Page 68 of The Girl Out of Time
He nodded, and as they continued walking, it seemed everything was settled.
But Emmeline couldn’t help but think neither of them was completely satisfied.
Chapter 17
There was absolutely no chance Emmeline would be able to accompany Theo to Plymouth; almost on cue, after he left, the duchess threw an impromptu house party, inviting various acquaintances from the area. As the soon-to-be Lady Farenham, Emmeline’s attendance was non-negotiable, and while the grand meals verged on overwhelming, she enjoyed the other activities, such as playing charades.
In the afternoon of the third day, Emmeline arrived on the lawn behind the manor after being detained by the duchess for the of-the-utmost-importance decision on the slippers she’d wear with her wedding dress. The party guests were gathered in two groups, all of them carrying arm-length wooden bats.
“Miss Grey, exactly the reinforcement we needed!” Mr. Wexley approached, greeting her with his typical easygoing smile. “We’re a member short for the cricket game, and you simply cannot deny us.”
“Oh, I’d love to!” She had no idea they played, and even then, she’d never expect they’d do so at a house party.
As she went to grab a bat, Louisa came to her. “I’m sorry we can’t be on the same team. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas elbowed their way into our group before you came.” She glanced over her shoulder at her two teammates.
“It’s all right. At least you don’t have to be on the team with Mr. Vex-Me.”
Louisa giggled. “Maybe a lucky ball will find its way to his head. And Imeanlucky. I’ll be happy if I can hit one at all.”
“I’m sure it’s not that bad.” Emmeline did a double take. “Louisa, where are your glasses?”
“Can’t wear them for this. Either they fall off, or I smash them with my own bat.”
“Is it safe for you, then?”
“Oh, I’ll be fine. Mr. Vex-Me’s head, on the other hand …”
Emmeline laughed and lightly punched her in the arm. They separated, heading for their respective sides of the field, where wickets had been set up.
“Striker position, Miss Grey?” Mr. Wexley offered.
“I’ll take it.” She moved in front of the wicket and crouched into a defensive stance, as much as the skirt of her dress allowed.
She’d never played cricket, but she figured it would be similar enough to baseball for some skill to transfer. When she was little, she became obsessed with baseball after seeing a match—it was one of those delightful childhood obsessions that lasted for a few months, at best, but made her think it would be a lifetime. Her father was never much for baseball, but when she asked him to play, he went out and got all the equipment and studied all the books and diagrams and illustrations so that he could teach her.
“First, your stance,” he’d said. “Head level, eyes straight ahead—that’s it.” He crouched in front of her, mimicking the pose, and smiled when she copied it.
“Now, you grip the bat like this … oh, that’s a strong grip. Good. But make sure your wrists are flexible so you can whip the bat in a fluent motion.”
She made a few test strokes. “Like this, Papa?”
He returned a wide smile. “Perfect. Now, where are our balls …” He went over to a bag, retrieved a couple, and moved a few feet away. “Don’t worry, I’ll throw them softly.”
“But when I play in the League, they won’t be throwing them softly!”
“I know. It’s because your strikes will be so good by then, they won’t dare to go easy on you. But we’re just practicing now.”
“When will I be good enough?”
“Very soon, I’m sure.” He positioned for the throw. “Tell you what. We’ll do ten throws—and once you hit the ball, I’ll throw it slightly harder. And then we can go for an ice cream.”
“Yes!” She jumped. “Go, Papa, I’m ready!”
Something whizzed past her ear, blowing the memory away. Emmeline blinked, and the image of her father turned into one of the party guests, waiting on the opposite end of the field.
“It’s all right, Miss Grey.” Mr. Wexley retrieved the ball she’d missed. “Would you like to be the nonstriker instead?”
“I …”Damn you, memory.Why now, of all the places and times? She was doing fine. She was having fun. “No, I’ll stay.” She gripped the bat tighter and gritted her teeth, directing every thought toward the ongoing game.Remain in the present.
