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Felix rushed toward the door, beating her there by several paces. “Don’t worry yourself. I’ll go to Weymouth.”

She stopped in her tracks, eyebrows drawn together.

Before she could object again, he slipped into the corridor. He chuckled as he strode in the direction of the staircase. His smile grew as he considered the details he had just acquired about her afternoon plans, his mind spinning with possibilities.

Felix caught sight of his friend on his way down the stairs. “Weymouth!” Freddie’s group was decorating the entry hall and staircase, but they didn’t appear to have started yet. Freddie was alone.

The viscount turned, a smile crossing his face. “Felix, how do you do?”

“Quite well. How did your group’s preparation fare last night?”

“The pinecones are painted, and the walnuts are sufficiently gilded…at least according to my wife and sisters.”

“I am glad to hear it. I wondered if I might ask a small favor of you?”

“You may ask.” Freddie’s eyes glinted teasingly.

Felix laughed. “It is small, I assure you.”

“No matter. How may I be of service?”

“Did you happen to have any gold leaf remaining that we might use for the music room?”

“And risk losing the competition?”

Felix chuckled. “I assure you; you won’t lose to us. We are not nearly as prepared as you.”

“What little faith you have in your partners.” Freddie shook his head with disapproval. “Miss Sterling shall hate you even more if you speak like that.”

Felix had told him a few details about his rivalry with Miss Sterling. He had been eager to confide in someone, and Freddie was his closest friend at the house party.

Felix laughed, rubbing one side of his face with a sigh. “She sent Lady Cartright to interrupt my walk with Miss Benson this morning.”

Freddie’s brows shot up. Then a laugh burst out of his mouth. “The war is still waging strong it would seem.”

“Yes.” Felix smiled, the image of Miss Sterling’s mischievous eyes flashing through his mind.

Freddie studied his face. “But you don’t seem upset by the situation.”

Felix wiped the grin from his lips. “It’s amusing, but that doesn’t mean I like it.”

Freddie gave him a skeptical look. “Perhaps the gold leaf can be a peace offering from you to Miss Sterling. I would be happy to fetch it.”

He turned around, and Felix waited on the staircase until Freddie returned with the booklet.

“Thank you,” Felix said. “But I don’t think Miss Sterling will view this as a peace offering.”

“Why not?”

“In borrowing it from you, I prevented her from borrowing it from Mr. Woodward.”

“Devious.” Freddie laughed. “But not nearly as devious as her sending Lady Cartright after you.”

Felix drew his lower lip into his mouth, thinking. Freddie was right. He would have to come up with an additional idea. It was far too easy, really, since her cousin had spilled the details of her afternoon plans.

“What are you doing this afternoon?” Felix asked in an abrupt voice. “Miss Sterling plans to meet Mr. Woodward in the music room after decorating.”

“Is that so?” Freddie’s eyes lit up with a grin. “Are you suggesting that I involve myself in your battle?”