“Your faith in me is astounding. Also, you have managed tocurse in the presence of a lady.”
The man—who Seranow saw was the Earl of Ashburton—blanched. “Apologies, my lady. Myexcitement ran away from me.”
“Noneed for apologies, Lord Ashburton. The game was ratherthrilling.”
The earlgrinned. “And this fellow here does insist on being annoyinglytalented with a football. What is this now, your twentieth yearplaying?”
“Certainly. If you count when I was eleven and quiteaverage.”
“Asif you were ever average. As I said, Lady Seraphina, it isannoying.”
She lookedbetween the two. Lord Ashburton still grinned at Stephen, who didnot smile but was subtly amused. “So you are talented, LordStephen?”
“Iam. At…many things.” A lazy glint in his eyes.
“Indeed? What, pray tell, are these things of what youspeak?”
“Stamina, my lady, and patience. Both arenecessary.”
“Forfootball?” she said archly.
“Ofcourse. What else, pray tell, could we refer to?”
“I’msure I don’t know, sir.”
“Iam still here, you know,” Ashburton said mildly.
They both lookedat him.
Colour high,Sera arranged a smile. “Of course, Lord Ashburton. We merelyjest.”
“Yes. I can see that.”
Stephen lost thewicked glint in his eye. “I better get back. We’ve got to reviewthe game.”
Sera frowned.“Review the game?”
Stephen nodded.“I’ll see you both this evening.”
“Atthe Peterson’s,” Lord Ashburton said.
Stephen noddedagain, shortly. Then, he jogged back onto the field to join histeammates.
Sera and LordAshburton watched him silently. She had not before had muchoccasion to converse with Lord Ashburton. Though they attended thesame balls and gatherings, their paths did not oftencross.
He opened hismouth as if to speak, but then seemed to think better of it. Sheglanced at him as he again went to speak, and again thought betterof it.
“Doyou wish to say something, Lord Ashburton?”
Givenpermission, the words rushed from him. “Lady Seraphina. Myconscience will not allow my silence. You know Farlisle toys withyou?”
Shoulders tense,concern drew lines into his face. “You may rest easy, LordAshburton. I am aware of the wager.”
“Youknow Farlisle means to engage your emotions and then disappointyou?”
“Ido.”
“Andhow do you feel about this?”
