“What could she be up to now?” Seraphine asked Rosaline quietly as she watched her friend hurry towards the edge of the pond. “Last time she wore that smile, I ended up with my face buried inside a mountain of flour.” She shuddered theatrically. “I am still finding traces of it in places flour ought never to reach.”
Rosaline laughed and adjusted the bonnet of little Annie, who was attempting to eat a daisy. “With Thalia,” she replied,rescuing the flower from her daughter, “it could be absolutely anything. The woman treats entertainment as though it were a military campaign.” Her eyes followed the Duchess fondly. “And somehow everyone survives.”
The sisters rose from their blanket as the crowd gradually gathered near the pond. At the dock stood Thalia and Caspian, both looking entirely too pleased with themselves. The late afternoon sunlight danced across the water, while five small rowing boats bobbed gently beside the wooden pier. Servants stood nearby trying unsuccessfully to hide their amusement.
Caspian stepped forward and cupped his hands around his mouth.
“Attention!” he called loudly. “Attention, everyone!” His voice carried easily across the lawn.
Gradually the chatter faded until all eyes turned towards him. Beside him, Thalia looked as though she might burst from excitement if left waiting much longer.
Once silence settled, Thalia spread her arms dramatically. “To conclude today's picnic,” she declared, “we have arranged a gentleman's boat race!”
Her announcement was met by immediate cheers and laughter. Several ladies applauded enthusiastically while others began whispering excitedly amongst themselves.
Seraphine could not help laughing. “Of course she has,” she murmured. “Why am I not surprised?”
Around her, guests surged towards the docks with renewed energy. Even elderly dowagers seemed suddenly interested in the proceedings. There was something undeniably entertaining about watching grown men make fools of themselves.
Rosaline and Seraphine linked their arms together as they joined the crowd. “Because watching gentlemen compete appeals to every woman alive,” she replied with complete seriousness. “Especially when they become competitive.” She lowered her voice conspiratorially. “Men lose all sense when challenged.”
“That cannot possibly be true,” Seraphine said.
Rosaline looked at her. “Very well,” she admitted. “It is probably true.”
They found a place near the front of the gathering just as Caspian raised a silver pin for everyone to see. Sunlight glinted off the polished surface. “The winner,” he announced grandly, “shall receive this magnificent prize! A glorious pure silver pin.” A cheer rose from the crowd. “Now then, what gentlemen dare compete?”
Seraphine's heart unexpectedly skipped. She immediately knew whose name she was waiting to hear. Which was ridiculous. Entirely ridiculous. And yet she found herself scanning the crowd anyway. Rosaline apparently noticed.
“Oh dear,” her sister murmured.
Seraphine ignored her. One gentleman stepped forward.
“Lord Whickham,” Rosaline narrated helpfully. “Of course. He would race a swan if someone challenged him.”
Whickham bowed dramatically to the crowd, earning several laughs. Another gentleman joined him beside the boats.
“Lord Cunningham,” Rosaline continued, sounding surprised. “Now that is unexpected.”
“It is a boat race,” Seraphine pointed out.
“Exactly, and he is a quiet man of sorts,” Rosaline said.
A third man stepped forward. “Lord Nathanson.”
Seraphine nodded politely. Then another joined the growing line.
“Oh,” Rosaline said with interest. “Lord Everend.”
Seraphine immediately regretted looking at him because Rosaline's grin widened.
“I daresay he would happily hand that silver pin straight to you if he wins.”
“Oh, Rosaline, do not be silly,” Seraphine replied, trying and failing to suppress her blush. “The man has known me for scarcely a few days.”
“Men have accomplished greater foolishness in less time,” Rosaline said, her grin widening as she folded her arms across her chest.
Before Seraphine could argue, Rosaline's expression abruptly changed. The teasing amusement vanished from her face. She straightened slightly and stared towards the crowd gathered near the docks.
