Still wearing shirt, waistcoat, cravat, and trousers, he turned back to her and stretched out his arms in white shirtsleeves. “Many apologies for my state of undress, Miss Georgiana.”
She rolled her eyes, and he smirked and kicked the ball back to her—smartly and on target.
Georgie stopped the ball with her foot and grinned. “Now, that’s more like it!”
He jogged to the center of the yard to join them, maneuvered the ball away from her with fast feet, dodged his would-be defenders, and with the side of one polished shoe, sent the ball into the makeshift goal, earning the cheers of his teammates.
The informal game continued for nearly half an hour. Colin seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself, laughing at his own mistakes, encouraging the less-skilled players, and good-naturedly teasing others as he darted around the yard, often passing the ball to smaller lads.
As the game—and Colin’s antics—continued, Georgie’s cheeks began to ache from smiling.
At one point, she leapt for the ball and slipped, falling and landing on the ground in an unladylike heap. Muddy shoes appeared in her peripheral vision, and she looked up to find Colin gazing down at her, mild concern on his handsome face. “Are you all right?”
“Of course.”
He reached down a hand and helped her up, saying, “I admire your dedication to the game.” His words and warm smile melted away her embarrassment.
Later, Cora outmaneuvered Colin and scored a goal against him. Hands on his slim hips, he looked at the cunning player with interest, perhaps only then noticing the muddy skirt hem peeking out from under the girl’s long coat. “What’s your name?”
“Cora.” And without pause, she stole the ball from him and once again kicked it through the goal.
At that moment, Mr. Ward stepped outside to call the children back into the schoolroom, his announcement met with good-natured groans.
Colin retrieved the ball and handed it to Cora, resting his hand atop the knitted cap that poorly concealed her dark curls. He glanced at Georgiana and said, “I like this wily rascal. Reminds me of you.”
Georgie laughed thoughtfully. “Yes, she reminds me of me too.”
Emily and James came out and joined them, and they walked home two by two. As they crossed Fort Field, the married couple moved ahead, while Georgie and Colin walked more slowly, pausing at intervals to toss a stick for Chips to fetch.
Colin took a turn throwing the stick, then said, “Thank you for including me today. I enjoyed it. Though my poor shoes will never be the same. Almost as bad as your dress.”
Georgie looked down at the dirt stains on her skirt and gave them a half-hearted swipe.
“Is that a boarding school or a day school?” he asked.
“It’s a day school for local poor children.”
“Lucky kids. Wasn’t fond of boarding school myself. Only going home a few times a year. Shudder.”
She nodded. “These children go home every day after their lessons. I believe they all have at least one parent living, except for Cora.”
“Oh? What’s her story?”
“I don’t know all the details, but my understanding is that Cora lives with her grandmother, who moved here hoping the sea air would improve her health. She is not a wealthy woman, so the governors accepted Cora into the school here.”
“She certainly seems to enjoy it.”
Georgie nodded. “She has friends at the school, and Mr. Ward is kind to her. Kind to them all.”
“I am glad she has her grandmother. Even so, to have lost both father and mother at her age? Seems hard.”
She looked at him with interest. “I suppose you can sympathize. I’ve met your father on several occasions, but I think Viola mentioned Jack’s mother—your mother—died?”
Colin’s usually happy countenance turned pensive, even mournful. “Yes, many years ago when I was quite young. I don’t really remember her. Does it make me namby-pamby to say I still miss having a mother in my life?”
“Not at all. You’re namby-pamby because you dress like a fop.” She winked, and he laughed, the serious mood broken, to her relief—and no doubt his as well.
FIVE
