Harlequin Historical March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 by Jenni Fletcher

Author:Jenni Fletcher
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

‘I beat you again.’ Phillip grinned at him while they walked with the other archers back towards the house.

‘Today, only,’ William pointed out. ‘Last time I beat you.’

‘I’m improving. Next time I’ll shave the feathers off your arrow.’

It was true, Phillip was improving, not only at archery but in his spirit, as well. Day by day he sensed his brother healing. He smiled more quickly than he used to. He laughed more freely.

William had to admit that his mother’s idea to host this country party was an excellent one. Even if his brother did not find a bride among the ladies, he had at least reclaimed his joy in life.

‘I need to begin spending time alone with a few of the ladies…not quite alone, of course. But perhaps you would come along. Four of us going out on some excursion would be appropriate.’

‘After lunch?’ William suggested. ‘A boat ride around the lake would suit your purpose. Who would you choose?’

Phillip clapped him on the shoulder. ‘Thank you, Brother. I would like to begin with Ginny and Elizabeth. They get along well so it should be a pleasant afternoon.’

Ginny was an excellent choice…he could not be more pleased. Spending an afternoon on the Raven with her would be delightful. He would enjoy it as much as Phillip would.

More than Phillip would…the thought was but a whisper in his mind, there and banished in a heartbeat.

‘You knew Ginny from before. I wonder, is she the girl you remember her to be?’

Yes, and more.

‘Everyone grows up. Naturally, she is different to how she was as a child…but in many ways she is much as I recall her to be.’

‘You must have been pleased to see her again?’

Phillip was looking at him strangely. For the life of him, William could not decipher his expression.

‘Nothing quite like being reunited with an old friend,’ his brother added. If Phillip knew how to wink, William thought he would have, but he did arch a brow.

What was he really asking?

Since he could not begin to imagine, he answered the question asked out loud.

‘I was very happy to see her, of course. Let’s have lunch and then find out if she and Elizabeth wish to come out with us.’

* * *

Ginny stood beside Phillip on the deck of the Raven, watching while they sailed past green trees and greener pastureland.

Fresh air blew softly across her face, ruffling the hair at her temples and neck.

‘I cannot think of a nicer way to spend the afternoon than this,’ she said. ‘Thank you for inviting me.’

‘Nor can I, even though I have made the trip around the lake more times than I can count.’

‘I imagine it changes with the weather and the season so it is never commonplace.’

‘So true. It even changes with the time of day. Or it transforms according to the company one keeps.’ He really did have an engaging smile. A woman could do worse than waking to it every morning. ‘Spending time with you and Lady Elizabeth is just what this day needed.

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