Mr. Hughes and Bett walked up to the line. Bett was more accomplished with a bow and arrow, and her yellow-tipped arrow hit the target inside of Lord Pressley’s red one.
“Well done, Lady Williams,” Noah said, nocking his arrow. His aim was true, and he hit the bullseye dead center.
Bett clapped for her partner. “Excellent shot, Mr. Hughes.”
“Well done, Mr. Hughes and Lady Williams,” Lord Fleming said. “Your team is in the lead for the moment. Lord Robertson, your team is up next.”
Olivia picked up the bow, and Lord Robertson showed her how to position a blue-feathered arrow.
“My lady, keep your arm locked and look at the target,” he whispered. He was standing close to her, positioning her arm correctly while his hot breath tickled her neck, sending delicious shivers down her spine. She found it difficult to concentrate on the target with him so close. His clean scent invaded her senses, and all she wanted to do was breathe deeply and lean into him. She never thought she’d ever want to be this close to a man again, but there was something special about the earl that excited her senses.
“My lady, are you chilled?” he asked.
She shook her head. “No, I’m fine, thank you.”
“Good. Now line up the arrow with the target, and when you feel comfortable, release it.”
Olivia took a deep breath, sighted the target, and released the arrow, then waited to see if she’d even hit the target. When the arrow thudded into the second ring, just outside of Bett’s, she nearly jumped for joy. At least she hadn’t embarrassed herself by missing the target altogether. Bett and Mr. Hughes were still in the lead, but if Lord Robertson could hit the bullseye deadcenter and split Mr. Hughes’ arrow, they stood a good chance of placing first.
Lord Robertson picked up the larger bow, positioned his blue arrow, and let it fly.
She watched as his aim was true and the arrow hit the bullseye just to the left of Mr. Hughes’s. “Well done, Lord Robertson,” she exclaimed. “That was a perfect shot.”
“Well done, teams,” Lord Fleming said. “Now, let’s see if the gentlemen can beat these excellent shots.”
The rest of the teams went through their turns, and in the end, it was Bett and Mr. Hughes who emerged as the victors. Everyone congratulated them on their win.
Olivia hugged her friend. “I didn’t know you were so accomplished with a bow and arrow.”
“Thank you. I’ve had some practice, but I think it was more of a lucky shot than anything else. You did very well yourself.”
“My shot was pure luck. I must say you looked magnificent pulling that arrow back.”
“I have to agree with you, Lady Armstrong,” Mr. Hughes said, winking at Bett, who blushed at his compliment. “Your shot was very well placed, enabling us to come away the victors.”
“I’m parched,” Lord Robertson said. “Shall we head to the picnic area for a refreshing glass of lemonade?”
“That sounds delightful,” Olivia said.
When Lord Robertson held out his arm, she took it without hesitation. It felt good to be near a man and not be afraid.
Bett and Mr. Hughes followed them as they walked down by the lake, where the servants were busy setting up the picnic lunch.
“I hope you enjoyed that contest,” Lord Robertson said.
“Very much so, thank you,” Olivia answered. “And we nearly won. That was most surprising.”
“You nearly beat me this time, Robertson,” Mr. Hughes said. “I must be getting a little rusty.”
“Show-off!” Robertson said over his shoulder with a chuckle. “One of these days, I will best you with a bow and arrow.”
“Perhaps, but not today!”
Olivia liked seeing the easy camaraderie between the two friends. Armstrong had had his own cronies, but their relationships were nothing like the rapport between Lord Robertson and Mr. Hughes. Armstrong’s behavior had never been like that with his few crony friends who came to the estate. She was beginning to realize how much she’d missed being married to a man old enough to be her grandfather.
Chapter 8
When the group reached thepicnic area, the ladies who hadn’t participated in the archery contest were arriving as well. If the lively chatter was any indication, they seemed to be enjoying the house party thus far. There were lots of giggles, and Olivia wondered what was so funny.
