Miles shot me a cold glance before extending his arm toward Anne. “Archery sounds diverting,” he said with a smile, his voice taking on a tone far more pleasant than it had been moments before. “I wouldn’t dream of ruining your celebration.” He paused. “What are we celebrating, exactly?”
She took his arm, but I didn’t miss the hesitancy in her movement. He started pulling her away, walking toward the side of the house, but her eyes flickered to my face. “Are you coming too?”
I felt a wave of satisfaction at the vexation on Miles’s face. She had ignored his question. As much as I dreaded the thought of watching Miles fawn over her, my answer slipped out of my mouth. “Of course.”
She held my gaze as Miles began walking. I caught pieces of their conversation. She explained the details of the game, her victory, and her inheritance. Miles was a far better actor than I had ever been. I almost believed his display of surprise and congratulations, as if he were only just learning of her new fortune.
The two targets were still set up on the back lawn. Mr. Hatcher held one of the bows, squinting across the lawn at the sight of the three of us approaching. The ladies at the table would have even more fresh gossip to keep them occupied after seeing Anne on another man’s arm.
Introductions were made, and I could see the intrigue building behind Octavia’s gaze. She whispered something to her sister behind her glove.
Miles picked up the available bow, swinging it at his side as he approached his position. He prepared his arrow and shot, missing the target by at least five feet. “It would seem I am out of practice!” he said with a boisterous laugh.
Anne’s smile made my stomach sink.
He picked up the bow and proceeded to shoot six more arrows, missing the target each time.
That served as sufficient motivation. Mr. Hatcher had stepped away from the other target, so I claimed his place, choosing an arrow from the pile on the grass. I narrowed my eyes in concentration before letting it fly. It struck the second ring from the center with a solid thud.
I grinned. Miles swiftly picked up another arrow, his brow furrowed.
Anne stood directly between Miles and me, but took one step in my direction. “That was nearly perfect.” She gave me an encouraging smile. Her features were shy—more reserved than usual. Perhaps she wanted to mend the awkwardness between us as much as I did.
“Would you like to try?” I held out the bow. “It’s easier than you think.” I made sure to speak loud enough for Miles to hear.
He lowered his bow, watching as Anne walked tentatively in my direction. Her cheeks were flushed, the curls around her face tossing in the light breeze. As she drew closer, the sunlight caught her irises, revealing the caution in her eyes.
I handed her the bow, lowering my voice to a whisper. “I’d wager you can shoot straighter than my brother.” I gave a half-smile, testing her capability to endure any level of teasing.
Her lips twitched. “I’d wager I can shoot straighter than you as well.”
I laughed. “Have you shot a bow before?”
“No.” She lifted it with a scrutinizing look at the target. “I may require a little direction.”
There was nothing stopping me from flirting with her while I had the chance. “Turn toward me.” I placed one hand lightly on the small of her back. She met my gaze. “You will draw the arrow with your dominant hand. Hold the bow with the opposite.” I guided her left hand to the center of the bow. “Keep a relaxed grip.”
She nodded, her throat shifting with a swallow. I handed her an arrow. “Nock the end on the bow string here, and hold it steady between your index and middle fingers. Then draw it back.” I stood behind her, adjusting the height of her elbow. My hand lingered on her upper arm. I touched the bare skin at the back of her shoulder, leaning close to her ear. “Relax your posture, aim, and shoot.”
She released the arrow instantly. It struck the outside edge of the target. She turned to face me with a smile.
“Well done.”
She raised the bow to try again. She lowered her voice. “Lady Tottenham knows about the ruse. She knew all along. There’s no longer any reason to continue it, especially not if it causes more hostility between you and Miles.”
I handed her an arrow. “It isn’t a ruse to me. It never was.”
Her wide eyes reminded me of her expression after I had kissed her. I leaned closer, keeping my voice as low as possible. “If there’s anyone here who is putting on a ruse, it’s Miles. He read the paper this morning. That’s the only reason he’s here.”
Her expression flashed with hurt.
“That was an excellent shot, Anne.” Miles jogged across the grass toward her. “You have bested me on your very first attempt. You must try the other target now.” He waved her toward his side of the lawn.
I turned around to hide my vexation. I wasn’t going to participate in Miles’s game of tug-of-war with Anne. She looked conflicted enough already. I could see the signs of unrest in her features as she followed Miles to his target.
I had said my piece. There was nothing more I could do at the moment.
It was Anne’s choice who to believe.
