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Coming to his feet, Asher peered in that direction. “There’s a little horse with a wed wibbon.”

Jane smiled. “Red! But that is your favorite color.”

Asher looked at her in wonder. “Maybe I’m supposed to wide that one.”

Jane reached for her cane. “Shall we go and get a better look?”

He nodded, a hint of enthusiasm returning to his face.

Glad to have something to do besides watch everyone around her, Jane rose stiffly to her feet. She smoothed the wrinkles out of her pale-green gown and took her cane in one hand before she offered Asher the other. “We shall be back shortly, Aunt Millward,” she said.

“Very well, dear.” Aunt Millward smiled at Asher. “Enjoy your ride, young man.”

They meandered between the blankets toward the stables. A few of the guests greeted Jane with a polite nod as they passed; far more gave her and Asher a curious look but did not bother to greet them. Jane did not mind. She was used to being disregarded and was rather glad to walk the short distance without interruption.

“Look,” Asher said. “There it is.”

Sure enough, two Welsh ponies were walking around the courtyard on lead ropes. One had a red ribbon attached to its halter; the other had a blue one. Each had a child on its back, and over by the stable door, three young children stood waiting impatiently for their turn.

“Let’s go and stand in the queue,” Jane said, leading him toward the stable.

“I hope I can wide the one with the wed wibbon,” Asher said, skipping a few steps.

Jane smiled. “I hope so too.”

With a loud thwack, Alexander swiped at the shuttlecock, sending it flying high over the heads of his opponents.

“Well played, my lord!” Lady Emma tucked her battledore beneath her arm and clapped her gloved hands enthusiastically. “You are, by far, the most proficient player at the picnic.”

“You are too kind, my lady.”

Alexander thought it best not to tell her that what she perceived as a masterstroke was simply a manifestation of his immense frustration. He had been wanting to speak with Jane ever since the Hadfords had arrived at Bloxley Hall, but every time he attempted to make his way to her, he was accosted by another of his mother’s guests. It was like trying to make safe harbor in a stormy social sea, and no matter how hard he tacked, the prevailing wind would not let him move ahead. Now Jane was no longer on the blanket where she’d been sitting with Asher, and he could not discover where they had gone.

“You have excellent form, my lord.”

A voice behind him brought him up short. He turned to see Lady Millward standing a few feet away.

“Do you play, my lady?” he asked, a sliver of hope resurfacing at the sight of her. Was it possible that this rather marvelous older lady was attempting another rescue?

“I was once considered quite good at the game,” she said. “Of course, I have not played in some time.” She gave a regretful sigh. “Not many people offer a battledore to someone of my age, you see.”

“That shall not be the case at this picnic, my lady,” he said, working to keep a smile from his lips. “You shall have mine.” He offered her his battledore. “Lady Emma is an excellent partner, and Miss Tanner and Mr. Ballard are worthy opponents.”

“If you are finished playing, I am happy to pass my battledore to another, Lord Bloxley,” Lady Emma said, coming to stand beside him.

“Oh, I was so hoping you would stay and help me, Lady Emma. There really is no one else at the picnic who plays so well.” Lady Millward leaned forward. “I have been watching, you see. You really are quite gifted.”

“Well, I . . .” Vanity vied with her desire to shadow Alexander.

“I will not monopolize your time for long,” Lady Millward said. “Just until I reclaim my stroke.”

“How gratifying that Lady Millward has singled you out, Lady Emma,” Alexander said, quite sure that a little more flattery would not go amiss.

She smiled coyly. “I have been told that I make an excellent partner.”

“Of that I am certain.” Alexander pointed at Mr. Ballard, who had just returned bearing the wayward shuttlecock. “It appears that your challengers are ready to resume the game, so I shall get out of your way.”

“Where should you like me to stand, Lady Emma?” Lady Millward said.