“Clearly it’s something.”
“Just women being spiteful, as I’ve told you they can be. But I held my own.”
“Did you?” Thea smiled. “I’m pleased, as Mother said you usually just sit in a corner and rarely speak. She said you are usually the definition of a wallflower no matter how hard she has tried to change you.”
“I’ll have you know we wallflowers have a grand old time of it. Chat, gossip—it can be a lot of fun, actually.”
“Absolute rubbish. I can see through your lies with such ease.” Thea patted her hand. And while her cousin did have a sunny nature, she was also fiercely determined and strong-willed when set on a course. She had to be, with three brothers.
“Clearly I need to try harder.”
“Clearly. But you do know that I wouldn’t be able to manage this without you, Ivy. Having you at my side gives me strength.”
“I am always here for you, Thea. But I’ll add to that you are a fraud, cousin. You may look everything that is sweet and gentle, but you have more strength of character and determination than most.”
“Thank you.” Thea smiled.
Ivy snorted but did not add anything, as they had arrived at the place where the archery competition would take place. Targets were set up. Contestants would shoot their arrows, then walk and retrieve them. They would then shoot back to the other target.
A large tent had tables and chairs for those not participating and wishing to stay out of the sun. Staff were setting up refreshments. To the right of the targets was seating for those who wanted to be closer to the contest.
“It all looks very serious,” Thea said. “One hopes a stray arrow does not maim someone.”
“Some people take archery very seriously,” Ivy replied.
“Not me, however.”
Her uncle was an excellent archer and had taught Ivy. Thea was hopeless and had no patience for it.
“I had your things brought here.” Thea gave Ivy a cheeky smile.
“What things?”
“The arrow whatnot.”
“You have been around your father and me for years and know we like archery, and yet still you call a quiver a whatnot.”
Thea shrugged. “It does not interest me; therefore I do not need to remember.”
“Which makes you sound empty-headed,” Ivy needled her cousin. “I am not competing,” she added in a firm voice.
“You will, Miss Birdwhistle.”
She spun to face Lady Osborne.
“I have decided who will participate, and you, Miss Birdwhistle, are one of them.”
“I don’t understand why you wish me to, my lady.”
“Because I wish it, and that is all you need to know.” She stomped away, leaving Ivy openmouthed.
“Well, there you have it then.” Thea giggled. “Good luck, Ivy. I shall expect you to win.” Her cousin wandered off with her parents to find a place to watch the competition.
Bloody bothering hell.
Lord Seddon climbed onto a small platform that had been erected, then cleared his throat to get their attention.
“The first round will be today. The second and final round, on the final day of the house party. Of course, the ladies shall go first,” he said. “The targets will then be moved to their correct distance for the real competition to begin.”
