“Though it is not all about competition,” Nigel added, glancing at Lady Waterburry.
“No, of course,” Jane said, smiling at him.
“Though a little competition can be a rather fun thing,” Blake said, his eyes catching Jane’s once more.
“I would have to agree. There is nothing like setting your sights on a goal and pursuing it until it is yours,” Lady Waterburry added, her voice silkily soft.
“That sounds more like you enjoy winning than competing,” Emily pointed out.
“What is the point of competing if not to win?” Lady Waterburry raised an eyebrow.
“For the joy of it?” Jane offered, refusing to look at Blake as she spoke.
“Perhaps that is enough for some people, but not for me.” Lady Waterburry’s eyes met Jane’s, their pretty green shade cold and unfeeling in the light.
“No, I imagine not,” Jane murmured.
She could not help but feel as though Lady Waterburry was issuing her a challenge, though she could not understand why.
This promises to be a rather irksome afternoon.
ChapterTwenty-Two
Between A Rock And A Hard Place
Blake’s hand brushed against Jane’s as he reached for one of the bowling balls. It was the third time it had happened.
Or perhaps it is the fourth?
And each time it had, he had felt a thrill run up his arm.
Of course, the touches had been little more than grazes, accidental, and barely worth thinking about. Absently, he ran the fingers of one of his hands across the other, tracing the spot she had touched.
“Oh, Duke, I seem to have forgotten the proper grip again. Perhaps you could show me?” Lady Waterburry’s voice broke into Blake’s thoughts, and he turned to face her.
He glanced down at her hand and nodded. “You are doing it right.”
He knew the woman was trying to get his attention. In other circumstances, he might have found it enjoyable, but for some reason, all he felt today was a flash of irritation at every sugary sweet syllable.
It all seems rather insipid.
Lady Waterburry’s smile faltered for a second, but it returned in full force a moment later. “Are you sure you do not wish to give my grip a more thorough inspection?”
“I can see it fine from where I am standing, thank you.” Blake found his gaze returning to Jane.
Once more, their eyes met, and they looked away. He swallowed and hefted his ball, distractedly lining up the pins. He released it from his grip, and the ball went wide.
“Goodness, Rochester, that is the fourth shot in a row you have missed. What on earth is the matter with you?” Nigel asked.
“Perhaps I am just giving you a fighting chance?” Blake retorted, though his heart was not in it.
“That is rather more than a fighting chance,” Alexander teased.
“Perhaps His Grace simply wishes to bolster my ego. Truly, a chivalrous act. Would you not agree, Miss Pembleton?” Lady Waterburry gently stroked Blake’s arm. “Or perhaps he is simply distracted.”
Blake glanced at Jane. But she seemed to be avoiding his gaze. He ran a hand through his hair, painfully aware of Lady Waterburry’s hand on his. Without thinking, he moved away from her, feeling the need to move, to burn off some of his restless energy.
“I think I need a drink. I will return in a moment.” Blake inclined his head towards the group and strode towards the drinks tent.
