“Miss Haywood,” Lady Redvers said from behind Angeline, causing her to jolt. “I apologise, but I couldn’t help but hear what you were saying.”
Angeline was sure the lady had eavesdropped on purpose.
“Don’t tell me you mean to compete at the archery competition,” Lady Redvers said. “Goodness, that would be quite inappropriate. I do hope your mother doesn’t encourage you to perform such wild activities.”
Mama’s eyes became two obsidian blades. “I encourage my daughter to be happy and admired in whichever way she chooses to do that.”
Not entirely true, but Angeline appreciated Mama’s help.
Lady Redvers ignored her. “Miss Haywood, you’re already old enough to be considered a spinster if you don’t mind my frankness. You’ll ruin your chances of finding a good match by behaving so recklessly. Besides, you’ll only make a fool out of yourself.” She let out a squeaky laugh that could crack glass.
That did it. Maybe Angeline was too sensitive. Maybe she had a temper; maybe she was a spinster, but she’d show Lady Redvers and everyone watching what she could do with a bow.
