceeded to bury themselves in Nor-
folk or whatever outlandish place it was.
Norfolk. Alex could not help grinning. How
uncomfortable the major was. Why, he was frowning
like a veritable thundercloud. Undoubtedly he was
escorting her under duress and he looked to be a man
who had suffered through this scene on numerous
occasions.
You must call on me, Lady Linwood cooed. I do so
adore the younger set. Everyone of my age has gone to
take the waters or is a doting grandmama horridly
dull.
As there seemed no chance of his mother s doing so,
Alex decided to put the major out of his misery. That
is very kind of you, ma am. I certainly hope to do so,
but now I must be off as I have ... ah ... an
appointment that must not be kept waiting. Alex tried
to look as self-conscious as possible, hoping to convey
the impression that the appointment was with another
female and thus dash any designs Lady Linwood might
have on Alexander de Montmorency.
Wrotham s mother wagged a gloved finger at Alex.
Naughty boy. There is no doubt you are your father s
son.
Alex made good her escape and hurried along as
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