Miss Pembleton took another, small bite of her food. “You seem to think I cannot be a proper lady, but I would be only too happy to demonstrate just how proper I can be. After all, you do seem to be enjoying my display rather a lot.”
Luke turned from her, clenching his jaw. Despite himself, he found himself wanting to smile at her spirit.What is wrong with me?He would not let her see that she had amused him, no doubt that would only worsen her behaviour.
He ate as quickly as propriety allowed, anticipating that Miss Pembleton would continue to interrupt him during their meal. It became a sort of game. A frustrating game, but a game nonetheless.
When he at last managed to finish, he felt an odd sense of satisfaction and found himself grinning proudly at Miss Pembleton. He realised what he was doing and stopped, hastily looking away.
“Why, Your Grace, if I did not know better, I would almost say you were enjoying yourself.” Miss Pembleton’s voice was tinged with laughter.
“You sound as though you thought I were incapable of such a thing.” Luke raised an eyebrow at her.
“I will admit, I find it a tad surprising.” Miss Pembleton shrugged, taking another of her silly little bites of food.
“Well, I am full of surprises.” Luke replied.Where did that come from?
Despite the chaos and the noise of everything, Luke found that he was in fact enjoying himself. Even with Miss Pembleton continuing to needle him.It must be the wine.
Duke Emberly stood up and everyone else followed suit. “Duke Warren, Lord Baine, we have a tradition at Emberly castle. All our guests are required to play charades after our first dinner together.”
“I warn you, it gets rather competitive.” Duchess Emberly added.
“I thank you for your invitation, but neither my brother nor I know how to play.” Luke admitted.
Various people gasped around him, and he felt his cheeks redden.
“What do you mean? Surely you played such games as children?” Duchess Caden asked.
“No.” Rodger answered, beet red as he looked at Luke.
Luke hoped that he did not look as embarrassed as his brother. “Our parents felt that the playing of games would prevent us from maturing into respectable members of society.”
“Well then, we must remedy that.” Lady Marie said, glancing at Rodger and Luke.
“What other childhood pleasures did you miss out on?” Lord Peter asked.
“We simply have to introduce you to–” Lady Natalie began as Lord Arthur exclaimed “Oh and we must play–”
“- settle down everyone.” Duke Emberly raised a hand. “They are here for a fortnight. There will be plenty of time for us to re-introduce them to childhood frivolity and fancy. For now, let us retire to the drawing room and we shall teach you how to play charades.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Luke noticed Miss Pembleton watching him, a suspiciously satisfied look in her eyes.What does she have planned?
He followed the group into the dining room and sat down as Duchess Emberly began to explain the rules.
“Firstly, let us split into teams. I say we do it down the middle. So this half of the room shall be one team, and this half the other.” Duchess Emberly gestured with her hands.
It was with some relief that he saw that he was on the opposite team to Miss Pembleton. As was Rodger.
“The object of the game is to act out a phrase that the other team gives you, and for others to guess what you are acting out. You get a point for each correct guess. The person with the most points wins.” The Duchess continued to explain.
“You cannot speak or use any sounds if you are acting out the phrase.” Duchess Caden added.
“Oh, and no pointing at things around the room!” Peter added, glaring at his twin.
Duchess Emberly looked between Luke and his brother. “It may be easier if we demonstrate. Emily, why don’t you start?”
Duchess Emberly whispered something into Miss Pembleton’s ears and the two giggled for a moment.She has rather a sweet laugh.Luke shook his head.
Miss Pembleton held up five fingers and a chorus of voices called “five words.”
