The Gentleman's Confession by Anneka R. Walker

Author:Anneka R. Walker [Walker, Anneka R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: 2024-10-22T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

Surrounded by his friends at Gammon’s, Miles set his arms on the table in front of him and let his eyes trail past the heavy maroon drapes to the street outside. He couldn’t say when he had ceased paying attention to the amiable chatter around him, but his mind drifted back to Jemma and to Mr. Bentley’s party. To their dance.

It had been no mere movement to music. With his emotions raw, he’d wanted nothing more than to confess everything. He’d said it all in his gaze. Somewhere between figures two and four of their waltz, their friendship had shifted.

She cared. He knew she did. He’d seen it in her eyes and felt her lean into him. But feeling and wanting were not the same.

And he feared he wanted more than she did.

“Miles Jackson.”

He looked up. “Pardon?”

Paul shook his head. “I asked you twice what you thought of inviting Mr. Bentley to participate in the cricket match.”

“What cricket match?” Miles straightened in his seat. “I love cricket. Why has no one said anything to me about it?”

“We were just telling you.” Tom’s grin widened. “You must have been daydreaming about something . . . or perhaps, someone?”

Ian raised his eyes to the ceiling. “We don’t need any more matchmakers, Tom. Miles, pay attention. We’ve been issued a challenge by the Gents in Bradford. Tom’s agreed to hold the match at Rivenwood since the side yard is the ideal size and flatness of ground. With only two weeks to prepare, recruitment is our top priority. Lucky us, Mr. Bentley played on the Oxford team a few years back and will be quite the Corinthian on the field.”

Mr. Bentley? He would be a sportsman on top of all his other glowing assets. Miles blew out a long breath.

“We also have the four of us,” Ian continued, “the Hater twins, and James Udall if his wife holds off having her baby. It’s a shame it’s a men’s league and we cannot let Jemma and Lisette play. They both are excellent batsmen.”

“Only because I taught them everything I know,” Tom said, his hands going to the lapels of his jacket like some proud father.

Miles shook his head. “I believe it is because Jemma has a competitive spirit and Lisette has a fear of letting her team down. But we will have to rely on the rest of the Rebels this time.”

“Don’t forget Mr. Reed,” Paul added, “if Miles thinks the man can rally his spirits. It might be a good distraction from his loss.”

Paul’s idea had merit. “I will ask him,” Miles said. “Where does that put our team?”

“If everyone agrees to play,” Ian said, “we will still require two more players to make eleven.” He held out his hand and began listing on his fingers. “We will need a spare player or two, a scorer, and one of the two umpires. Not just any chap will do. I will only accept the elite of Brookeside on our team. He must be active in body and sharp in mind.

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