repast. Then she hired a coach and asked him to take her to the Brighton townhome.
When she knocked on the door, an older gentleman opened it.
“Yes, madam, may I help you?”
“Yes, you may. I am Lady Alexandra MacIntyre, the earl’s new stepdaughter. I will be staying here for a few days while I visit a good friend in town.”
“Of course, my lady. I am Forrest Clay, the caretaker. I will summon the butler at once. We have been expecting you. We were so sorry to hear about the accident that you and Lord Evan were involved in. Is he with you?”
“No, I’m afraid he could not make it this time. He had some business that could not be avoided.”
A throat cleared behind her. “Lady Alexandra is mistaken. I am here, and I will be acting as her chaperone.”
Alexandra’s neck heated. She turned to face Evan’s angry glare. “What are you doing here?” How had he found her? Drat, he would ruin everything.
“I live here, Alexandra.” His lips were pursed into a thin line.
“Very well, then.” Alexandra entered.
Another man appeared, dressed formally. “Lord Evan, it is wonderful to see you.” The man took Evan’s valise.
“May I present my stepsister, Lady Alexandra MacIntyre. Alexandra, this is our butler, Woods.”
“A pleasure, my lady.” He took her satchel as well. “Lord Evan knows where his chamber is, but let me escort you to yours.”
Alexandra followed Woods up a winding staircase and down a hallway of doors. He stopped in front of one and opened it. “Here you are, my lady. I will send Mary to attend to you.”
“Thank you, sir. I appreciate it.”
The butler took his leave, and Alexandra looked around her chamber. It was a good size, though nothing like her chamber at the estate, which included a sitting room and a bath chamber. This would do nicely, however, and she was thrilled to be here. All except for that thorn in her side—Evan. Most likely he would insist upon accompanying her to the balls.
She chuckled to herself. Just days ago, when he had insisted upon accompanying her to London, she had thought it a splendid idea. Who better to catch her in the act with Mr. Landon? Now, given their past couple of days together, she wasn’t sure he was the right person at all. Nothing to be done about that. He was here, and he would be going to the balls.
Her maid, Mary, arrived shortly and helped her out of her traveling clothes.
“Is there anything else I can do for you, my lady?”
“Not at the moment, thank you. I believe I will take a short nap. I will be attending the ball this evening, so if you could be here later to help me prepare, I would appreciate it.”
“Of course, my lady.” Mary curtsied politely and left.
No sooner had Ally fallen asleep than another knock came on the door. “Drat!” she said. Who on earth could that be now? “Come in,” she called.
Mary entered again. “I’m so sorry to disturb you, my lady, but Lord Evan has requested that you ready yourself for dinner.”
Requested, had he? “You may tell Lord Evan that I will be skipping dinner this evening and napping until it is time to get ready for the evening’s festivities.”
“I’m sorry, my lady. Lord Evan is master of the manor when neither his father nor brother is present. I cannot tell him anything of the sort.”
Ally sat up and let out a heavy sigh. “That’s absolutely fine. I shall tell him myself. If you would, please select a gown for me and help me dress.”
“Yes, my lady.”
A while later, Ally walked down the hallway to Evan’s suite and knocked loudly. He came to the door, looking as dashing as ever in his dinner clothes.
“Good evening, Alexandra.”
“I have come to tell you that I shall not be attending dinner this evening,” Alexandra said calmly.
“To the contrary”—Evan adjusted his cravat—“you will be attending dinner, and you will be ready to go within an hour and a half.”
Ally’s dander rose. “I have been traveling all day, as have you. I am still full from my repast after the trip. There is no reason for me to go to dinner with you.”
“There is every reason for you to go.”
“And what may I ask might that be?”
“Because I have said that it will be so.” He gave her a smirk.
Oh, he had a lot of nerve, this one. So determined to be controlling.
“You have no authority over me.” Her cheeks warmed. How she wished