The small crowd gathered to follow the game erupted in cheers, and she flushed. Her blonde curls were in disarray over her reddened face, but she had an air of genuine happiness that warmed his heart.
No happiness showed on the faces of his teammates; they watched Esther exulting with sour expressions. Instead, he shared every ounce of joy with her. She was fast, clever, and funny. He was more than happy to lose against her.
She dropped the bat on the field and rushed towards him. “I don’t mean to brag, but my team won!”
He bowed. “You’re an excellent batswoman. I’m impressed by your skills.”
“Thank you.” She leapt as if wanting to hug him but came to an abrupt halt awkwardly and tottered on her feet.
He steadied her by taking her elbow as the other losers begrudgingly congratulated the winners. She shook hands with her teammates, beaming at the well-deserved compliments. He liked that about her as well. She could take a compliment without feigning modesty and without being too proud, either.
“Congratulations.” His friend, Benedict, stretched out his arm towards her. “Excellent game.”
Esther’s smile dropped as she eyed Benedict from head to toe and swallowed before exchanging a glance with him.
Blond hair and a green suit. She believed Benedict was the duke.
“Thank you.” She collected herself.
Benedict held her hand for a little too long. “I’m thoroughly impressed, my lady. I’m not a cricket expert. Like Alexander, I enjoy fencing, but I watched the game with interest.”
She shifted her weight from one foot to another.
“A glass of lemonade to celebrate?” He angled towards Benedict. “Apologies, but I promised a lemonade to the lady.”
Her good humour returned.
“By all means.” Benedict bowed. “I will see you later.”
She took Alexander’s arm. “Thank you. I wasn’t sure I wanted to meet the duke just yet.”
About that. “I understand, and?—”
“I really want my lemonade before my mother orders me to spend time with the duke. He’s your rival at fencing, I gather.”
“He is. Good footwork and fast wrist.” He led her to the table with the drinks and offered her a lemonade.
She took a long sip and sighed. “Thank you.” Her tone suddenly turned serious. “I’m not talking about the drink only. Without you, I wouldn’t have played today.”
“It would have been a shame. You’re a good player.”
“But apparently gentlemen don’t like ladies who are good players.”
“That’s not true. Not all of them. I certainly?—”
A woman let out a squeal of delight, stopping in front of them. “There you are. You found the duke!”
Esther jolted when Mother cried out. Duke? What duke?
She gazed around. “No, I…” She parted her lips, angling towards Alexander. “You?”
He drew in a breath. “That’s what I wanted to tell you.”
“Your Grace.” Mother bowed her head. “I was searching for you. How lovely to see you again. The last time we met, you were no older than thirteen. This is my daughter, Esther, but I can see you’re already acquainted.” She flashed a wide smile at Esther.
She wanted to be swallowed by the ground and spat out in the Colonies. Had she said something horrible about the duke? She couldn’t remember. But then again, he should have told her the truth.
“My lady,” the duke said, “I had the pleasure of meeting Lady Esther earlier.”
