Page 49 of Wit, Wiles and Courtship

“They do look alike,” she agreed, thinking what a shame it was that they should not have more of a relationship with a man who, admittedly, must make an exceptional uncle—even if he could not set an example of constancy. “Perhaps you might go and sit with your sister and talk to your nephews while you eat.”

He opened his mouth to object, but after eyeing her for a moment, went and filled his plate and did as she said. She watched him sit beside his nephews, their faces brightening as he spoke to them. Lady Mary looked pleased and, except for once or twice, allowed him to carry on his own conversation with them without interrupting.

She is lonely, Camilla guessed suddenly as she went over to join her sisters. Mr. Moffat had not shown himself particularly attentive to his wife, and although he obeyed her requests readily enough, seemed distant. Pembroke admitted to not spending time with his nephews, and she knew he did not feel an affinity with his sister or mother. How she knew that, she could not say, but it increased her compassion for his sister. She made a decision to spend more time with Lady Mary and her boys. And to be more gracious when she did so.

After the refreshments had been taken, they went outdoors but soon discovered that the wind made archery difficult, and battledore and shuttlecock impossible. The small rowboats tied to the wooden jetty in the pond rocked on the waves, making the venture seem risky—or at least increasing the risk of getting soaked. As Camilla had dared to conjure up an image of Pembroke rowing her on the boat, this was a bit of a disappointment. People debated over what to do for amusement.

“We should stay inside and play at cards,” Abigail proposed. “How do you find this plan, Mr. Quarles?”

“Whatever you wish, my dear,” her husband replied in a bored voice.

“Perhaps some guests will enjoy a game of cards indoors. As for me, and without wishing to be disagreeable,” Lord Pembroke said, “I confess I should not like to come all the way to Hampstead for a picnic, only to remain indoors.”

Nor I, Camilla thought.

“Nor I,” Mr. Weatherby said. “What do you wish for Miss Winkley?”

“I…” Her eyes went first to Abigail, and it was clear she did not wish to disoblige her. Then she returned her gaze to Mr. Weatherby, whose expression was heartening. Apparently it was not enough to put steel into her backbone, however. “I cannot say, Mr. Weatherby. I will be pleased to do anything.”

He looked disappointed at this but made no move to fight Abigail for possession of Miss Winkley’s company. Mrs. Cranwell walked over to them on the lawn, with a stack of papers fluttering in her hand and Mrs. Weatherby at her side.

“I have a proposition,” she announced with a look of glee in her blue eyes. “Or rather we have a proposition. Anne and I have come up with an idea for a sort of scavenger hunt that will send you all over the estate in search of particular landmarks.”

Evo and the two other boys betrayed their youth with a crow of pleasure and immediately began boasting over who would win. Tom and Henry stared up at the older boys in rapt attention.

“For each spot on your list,” Mrs. Cranwell continued, “the servants have left tokens that you must collect and bring back to us. In this way, you will enjoy the outdoors, but spend much of it in the shelter of the trees, all while enjoying a bit of diversion. You may divide up in groups in any way you choose.”

“I will certainly win!” Rafe Weatherby said, grinning at Evo and Freddie.

“You will not play, I am afraid,” his grandmother told him kindly. When his face fell, she added, “It will not be fair to the others. However, you may keep score.”

The notion appealed to him, and Anne Weatherby began handing out the identical papers to the groups that had begun to form. Although Camilla would have liked to spend time with Sophia, she remembered her decision to befriend Lady Mary. She turned to join her, only to realize that Pembroke had remained at his sister’s side. It would appear as though she were going in search of him. His wolfish smile told her it was exactly what he thought.

She turned pointedly to his sister. “Lady Mary, I would be delighted to walk with you and your sons if you would like it. We can lend our assistance to help them find everything on the list.” A servant arrived and handed her the paper.

Lady Mary’s smile showed how pleased she was by the idea. “Mr. Moffat, you must join us as well in case we need help with the boys. Pembroke, you too.”

Camilla knew from his expression that he was debating whether he should refuse his sister’s peremptory summons. She was sure he would, but he brought his eyes to her and held out his hand.

“Very well. But you had better follow my lead. Here, let me have the list.”

She opened her mouth in indignation she was far from feeling—except for the way he thought he could order her about. In fact, she was trying to come to terms with the idea that he had chosen to go with her at all.

“We will bring the boys to put on their coats first,” Lady Mary said.

“We don’t need our coats, Mama,” one of the twins said, as she led him away.

“Camilla?” It was Tilly who had called to her, and Pembroke used the advantage to whip the paper out of her hand, giving her a paper cut at the same time.

“Ouch!” she exclaimed indignantly and lifted her finger to look at the small cut, which throbbed. He looked stricken.

“I am terribly sorry. I had only meant to tease, and it was most ill-judged of me.” He reached for her hand a second time that day, and she allowed him to examine the consequence of his treachery.

“Did you get another cut?” Tilly asked.

“Were you not just saying that you would not have had me injured for all the world?” Camilla exclaimed in feigned outrage. “Yes, Tilly. Lord Pembroke seems to enjoy causing me pain.” Her heart leaned into the words, for although they were said in jest, he did regularly cause her pain. It was just more generally of an emotional nature.

“It was unintentionally done, I assure you.” Pembroke tapped the cut with his thumb, and if nothing else, it distracted her from the dull throbbing. With his other hand, he carefully extended the list to her. “Here. I will return this.”