Page 26 of Sleepless in Saunton
The duchess chuckled in response. “I see. It was a demonstration for the young buck that you have a mind of your own.”
“Precisely.”
“I appreciate that. When my husband and I met, there could be no doubt that I was an independent hoyden. I am still uncertain if the duke was impressed with my audacious behavior, or if he married me to protect me from my wild spirit.”
Jane tilted her head. “You were audacious?”
The duchess shook her head in remonstration. “My goodness, I hope I am still. Perhaps more refined, but under this regal exterior beats the heart of a rebel.”
Jane giggled. “I would not say that I am a rebel. However, I would like a husband who respects my needs as I respect his. I wanted to ensure the gentleman noted me as an individual and not just a pretty face.”
“That is well advised. He will have to acknowledge that you are a person in your own right after the way you played today.”
“Then I have succeeded in making my point. All that remains is to discover if his pursuit continues now that he has been informed of my skills.”
Mr. Ridley and Mr. Dunsford chose that moment to join them, their own cups of tea in hand.
“My word, Miss Davis. You play exceptionally well!” She found the admiration on his youthful face to be quite validating.
“I come from a large family who like to play. We have competed on many a Sunday afternoon.”
“I am most impressed with your run shot. You must have quite a bit of steel running through you to bowl so fast and hard.”
Jane smiled in reply, satisfied that Mr. Dunsford had, indeed, seen she was a capable young woman and still wanted to spend time in her company. Woolgathering over Barclay Thompson be damned. This burgeoning relationship was showing promise, and perhaps she could be betrothed to a suitable young man, who deigned to exhibit an interest in her, before the summer ended.
Behind them, the terrace door swung open. “Jane!”
Mr. Dunsford flinched in surprise. She swung around in time to see Tatiana’s face lit with joy before the girl raced over to throw her little arms about Jane’s neck. She smiled, raising her own to embrace the child while noting that Mr. Dunsford had leapt out of the way with an appalled expression.
“Jane, have you been playing bowls with Papa? I cannot find him anywhere.”
“I am afraid not. I have not seen your papa today, Tatiana.”
“Oh.” Her little face fell in disappointment, tugging at Jane’s heartstrings. She lifted a hand to tuck a silver-blonde lock behind the child’s ear.
Mr. Ridley cleared his throat. “Some guests are playing nine-pins beyond the rose garden. Perhaps Mr. Thompson is there?”
“Where is that?” asked Tatiana.
“I can take you, if you wish. I was going to join a friend.”
“Yes, do that,” exclaimed Mr. Dunsford quickly, his relief evident.
“Yes, please, Mr.Riddee.” The gentleman grinned at the mispronunciation of his name, his brandy eyes reflecting warmth as he held out a bronzed hand. Tatiana took it and they walked away, the young girl asking him what were nine-pins. Jane watched their departure, inexplicably wistful to join them in their search for Barclay.
* * *
Barclay had been disappointedin meeting with Mrs. Gordon when she had elected to play nine-pins. He had hoped they might play bowls, a game of precision and skill, but she had claimed the game made her head hurt to think so hard.
Considering he was making a sincere effort to determine whether the woman would be a suitable wife and mother, not to mention the only gentlemanly thing to do was to agree, he had wound up playing nine-pins.
There were very few gentlemen present, predominantly women in lavish bonnets engaged in the so-called sport.
His mother was there, and knowing full well how he would feel about playing, she pressed her lips together in an effort not to laugh at his discomfort on his arrival.
Bowls might make Mrs. Gordon’s head hurt from theexcessof challenge, but nine-pins made his own head hurt for thelackof challenge. As a man who dealt with mathematical formulas and angles, bowls was a game he could appreciate.
He would wager coin that the brilliant Jane was partaking in bowls right at that moment, but he quickly pushed those thoughts aside.
