The Convenient Bride by Winchester Catherine

Author:Winchester, Catherine [Winchester, Catherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2013-03-10T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

The grouse hunting season began in mid-August so until then, the younger gentlemen had decided that they needed another way to prove their athletic prowess, and so a series of games had been devised, along with a points system. Obviously all of the women were there to cheer their loved ones and the men stripped off their coats, cravats and waistcoats, rolled up their shirt sleeves and prepared to battle for their honour.

They began with a tug of war, with the men who were interested dividing into two teams.

Next came a race; two laps of the garden. No one knew quite what distance that was but with the start and finish line by the house, where the ladies had gathered, no one much cared. This wasn’t about sportsmanship; this was about impressing their wives (or potential wives).

Lucy of course cheered for Max but he came in second to Jon Steadman, who was desperate to impress the young and beautiful Sarah Martin and earned a blush and a coy smile from her for his trouble.

Once Max had crossed the finishing flag, Lucy began cheering for Giles, who had come alone and didn’t have anyone to cheer for him. The single young ladies couldn’t be so gauche as to cheer for a single man that they liked, so instead they had to cheer for a father or married man, even if they hoped that someone else would win.

Giles came in fifth, second to last, and Lucy gave him a big smile to try and console him. She got cool drinks for Max and Giles and after giving her husband a congratulatory kiss, approached Giles.

“Never mind, there are more games after lunch.”

Giles smiled warmly at her. “I do seem to have lost some fitness since I left the country. City living is so easy, it makes one soft, don’t you think.”

“I suppose,” she said to spare his pride.

“Anyway, archery is up next, no? That’s far more my game.”

“Good.” Lucy caught Max giving her a dark look but she ignored it. He didn’t like Giles but Lucy knew he was harmless.

Soon afterwards, lunch was served and everyone headed inside.

“I really do wish you’d avoid him,” Max said as he walked Lucy inside.

“Giles is harmless.”

“I don’t like the way he looks at you, as if you are some kind of prey.”

“You look at me that way sometimes.”

“Exactly,” he raised his eyebrows as if he had just made his point.

Lucy laughed. “Honestly, Max, he’s a kind man and after he saw me home on that awful day, I would expect you to be grateful to him. He went out of his way to make sure I got back safely.”

Max couldn’t argue with that but he knew Giles had dishonourable intentions towards his wife. He knew it because he had those same intentions most of the time, but then he was her husband and allowed to feel that way. He was certain that Lucy would never betray him, she was far too moral for that, but Giles could still compromise her reputation… or worse.

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