“There is no need for that.” She stomped into place.
“Well, I fear the animosity is not yours alone, my friend,” Toby whispered.
Ignoring him, Anthony watched as she prepared to fire her first arrow. Clearly, if she was a three times champion, she had some ability, but he did question her competitors. Her shoulders rose as she inhaled and lowered as she released the breath.
The thought of Cavendish breaking her spirit made him want to warn her off. She had to be told what that man was capable of. Not by him, but perhaps by Jamie or Toby?
He watched as she released the arrow, and, much to his annoyance, hit the target dead center.
His friends clapped loudly, as did his aunts and Miss Prudence Spencer. Anthony said nothing.
Miss Spencer gave them a small smile and stepped back out of the way.
“Right then, I’m next,” Toby said, looking far too happy.
He shot close to the center, as did Jamie, and Anthony, who had always been better than his friends, as he practiced regularly, having set up targets in the garden of his townhouse, hit dead center also, just beside hers.
“Oh, well done!” Aunt Aggie cried.
“Excellent shot, my lord,” Miss Spencer said in a tight voice that suggested she did not think it excellent at all.
Anthony fought his smile. It seemed he was not the only competitive person present.
They shot three more rounds, and she’d got the closest to him, but not close enough, Anthony was pleased to say.
“You have excellent aim, Miss Spencer,” Toby said. “It seems you are worthy of your title.”
She gave him a tight smile. Clearly she was still as uncomfortable as he in being here, even if he’d seen the spark of excitement when she moved to fire her arrows.
Anthony stepped back as she prepared to fire her last one.
Cavendish would dictate her every move if he married her. Anthony knew Miss Spencer. She would fight back, but it would not last. Cavendish would break her. The thought left a foul taste in his mouth. He would use Miss Spencer and discard her.
“I fear I will get frostbite if you two continue with this rigid politeness,” Toby said pulling Anthony from his thoughts.
“It’s like watching two wary dogs circling each other. Neither wants to attack first,” Jamie added.
“What are you talking about? We are being exactly as two people who barely know each other should be.”
“If you insist,” Toby said.
“But I think she’s wonderful and would make you a—” This time it was Jamie who received the elbow.
“Another word, and I’ll follow that up with a punch,” Anthony snarled. Jamie simply laughed.
His eyes went back to Miss Spencer. Back straight, feet shoulder-distance apart, and her knees slightly bent. Arm straight to prevent her muscles tiring. Anthony wondered who had tutored her, as she was good. She released the arrow, and he watched its flight all the way to the center of the target.
“Well done,” Jamie said clapping loudly. “You are indeed an excellent archer, Miss Spencer. No one has bested Anthony in years, but it seems you may do it.”
She nodded, but there was no smile as she retreated. His friends didn’t get close to her arrow, and then it was Anthony’s last turn.
“Down to you now, Anthony!” Aunt Lavinia called as he prepared to fire. He focused on the target and Miss Spencer’s arrow. Releasing it, he watched it hit hers, dislodging it.
Loud clapping ensued, with his aunts congratulating him. He turned to face Miss Spencer, who to his surprise was clapping too.
“Well done, my lord. That was excellent aim.”
He nodded his head. “As was yours,” he said reluctantly.
