Page 15 of Regency in Color

“It makes perfect sense. No man really wants a dull, boring wife that it is a chore to come home to. You must show these gentlemen that you know how to enjoy yourself and will bring happiness into their lives.”

“How do you propose I do that?”

“By playing a game. In our case, that game.” He pointed into the distance, where a row of targets on the edge of the open lawn had been assembled in front of the tree line. A bow and quiver of arrows were set up several yards away, in front of each target.

“Archery? I’m not very good at it.”

“Lesson two. Confidence. Always have faith in yourself. Most men don’t expect their wives to be perfect, as we hope you’d extend that courtesy back to us. However, there is nothing more appealing than a woman who has the confidence to try something new.”

“Very well. I can make a valiant effort.”

“I know you and I have both changed from the individuals we were when we . . . when were better acquainted, but I know you have a well of courage within you. You once raced me headlong through the forest, dodging branches and jumping your horse over stumps.” His smile widened as he recalled the memory.

“Only because you challenged me and I wanted to impress you,” she replied, recalling that rather invigorating day. “You made me daring.”

Her smile dimmed, as did his. It was true. Colin had made her want to experience many new things with him. His departure, followed by the death of her parents, had left her so shattered she’d forgotten that side of herself once existed.

No longer.

She would reclaim her confidence and use it to better her life. Starting with giving her all to learning and implementing Colin’s instructions.

They stopped next to an empty set of equipment. She released his arm and withdrew an arrow from the quiver.

“You will have to remind me of the proper technique,” she said, adding a boost of enthusiasm to her tone. “I’d hate to misfire and launch one of these at your rather large feet.”

Colin followed her lead to leave the gloominess of the past behind; his expression once again brightening. “As would I. I’d have to take spinning a young lady around the dance floor until she forgets how rakish I am out of my collection of seduction techniques.”

Ow.

Juliana resisted the urge to flinch. She had no interest in hearing about the tricks he used to lure other women into his bed. A slight flush crept up over Colin’s face, the realization of his blunder dawning.

This was going to be harder than either of them had thought.

He cleared his throat. “What I meant was—”

“So I place the arrow here, then pull back the bowstring and aim. Is that correct? Or am I missing something?”

“You are missing many things. Hold the bow in your left hand and the bowstring in your right. Nock the arrow here, then lift and aim.”

She did as he instructed.

“Good.” He stepped up behind her, lifted her right elbow, and then moved her left arm down a fraction.

Juliana gasped when his hands moved down and encircled her waist. He twisted her hips, then tapped her thigh.

“Widen your stance a little.”

She swung her head in every direction, checking if anyone watched them. Thankfully, the number of people on the archery range had dwindled, and those that remained paid them no attention.

“Watch where you place your hands,” she attempted to whisper.

Colin’s head snapped up. “What was that?”

Juliana stared into his eyes, then dropped her gaze to his lips, now mere inches away from hers. Colin’s eyes darkened, sensual awareness causing the affable instructor to give way to the carnal man who’d once made her think he wanted her more than anything else in the world. The air around them shifted, charged with memories of youthful stolen kisses and the new, matured curiosity of what could be.

“Ahem.” Lady Roxburrow strolled toward them, a raised eyebrow and knowing grin trained on the pair.

Colin jumped back as if Juliana had suddenly turned grown snakes from her head that could turn him to stone.

“Good to see you again, Your Grace,” Lady Roxburrow cheerily greeted him.

“Lady Roxburrow.” He folded his hands behind his back and bowed. “A pleasure. I hope you are well this afternoon.”

“I am. Thank you for asking.” Her gaze volleyed between Juliana and Colin. “ It was kind of you to instruct my niece so thoroughly in the art of archery. However, I fear we must make our rounds before leaving.”

“Juliana is a dear and old friend. I am always delighted to assist her when, and how, I can.”

“So it would seem. Will we be seeing you at the Fansworth’s ball tomorrow evening?”

“I will be in attendance, so yes, I hope we do run into each other.”

Her eyes lit up. “Very good. You have a lovely day.”

“You as well, Lady Roxburrow.” He turned to Juliana and bowed. “Juliana.”

“Goodbye.”

Once she’d turned her back on him, Juliana lightly touched her fingers to her lips. Would Colin have kissed her if Lady Roxburrow hadn’t interrupted? How did she stop herself from wishing he had?