‘Miss Fairfax wished to murder you?’ Aurelia smiled coquettishly. ‘Now this I need to hear.’
Sophie took a moment to survey Lord Rotherby’s languorous figure, wishing with all her heart that Aunt Higglestone hadn’t chosen this moment to peruse Lady Hampton’s new parlour curtains.
‘Lord Rotherby knows full well I didn’t intend to murder him,’ she returned coldly, ‘and I really don’t think it’s helpful to spread rumour and conjecture either. Perhaps, if my lack of skill has offended him, Lord Rotherby can content himself with the thought that I’m not likely to pick up a bow and arrow again any time soon.’
‘What a pity that would be, Miss Fairfax,’ Lord Endercott interjected pompously. ‘For archery is well known to import both grace and elegance to female deportment, as well as offer a healthy and agreeable pastime.’
‘Indeed!’ Lord Rotherby drawled, turning a piercing gaze on the foppish young gentleman. ‘And are you suggesting Miss Fairfax currently lacks any of those attributes?’
‘No, no! Of course not! What I was saying was… that is, I was merely…’ Lord Endercott tailed off in confusion.
‘Good. Then in future, I suggest you restrict your observations to the weather, and your over-ambitious tailor!’ At which point Lord Endercott flushed the very same colour as his overambitious tailor’s new line in waistcoats. ‘In truth, Miss Fairfax,’ Lord Rotherby continued, turning back, ‘all you really require is a little knowledge of bow grip– which any one of these young fops might have demonstrated– and you will be a formidable archer. If you will allow me?’
Without waiting for an answer, Lord Rotherby took the bow from the awestruck Lord Riley and positioned himself on the starting line.
‘Miss Fairfax?’ He indicated the space beside him as though he taught archery to vexed debutantes every Sunday afternoon.
‘I have four brothers at home, sir!’ Sophie said, glowering.
‘All the more curious, then, that not one of them had the foresight to show you how to hold a bow properly. Now, if you don’t mind?’
Despite minding very much, Sophie found she could think of no good reason that wouldn’t sound churlish the moment it left her lips. So she did the next best thing and joined his lordship with the bristling resentment of a child that was being forced to eat boiled cabbage.
‘Hold your bow loosely, like so,’ he began, ‘then draw your string back… I see your arm is quite rigid. May I?’
Sophie shook her head, determined not to show any reaction. Yet the touch of his fingers was having the most curious effect on her stomach. She blinked, trying not to acknowledge the shiver spreading throughout her tense limbs, whilst simultaneously fogging her thoughts in the most disconcerting way.
‘That’s it. Make sure the arrow is in the centre. Align your shoulders… aim and… release.’
Then, much to Sophie’s irritation, the slim shaft of wood flew straight towards the target board and buried itself within its small black centre.
‘Bravo, Miss Fairfax, bravo!’ Lord Endercott called out.
‘Bravo indeed, Lord Endercott. And, I believe Miss Fairfax may have also demonstrated some ‘natural grace and elegance’too?’
‘Indeed she did, my lord,’ Lord Endercott agreed nervously.
‘Excellent. Then we’ll part on civil terms– and I believe we’ll be addingarcher extraordinaireto your list of fearless attributes very soon, Miss Fairfax!’
‘Oh I doubt that very much, sir,’ Sophie returned with a wry smile. She drew a breath, trying to gather the thoughts his proximity seemed to have scattered like more wayward arrows. ‘Though my sister, the viscountess, would be most impressed! She’d have much preferred to join our brothers in archery instruction than practise the pianoforte, but my father would never allow it. Like most, he wished us to present as accomplished young ladies who could marry well, when the time arrived.’
You are fortunate if your father acted with such foresight, Miss Fairfax,’ Lord Rotherby replied in a cooler tone. ‘Some believe the measure of their offspring lies only in their tally on the hunting field.’
‘Yes, I suppose so.’ Sophie replied hesitantly.
‘Archery aside,’ a steady voice interjected, ‘I suspect Miss Fairfax has a good many other accomplishmentsthat she would be far too modest to own in company.’
Sophie glanced up in surprise as Lord Rotherby’s demeanour shifted again.
‘Weston,’ he drawled, glancing back at the group of gathered gentlemen. ‘How interesting to find you at an archery party when you cannot even abide the sport.’ His lip curled faintly. ‘And I’m sure no one is in any doubt of Miss Fairfax’s accomplishments. Now, if you’ll excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, I must take my leave. Miss Fairfax, if you could allow me a sporting head start, I’d be most appreciative! Good afternoon.’ He bowed.
‘Which brings us right back to French silk drawers,’ Aurelia sighed as they all watched Lord Rotherby stride back to the house.
‘It’s an exhibition ofmodern ladies’ fashion!’ Sophie glowered, nettled by Lord Rotherby’s manner, which had left her feeling wholly unsettled again.
She was no more an archer than she was a murderess, yet he seemed determined to tease her abominably.
‘Whatever you say,’ Aurelia said with a shrug, ‘though I’m sure I only have to be told once that something is unsuitablefor meto want to see it– whatever is on display.’
