She almost expected Joshua to demand to be let in. It was not impossible, even though the hour was late. He claimed his time and her presence with authority. She watched as a small piece of paper slid quietly under the wood.
She rose from her seat and tiptoed toward the paper. She bent to pick up, immediately seeing her name written on top. Her hands trembled as she unfolded the note.
Lady Lucy,
Elizabeth had allowed me to see your sketch. It is far more than adequate. In fact, it shows great talent. Do not listen to those who say you are not capable, because you are.
D.
Lucy felt a warm flush spread all over her body. She could feel tingles rush up to her fingertips as she pressed the note to her chest. Her eyes grew misty, and she blinked rapidly.
Daniel had seen the sketch and found it far beyond adequate. Did he recognize himself, the details hiding in the shadows, the handsome profile smudged to make it look like someone else’s?
All she knew then was that she would not get rid of the note.
She would tuck it somewhere. Forever.
Chapter Sixteen
“Acaber toss! Your Grace, have you lost your mind? I know you were born in Scotland, but do you think everyone will survive your Highland games enough to drink some tea in the afternoon?”
The Marquess of Barton looked horrified. His hands were on his hips as he watched the enormous tapered logs on the grass, waiting for each of the participants to carry a log to toss. The aim was to throw the logs directly perpendicular to their fronts. Scores would consider distance and angle.
If there was ever a morning for such a game, it would be that day. The sun was shining brightly, but the air was crisp enough to give everyone a boost of energy. The scent of pine and earth certainly gave the activity an air of adventure. Lucy could not help but inhale deeply.
“It’s the tradition of my folk,” Alasdair declared proudly, laughing and slapping the Marquess on the shoulder. “It’ll hopefully wake up every soul this braw mornin’!”
“Mm,” the Marquess mused. “We do have a version of the caber toss in England, but not as strenuous as your own.”
“It will be fun!” one lord exclaimed. “We will play tug-of-war as well, and it will be a show of strength, team spirit, and strategy.”
“You seem particularly excited,” the Marquess mumbled, looking down at his attire, which had bright blue silk hems. He was probably wondering if he had dressed appropriately for the games. All the men had now removed their coats and rolled up their sleeves.
Meanwhile, the ladies had settled on wooden benches to watch, all covered with thick blankets. Because of the morning chill, some had shawls over their shoulders, while a few had parasols.
Victoria was in the midst of the audience, wearing a playful pout.
“It is completely outrageous!” she exclaimed, folding her arms over the swell of her belly. “I would have attempted a turn if I weren’t already carrying a load.”
Richard leaned down and kissed her forehead in an attempt to comfort her.
“Don’t fret, my dear. I will be competing for the three of us. You, me, and the little one. I suspect they’re already kicking. I will gladly represent the Hawksford estate.”
“And the Grisham estate, too,” she reminded him with a cheeky smile.
The men began to approach the starting line. Based on their body language, most were thrilled to have a try at the caber toss, while some were more apprehensive.
Before Daniel could join them, Lady Sophia, a young debutante, walked purposely toward him. Even from where she was sitting, Lucy could see her smiling broadly and batting her eyelashes.
Lucy watched the other young woman approach with the purposeful gait of a hunter disguised as a gazelle. Lady Sophia was everyone’s idea of a diamond, with her spun-gold curls and expensive silk dress. She was polished, perfect, while Lucy felt like a ball of discarded charcoal.
Everything about Lady Sophia was studied and cultured. She smiled, but did not show her teeth. Her neck was positioned at a practiced angle, and she batted her eyelashes in an almost natural-looking way.
Lucy thought that the other girl appeared to have something caught in her eyes; annoyance flared within her at the artifice. Still, the opinion that mattered was difficult to gauge.
What did Daniel think of such a performance? Did he regard it with indifference, or did he accept it as what was expected of women?
“Your Grace,” Lady Sophia purred, her hand hovering over his sleeve. If it were not too scandalous, the chit would have already caressed his arm. “Be careful. The logs look awfully heavy. Don’t you think it is better to leave such things to the rest, so you can stay with me and explain the rules and history of these games?”
