“For some of us,” Lady Waterburry replied, the tone of her voice patronizing.
“I think it rather admirable to find time for the pursuit of joy, to learn new things and grow,” Blake said, his defense catching Jane by surprise.
“Well then, it would seem like you are the perfect person to help me improve my bowling.” Lady Waterburry turned to face Blake, the same high-pitched, sweet voice she had used moments before returning.
Jane felt a stab of annoyance as the woman lightly touched Blake’s arm, which dimmed as Blake appeared to recoil from the touch. Jane shook her head and looked away, catching sight of Emily watching her with an odd look on her face.
“I shall do my best, though I myself am not very accomplished,” Blake said, and Jane resisted the urge to tease him.
“I am sure you are a very skilled teacher,” Lady Waterburry crooned.
“Do you know the basics of the game, Lady Waterburry, or would you like us to explain?” Alexander asked.
“Oh, I know enough.”
“I am sure you do,” Jane muttered under her breath, catching Emily’s eye as she did so.
“Shall we say this first round is something of a warm-up? It has been an age since I last bowled.” Emily picked up one of the balls and smiled brightly at everyone around her. “That way, Lady Waterburry need not feel embarrassed if her skills are not quite what she hopes.”
Jane watched as Lady Waterburry’s eyes narrowed, her lips thinning, but the woman did not say anything to contradict Emily.
After all, she is the one who declared herself a novice.
Emily threw the ball towards the pins and let out a cheer as it knocked several of them down.
“An excellent shot, Miss Emily.” Nigel nodded appreciatively.
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Emily grinned back at him. “Let us see how I do on this next one.”
“You should go next, Lady Waterburry. My sister is a rather accomplished bowler, and I would hate for you to feel self-conscious,” Emily said sweetly, while Jane forced herself to keep her face neutral.
“Oh, I doubt your sister could ever do anything to make me feel self-conscious,” Lady Waterburry replied as she picked up one of the balls.
“Then you will not mind if I point out that you could vastly improve your throw if you adjusted your grip.” Jane gestured to the way Lady Waterburry was holding the bowling ball and then demonstrated with her own. “This way will give you far more control.”
“You would do well to listen to her. After all, she gave Rochester some excellent fencing pointers the other day.”
“And her helpfulness proved to be her undoing.” Blake’s eyes met Jane’s, and she saw the mischief in them.
“I think, good sir, you will find that it was my dress, rather than any significant tutelage on my part, that was my undoing.” She could not help but smile as she said, “After all, I am not a miracle worker.”
“I never said you were. Besides, my form did not need miraculous improvement. Merely a little guidance.” Blake winked at her.
“It is true, it did not see a miraculous improvement, but that does not mean you did not need one,” Jane replied sweetly.
“I would say I did not because, after all, I was the victor,” he pointed out.
“Only by chance, and the virtue of improper attire for such things,” she said.
“Then perhaps we need another bout, to see who is truly the more skilled fencer.” Blake laughed softly.
“Perhaps, though it would be a shame if I were to embarrass you in front of your friends.” Jane gestured around them.
“I do not think you would ever embarrass me,” Blake murmured softly, his blue eyes dancing in the sunlight.
“Does losing not embarrass you?” Jane countered.
“I do not plan on losing,” he said simply, shrugging.
