Page 36 of Wit, Wiles and Courtship

Lord Pembroke engaged in the conversations that floated around the drawing room, laughing or teasing in turn when called upon. It was in his usual easy way, but she could feel his eyes on her when she contributed nothing. After he finished his tea, he looked around once more, his gaze resting on her the longest, before he stood.

“Poole, shall we have our session?”

“Yes, sir,” Evo said, popping to his feet.

“Hit him hard,” Joanna advised, grinning when Evo shot her a look.

“Perhaps I will have to join you one of these days.” Felix’s smile looked wistful.

“Oh, yes,” Evo said. “But not until I learn a few moves. I shall beat you.”

Felix laughed. “You can certainly try. But I should warn you that it won’t be my first time standing up in the ring.”

“How unfair it is to be the youngest,” Evo grumbled as Pembroke ushered him out.

At the door, he turned back, and once again, Camilla felt his regard settle on her as though willing her to acknowledge him. “You will all soon be receiving the invitation that Mr. Weatherby has promised. His grandmother Mrs. Cranwell has approved the idea for a day’s picnic in Hampstead, although regretfully not for another couple of weeks.”

“Splendid,” Camilla replied when everyone looked at her.

“Am I invited as well?” Tilly asked, ever eager not to be left out of any pleasure party.

“I do not know,” Lord Pembroke said, pausing with a frown line between his eyes.

“You should really stop asking, Tilly.” Evo shook his head, but there was no mockery in it. In fact, he spoke with unusual kindness. “It is your second time today to inquire whether you are invited to something, and it puts people to the blush.”

Tilly dipped her head, her cheeks red with mortification.

“You may do so with me, Lady Matilda,” Pembroke said. “And now that I reflect on it, I have reason to believe you will be. Mr. Weatherby told me that his brother’s children will be there, and his nephew is about Evo’s age. I think he intends to invite Miss Winkley’s brother as well. That leads me to believe you will most assuredly be included in the invitation.”

“Excellent notion to think of inviting more boys.” The news had certainly pleased Evo.

“Indeed.” Pembroke’s eyes now sought hers, and she saw the sudden twinkle appear a second before he spoke. “Lady Camilla, do be sure not to bring any knives with you.”

She speared him with her look of indignation, but he had already bowed and was turning to leave. Apparently, if she did not give him her attention willingly, he intended to tease it from her.

Chapter 14

Rowe and Evo stood facing each other inside Jackson’s boxing academy, stripped down to shirts and breeches for fighting. Rowe had one arm up in front of his face as he urged Evo to try and get through his guard. The young earl swung wildly and Rowe caught it.

“Shift your stance to something more natural. Your feet should be closer together. Now try again, and this time feint with your right hand and strike with the left.”

Evo stood upright. “But then you will know what I am about to do. I’ll never get a hit in that way.”

“You’re not likely to get a hit in any other way, either,” Rowe shot back with a grin. He wasn’t the most talented of Jackson’s pupils. His cousin Miles had always outstripped him. But he would enjoy being Evo’s superior while it lasted, which was likely not for very long.

Gentleman Jackson, the owner of the famous academy, finished a conversation and came over to bow before him. “Lord Pembroke, how do you do?”

Jackson’s birth was common, but due to his talent for pugilism and genteel behavior, he was on easy terms with gentlemen and peers alike. Indeed, it was considered an honor to spar with him. He glanced at Evo, giving a smile and slight bow.

“This is the Earl of Poole,” Rowe said. “His sister is married to Miles Shaw.” The name meant something to Jackson, and he turned to Evo. “Well, let us see how you do.”

Evo looked more nervous than he had before, and with a nod, Rowe encouraged him to carry on. Evo adjusted his steps with conscientious attention, then feinted with his right and struck with the left as Rowe had advised him. He delivered a stronger blow but one that was easily deflected.

“Stand like this.” The boxing master shifted so that he had pivoted to an angle. “And hold your arm higher. Don’t reach, but let your opponent come to you. Then when you strike, pull back and send it out from your shoulder.” He guided Evo’s arm as he instructed him, and even Rowe benefited from the reminder. “Now try again.”

Evo did so, and his punch flew out with strength. Although Rowe blocked it, he immediately felt the difference.

“Ha! That’s something to show,” Evo exclaimed. “No one my age will be able to get one over me. Thank you, sir.”