Matchmaking the Marquess (The League of Eligible Bachelors Book 3) by Mindy Burbidge Strunk

Author:Mindy Burbidge Strunk [Strunk, Mindy Burbidge]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: FiveJoys Press
Published: 2025-02-27T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

Ben and Lord Ponsonby walked into the parlor. Both men looked relaxed, and Ben was even smiling. That was something Mia had not seen all day. She had nearly rubbed the crease from his brow after their game of croquet but had stopped herself. She was under constant scrutiny and such an improper action would surely be noticed.

She did not know what had him in such a sour mood. She thought it likely because Lady Charlotte was like a shadow at his elbow.

Mia had wanted to partner with him for croquet, but Lord Montcort had asked her first. And while she would admit it was not a horrible experience—he had made her laugh a good deal—it was not the same as partnering with Ben. And with Ben, she needn’t resort to cheating.

Mia’s cheeks warmed. She had not relished that part of their game and regretted her decision to go along with it almost immediately. In truth, she could have cared less if they won or lost. She rather despised the game. But she enjoyed playing it with Ben.

As Ben walked over to join their group, Lord Montcort slipped into the chair Lady Stoke had just vacated. “Lady Amelia, might I claim you as a partner for shooting this afternoon?”

Mia bit the side of her cheek. She’d hoped Ben would ask her. But she could hardly decline Lord Montcort’s offer without causing him great offense. And as he was one of Ben’s dearest friends, the pressure to be more amiable than her usual self compelled her to accept. She smiled, even though it took great effort. Lawks, this party was sapping every ounce of her fortitude. “Yes, of course, my lord.”

He grinned widely, and she thought she saw him glance in Ben’s direction, but there was no reason he should do that, so she must have been mistaken.

“But I should not like to cheat this time, my lord,” she gave him a stern look.

He smiled. “Do not fret. We shall not need to cheat. I am an excellent shot, as well as a great instructor. I am more than capable of helping you along. We shall be unstoppable.”

Mia sighed. She wanted to tell him she did not need his help. She was likely a better shot than the good viscount. But how would that appear? Proper ladies were not supposed to be proficient in shooting. It had once been commonplace for the ladies to go on the hunts with the men, but that was in a time when they hunted with bows rather than guns. If she did not wish to embarrass her father and Ben, she would need to play along with Lord Montcort and let him think he was ‘teaching’ her the skill. She grunted internally. She loathed that she must play the part of a simpering female. Did he expect her to recoil when the gun fired? Should she be frightened of its great power? Gads, what an intolerable nuisance! “I shall look forward to it, my lord.

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