Noble Knights Historical Romance Collection by Jody Hedlund

Author:Jody Hedlund
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Zondervan
Published: 2018-01-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter

8

“Perhaps Irene’s judgment was correct.” Worry flashed across Collin’s features as we strode toward the center of the field. “Perhaps you should sit with the ladies.”

I fitted my bow over my shoulder and kept pace with his long steps. I had to carry the drawstring arrow bag since it certainly wouldn’t look proper for me to don a belt and let it dangle at my waist as I was accustomed to doing. “I think you’re just afraid I’ll beat you.”

The bright sunshine turned Collin’s wind-tousled hair the color of warm butter. I tried not to look at his face, at his eyes that would be equally as warm—and disarming.

“I’m certain you’re quite good,” he said under his breath. “But after pondering the matter, that’s why I don’t think you should do this. Your skill may arouse suspicion.”

I glanced to the tent where the other ladies were sitting. The canopy above them provided a cover from the sun, protecting their perfect complexions.

With my freckles and tanned skin, I was already different. Even if I had unblemished skin, I had absolutely nothing in common with the other ladies—not anymore. They flirted, and batted their eyes, and spoke of things that held no interest to me. I’d much rather participate in the archery contest with the men.

But Collin was right. I had to be careful to play the part of a noblewoman, though I detested it. I couldn’t afford to draw attention to myself.

I stopped before reaching the men who’d gathered near the targets and were eyeing the brightly painted circles suspended from posts. My fingers twitched with the need to participate in the competition and show my skill, to show that I could shoot as well as any man.

“Maybe just a couple of shots?” I asked.

He hesitated. “You know I can’t resist you. Not when you look at me like that.”

“Look at you like what?”

“With your eyes so wide and pretty.”

I felt an unbidden smile grow on my face.

He leaned closer and brushed a stray curl from my forehead.

“Lord Collin.” One of his servants approached from behind. “I beg your pardon, my lord. This won’t take but a moment.” The young man slumped his shoulders and bent his head, as if waiting for a rebuke for interrupting. But instead of irritation, Collin clamped the man’s arm in friendliness.

I took a step away and fidgeted with the hemp string and the nocking point on the bow while Collin conversed with his servant. His voice was kind as he patiently answered the servants’ questions regarding details for the picnic they’d planned after the contest.

Maybe I could fault Collin for being a nobleman, but I couldn’t find much else wrong with him. Since meeting him, he’d proven to be as good and kind as any of my friends back in the forest. I could honestly say I’d enjoyed his company yesterday when he’d taken me on a tour of his home, the stables, and some of the surrounding land. He’d regaled me with tales of his adventures during boyhood, as well as when he was a page with the duke.

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