"The Challenge is intended to test skill, nerve and judgement," Lady Hortensia continued. "Not merely the ability to overpower one's opponent. To ensure a fair meeting of skills, the ladies shall therefore choose two events from the selection before me. One will be contested by the full team and the other by a single representative from each side. It is a small advantage, but one I am willing to grant in an area where gentlemen are generally thought to excel."
Mr Pritchard lifted each card in turn and read the choices in his usual grave tone. "Archery. Fencing. Bowls. Riding over a marked course. Battledore and shuttlecock. Quoits. Ninepins. A race across the lake in rowing boats."
At the mention of rowing, Mrs Cartwright looked towards the water with such alarm that Mr Hadley immediately leant across the divide to assure her that he was a very strong swimmer andwould ensure she came to no harm. This did not appear to settle her nerves, and she said adamantly, "I assure you, my dear Mr Hadley, I am determined not to go near enough to the water to require rescuing."
Lady Hortensia allowed the laughter to subside before turning to Elizabeth. "You may confer for five minutes, Miss Elizabeth. The final choice is yours."
The ladies gathered around Elizabeth a short distance away. Archery was agreed upon almost at once, for Clara and Miss Drummond were both confident shots and several of the others had at least some experience. The second choice caused more discussion. Harriet favoured riding, Miss Grey thought bowls offered the safest chance of success and Mrs Cartwright ruled out rowing so firmly that no one attempted to persuade her. Lady Frances, however, remained fixed upon fencing and, after reminding them that she had trained for several years, declared herself ready to face whichever gentleman was put forward.
That settled the matter. Elizabeth returned to the centre of the lawn. "We have chosen archery for the team event," she announced in a calm, clear voice, her eyes meeting Darcy’s as she spoke, "and fencing for the individual contest."
"Fencing?" Sir Geoffrey repeated, bewildered. "For ladies?"
Mr Ashcombe gave a short laugh. "Surely that cannot be a serious suggestion."
"No lady can be expected to fence against a gentleman," Sir Geoffrey protested. "The difference in reach alone makes the contest absurd."
Lady Frances rose from her seat with the dignity of an anointed queen. "Then the gentleman selected may make good use of it."
Several of the ladies applauded. Mr Ashcombe's expression hardened. "This is meant to be a test of sporting prowess," he said. "Not theatricals."
Lady Frances turned her head at last. "Are you objecting because you believe a lady incapable of defeating you, Mr Ashcombe, or because you fear one might?"
The lawn erupted. Mr Hadley covered a laugh with his hand, Colonel Fitzwilliam made no attempt to hide his delight and Mr Anstruther grinned openly. Captain Fanshawe looked away, though not before Elizabeth saw the smile he was trying to conceal, and even Darcy's mouth shifted before he brought it under control.
Mr Ashcombe flushed. "I fear no such thing."
"Excellent," said Lady Hortensia. "Then you may represent the gentlemen."
Lady Frances rose calmly from her chair. "And I shall represent the ladies."
Mr Ashcombe turned at once to Darcy. "You cannot mean to permit this. A fencing bout between a gentleman and a lady is entirely improper."
"They will use buttoned foils and wear masks," Darcy replied. "No one will be attempting to draw blood. I can see no reasonable objection."
Mr Ashcombe's mouth tightened. He looked back at Lady Frances and gave her a stiff bow. "I have made every effort to protect your dignity, madam. Since you insist upon proceeding, however, you cannot expect me to show you any indulgence. I shall have no scruple in beating you soundly."
"I should be most disappointed if you gave an inch, sir," said Lady Frances, her smile looking decidedly dangerous.
Servants were sent to prepare the fencing ground while the archery butts were placed at the far end of the lawn. A rack of bows was carried from the house, followed by several bundles of arrows and leather guards. Elizabeth had begun considering how best to arrange the ladies when Lady Hortensia called her back.
"Miss Elizabeth. Mr Darcy. I require you both to inspect the archery equipment before the contest begins."
Darcy looked towards the rack. "Every bow?"
"Every bow and every arrow." Lady Hortensia's expression had grown unusually firm. "The matter caused a considerable disturbance at a previous gathering. Accusations were made after the contest, tempers were lost and an otherwise pleasant afternoon was quite ruined. I shall not have the same nonsense repeated."
"You are the captains," Lady Hortensia continued. "You will examine the equipment together and agree that it is fit for use before a single arrow is loosed. Mr Pritchard will record your approval in the ledger, and when one side loses, they may do so without accusing the other of sabotage."
???
Once the others had moved away to discuss the fencing arrangements, Elizabeth and Darcy were left beside the rack of bows, with only Mr Pritchard at a discreet distance, waiting to record their approval. A servant had laid the arrows upon the table in neat bundles, and Darcy took up the first bow while Elizabeth examined the string and grip on the second.
For several moments neither spoke. The quiet between them seemed deafening to Elizabeth and she could no longer still her tongue. "I ought to apologise," Elizabeth began.
Darcy looked up at the same moment. "You have nothing to apologise for. If I had behaved like a gentleman ought..."
She lowered her eyes to the bow in her hands. "I should not have allowed matters to go so far."
