He offered her his arm. “Don’t be afraid of Grandmama,” he whispered. “She’s sweeter than she seems.”
“She must have a terrible opinion of me.”
Patrick held the chair for her. “Yes, but it’s not personal. She has a terrible opinion of everyone.”
The tension riding her neck eased a little as they faced each other across the chessboard.
He flashed a wicked grin. “I must warn you. I’m an extraordinary player. I reckon I’ll win in ten minutes and leave you in tears, begging for mercy.”
“Challenge accepted.”
Twenty minutes later, Anthony and Helen were still deep in conversation about something; Mother, Father, and the Dowager were chatting as well, and Isabella was winning at chess!
“…and my bishop goes here,” Patrick said.
“That’s your queen.”
“Really? These pieces look all bloody the same. Apologies. All right. So…” He took the queen back but placed it in the wrong square while knocking the knight off the chessboard.
“Careful.” She grabbed the knight before it fell off the table.
He reached out for it at the same time, and his hand closed around hers.
“Sorry,” they said together, laughing.
Finally, she was enjoying herself.
Patrick scoffed and huffed, ruffling his hair. “I have something to confess.”
“I have a hunch.”
“I’m a terrible chess player.”
She laughed again. “I’m not good either. It’s the first time I’ve almost won.”
“I’ve made a mess.” He held the knight, studying the chessboard. “Where was the knight?”
“I don’t remember.”
“Sod it, pardon my French. Shall we start over?”
“But I was winning.” She feigned outrage.
He scratched his chin. “Then you win. This match is yours. Obviously. I wanted to impress you.” He clicked his tongue. “I guess I failed.”
“No, I was impressed by how you couldn’t tell apart your queen from your king or the rook.”
“Ha-ha, funny.”
They collected the pieces among glances and quick smiles.
“Are we going to be related?” he whispered, nodding towards the sofa where Anthony and Helen were chatting.
“I don’t know, but my sister is well-spoken and beautiful. Your brother might be easily charmed by her.”
Patrick grinned. “Anthony? Easily charmed? Since he started at the military academy, he’d turned into a boring, grumpy man. But I agree. Your sister is as lovely as you are.”
“Thank you.” Her face flamed again.
