“You had a faraway look in your eyes.”
“Did I? I do apologize. I was thinking what a lovely estate Lord Fleming has. The gardens are magnificent.”
“Perhaps, after the game, you’d consent to take a stroll with me, and we can explore them together?”
It was one thing to accept Lord John’s invitation to play bowls in a fit of pique, but the last thing she wanted was to encourage him in any way. She had to figure out a reason why she couldn’t stroll with him that wouldn’t hurt his feelings. That was the last thing she wanted because he seemed like a decent gentleman.
“Perhaps. Shall we wait and see how the game goes?”
Lord John hesitated a moment before nodding. “Of course. What color mallet do you prefer? It seems we may be the first couple here.”
“I’ve always been partial to green.”
He pulled the green mallet from the rack and handed it to her. “And I shall take blue today.”
As soon as the rest of the couples collected their mallets, the game began in earnest.
“Liv, I’m surprised to see you with Lord John today,” Bett whispered when their balls were positioned closely together.
“Weren’t you the one who encouraged me to expand my social circle?” she asked.
Bett nodded. “I did, but I thought you were growing close to Lord Robertson?”
Olivia shrugged. “He seems quite enamored with Miss Bartlett now.”
Bett looked over her shoulder. “Is that so? I think you may have overestimated his esteem for the young lady if the frown on his face is any measure of his enjoyment in her company.”
That got Olivia’s attention, and she looked behind her. Miss Bartlett had made a very good shot and grabbed Robertson’s arm in her excitement, exclaiming, “My lord, we’re in the lead!”
Olivia didn’t bother to watch his reaction. “It’s of no concern to me who he partners with. Now, let’s not talk about this anymore.”
“Lady Armstrong, it’s your turn,” Lord John said.
Olivia studied her options before giving her ball a good whack. She couldn’t help but grin with satisfaction when she knocked Lord Robertson’s ball aside. It was petty of her, she knew, but she seemed helpless to control her jealousy.
Jealousy?
Was she jealous of Miss Bartlett? Was that what this unsettlingfeeling was?
As the game progressed, she realized she’d made a mistake in partnering with Lord John. He wanted them to spend more time together after the game, mentioning it three times while they played the course, and it was the last thing she wanted to do this afternoon. She was not one to transfer her interest so readily.
In the end, Robertson and Miss Bartlett prevailed and won the game, and the young lady squealed with delight. The guests clapped and congratulated the winning couple.
“Lady Armstrong, you played a brilliant game. May I fetch you a glass of lemonade?” Lord John asked while putting away the mallets.
Here was the perfect moment for her to escape, and she wasn’t above telling a little fib. “No, thank you, Lord John. I must return to my room. Please excuse me,” she said, turning and quickly walking away, hoping that the persistent lord didn’t follow her.
She hurried back to the house but had only gotten halfway there when she heard footsteps behind her. She quickened her pace, thinking Lord John had followed her after all.
“Liv, wait!”
Olivia stopped and turned to see Bett hurrying after her.
“Are you well? You left so abruptly,” her friend asked.
“I’m fine, just a bit tired. That’s all.”
“Are you sure that’s all?”
