Page 35 of One Scandal Too Many
“Yes,” she said. Then took her place in front of the target. She nocked her arrow and raised the bow to aim. Just before she was about to shoot, Declan stepped closer and blew on her ear. The arrow went wide but still hit the target, though not in the center as it had before. She turned to him and frowned. “Are you satisfied?” She arched a brow.
“It will have to do,” he answered, then grinned. “You’re far better than I’ve given you credit for.”
“That’s what usually gives me an advantage. Men always underestimate a lady’s prowess.” She nodded to the target. “It’s your turn, my lord.”
Declan lifted his bow and nocked his arrow. He glanced back at her and grinned. The arrogant arse thought he had the upper hand. She’d see about that. She wasn’t tall enough to blow on his ear, but he had lower extremities that would be sensitive to her touch. Charlotte didn’t dare touch his manhood, but she could perhaps get close. Once he was about to let his arrow fly, she stepped closer. He glanced down at her warily, but he wouldn’t know what she intended. She stood next to him giving as much appearance of innocence as she could muster. He stared at the target, then when he took his breath before he shot, she slid her hand across his bottom and stroked it all the way down to his thigh. He groaned and his arrow not only went wide, he missed the target entirely.
She grinned. “I do believe I have won.”
“You’re a minx,” he said, but there was mirth in his tone. “What boon shall you claim?”
“I’m not certain yet.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “I’ll have to choose carefully.” She motioned toward the archery contest.“Shall we call it complete? We’re not to have a high enough score to win the tournament after that last showing.”
Declan held out his arm to her. “I think our contest was much better anyway. I cannot wait to discover what your boon will be.” His gaze twinkled with amusement. “I suspect it will be far more pleasurable than whatever prize my mother gives the winners of the contest.”
“Perhaps,” she replied in a noncommittal tone. “Perhaps not. As I have not yet decided, I will make no promises.” Charlotte rather liked being wicked with him. She prayed it would always be that way. With the archery over for her, she was free to wander the grounds with him. As long as they didn’t sneak away, none of her chaperones would interfere.
Happiness spread through her like wildfire. So much so, it terrified her. She couldn’t help being frightened of losing this with him. What would she do if he lost interest? She took a deep calming breath. It was best not to beg for trouble that hadn’t arisen yet. No promises had been made. Charlotte would enjoy these moments with him, and trust that everything would turn out the way it should—with a love match she had never dared wish for. With that thought she grinned and allowed him to lead her away from the archers. They had the rest of the afternoon just to converse and learn more about each other. There wasn’t anything she wanted more in that moment.
Chapter Sixteen
Charlotte and therest of the students at Havenwood were getting ready to walk over to the house party for the day. There was an early morning hunt that they could participate in, but that was designed more for the gentlemen attending than the ladies. However, Charlotte intended on joining the hunt. She had never learned to shoot a rifle, but she could still ride along. The thrill of the chase would have to be enough. Besides, Declan had to participate in the hunt, and it would potentially give them more time together. Surely, there were other ladies willing to ride with them as well. Maybe some of them even wanted to go for other reasons—like hunting. She would never suggest that they went for any other reason.
“We are walking to the Easton estate awfully early today,” Melisande grumbled. “What if I would rather stay behind?”
“If you really feel that way,” Mrs. Havenwood began, “then you may certainly remain at the school. I’m certain there is something else we can find for you to do today. Perhaps Miss Abernathy can arrange a literature lesson catered to your needs.”
Melisande wrinkled her nose. Charlotte barely held back a laugh. She did not know her well, but everyone knew she hated books and reading in general. Melisande didn’t particularly want to learn anything. She would rather play the pianoforte or do needlepoint. “All right. I’ll go.” She didn’t sound happy with thatdecision; however, it was the only one she could have made. Melisande would not have chosen reading over socializing. Even if she found both distasteful.
“Is everyone ready to depart?” Mrs. Havenwood asked.
Everyone nodded.
“Very well,” Mrs. Havenwood said. “Girls, walk with your assigned chaperone.” She met Miss Spencer’s gaze. The headmistress hadn’t liked that Miss Spencer had lost her two charges the previous day during the archery tournament. Charlotte still wasn’t certain where Jaclyn had gone, but Miss Spencer had found Charlotte right away. She’d told Charlotte to remain at the tournament while she searched for Jaclyn. By the end of the archery contest, she had returned with Jaclyn by her side—neither of them looking pleased. Jaclyn had refused to discuss it, so something had happened, and she doubted it was pleasant.
Charlotte and Jaclyn fell into step beside Miss Spencer. Jaclyn kept her gaze forward. She wasn’t ignoring Charlotte, exactly, but it was a near thing. It was evident to her that Jaclyn didn’t wish to discuss anything, and it bothered her. It shouldn’t; however, she could not help feeling slighted. Not that Charlotte was ready to tell Jaclyn her own news. It was still too uncertain for her to put words into explaining it. She did not understand her own feelings, let alone Declan’s.
It didn’t take them long to reach the estate. When they arrived, there was a servant there to greet them. “Welcome,” the footman said. “Those that wish to join the hunt can follow Andersen here over to the stables to select a horse.” He gestured toward a stable hand waiting for them. “Everyone else can go inside. There are parlor games set up for everyone to play this morning. A meal will be served after.”
Charlotte turned to Miss Spencer. “I don’t wish to go inside.”
“You want to go on the hunt?” Miss Spencer frowned. “I do not think that is wise.”
“Let her go,” Jaclyn said. “Nothing terrible is likely to happen. They’ll be on horseback. What could go wrong?” Why did that not sound reassuring? It was almost as if Jaclyn had ensured with her careless statement something would happen. Anything could happen in any situation. Still, Charlotte had no intention of staying behind, and if Jaclyn’s statement aided her in that endeavor she’d be thankful for it.
“But...” Miss Spencer glanced back at Mrs. Havenwood, then turned back to Charlotte. “Are you certain? A hunt isn’t usually something a lady wishes to participate in.”
Charlotte shrugged. “I don’t wish to go for the hunt. That holds no appeal for me. What I want is to ride. It’s been a while, and I do not know when I’ll get another opportunity.” That wasn’t a complete lie. She really had no desire to hunt. “And I don’t know how to shoot a rifle. I’m much better with a bow and arrow.” Charlotte hadn’t won the tournament the previous day, but her personal tournament with Declan had been far better. That prize she’d collect from him at her leisure. She still had not decided on what boon she’d ask from him. The afternoon with Declan had been more than worth her time in every way. She enjoyed his company and looked forward to more time with him.
“All right,” Miss Spencer conceded. “But I expect you to be on your best behavior. I’ve already been chastised once for shirking my duties as a chaperone.” She sighed and turned to Jaclyn. “I don’t suppose you would rather go on the hunt.”
“Not in the least,” she said. “Parlor games are a much safer choice. You were not the only one lectured yesterday.”
Charlotte barely refrained from clapping her hands in excitement. It was best not to test her luck. She had already gained Miss Spencer’s approval to attend the hunt. That was all she needed, and she couldn’t wait to go pick out a horse toride. “Thank you,” she told Miss Spencer. “I promise I will not do anything to disappoint you.” She fully intended to keep that promise too. Charlotte wanted to be able to spend as much time as possible with Declan.
“Go before I change my mind,” Miss Spencer said. “Come find me as soon as you return. I expect you to join us for the meal this afternoon.”
“I will,” she assured her. Charlotte smiled and then glanced at Jaclyn. There was something shadowing her gaze. She would have to make Jaclyn talk about what bothered her later. It was time to stop avoiding that uncomfortable conversation. “Have a lovely morning of parlor games.”
