“I’ll see you later, Mrs. Haywood, Miss Haywood,” Lady Redvers said.
After another quick round of curtsies, the two ladies left.
“Talking about steel.” Mama tilted her parasol to the side to get closer to Angeline. “Lord Wharton is over there, chatting with Lord Havisham.”
“Where?” Angeline searched the meadow through the marquees, stalls, and gazebos and found Royston next to the refreshment table.
“I asked around,” Mama said. “Many mothers have set their eyes on Lord Wharton as a possible suitor for their daughters.”
“Oh, really?” Angeline scoffed. Ridiculous. Only because he owned a successful factory. No one really cared about who he was.
“He has the reputation of being grumpy.”
“He isn’t. He just feels uncomfortable among society.” He also had a kind heart and gentle hands.
“Some say he isn’t even handsome.”
“Outrageous.” Angeline was upset on his behalf. “He might have a rough type of beauty, but he’s very handsome.”
Mama laughed. “You like him. Excellent.”
“Oh, Mama. You’re incorrigible.”
“I always do my research, and I’m glad you like him. Because I have plans.”
Angeline shot her gaze skywards. “Of course, you have.”
“According to my lady friends, Lord Wharton likes well-mannered ladies. Do not show him all your…” Mama waved a hand. “Athletic skills. You’re a proper lady, all right?”
“What does that mean? That I can’t participate in the archery competition?”
Mama grinned. “Quite the opposite. You will. I insist.”
Angeline rubbed an aching spot on her forehead. “I don’t understand you.”
“I know. That’s a problem. See, Lord Wharton signed up for the archery competition.”
“Did he? How do you know that?”
“I told you. I do my research. Knowledge is power, my dear. Anyway, you’re going to compete against him, and you’re going to lose. You’ll let Lord Wharton win. Men have big egos. The fastest way to conquer them is to let them believe they’re wonderful, amazing achievers.”
“I don’t think you know the baron at all. He won’t be impressed if I let him win, and I doubt he cares about losing.”
Mama smiled as Royston tipped his hat at her. “You’re wrong, darling. All men are the same. If you win, he’ll detest you. If you lose, he’ll adore you.”
“I don’t think so.”
Mama’s smile faltered. “Between you and me, who knows men the best?”
Dash it. “You, of course. But I know Royston better than you.”
Mama’s eyes brightened. “I like it when you use his Christian name. Good.”
“Mama, please.” She exhaled some of her frustration.
“Do you want to prove me wrong? Lose against him, and we’ll see what happens.”
“No. If I’m going to compete, I’ll do my best to win.” What a bother. Angeline flexed her fingers to warm them up. “I’m a jolly good archer, and I’ll show my skill to everyone.”
