“Damned inconvenient. He's probably the only one of us who's a worthy shot. They are probably going to trounce us thoroughly.”
“I think my ego can handle it. Matthewsâhow about you?” Ian said with a grin. He released his arrow and waited for it to complete its journey. It struck closer to the center than Bateman's arrow. “I think that will do.”
“Good shot, man,” Nathaniel said.
“How are we doing, gentlemen?” Sophia asked, joining them in the shade.
“It's damned hot,” Bateman complained.
“It's summer, my lord,” she teased. “Who has the highest score?”
“McDonald, I think,” Bateman said. “But I shall change the odds. What say you? Will you wager that I'll be able to split your last arrow?”
“A foolish wager from this distance, but if you insist . . .”
“We have almost completed all the rounds; I shall have tea brought out.” Sophia turned to go.
“It's too hot for tea,” Bateman complained.
“There will be sandwiches and cakes as well, my lord. Or perhaps you'd like more beer?” Sophia said.
“Perhaps you could have tea brought deeper into the shade, Sophia. It's cooler there,” Nathaniel said.
She smiled. “A perfect idea. Gentlemen, if you'll excuse me.” Sophia moved across the yard to speak with the servants.
“It's really too bad Miss Townsend's dowry is so small. She'd make a good countess.” Bateman motioned for a servant to bring more beer.
Ian stilled, waiting for Nathaniel to say something.
“A great shame, I'm sure, for you,” Nathaniel said in a measured tone.
“She'd be a much easier catch than that mouse, Miss Hamilton. Probably a great deal more fun in the bedroom too,” Bateman continued.
Ian ground his teeth. The man was driving him mad with his complaining. “Well, you've made your choice”
“I'm sick of people assuming I had some choice in this,” Bateman whined.
Ian leaned his long bow against the table, holding the quiver of arrows. “You have had more choice than most, my lord.” He emphasized the last two words.
“Gentlemen, perhaps we should go inside. Billiards?” Nathaniel suggested.
Ian backed down from the argument he so wanted with this wastrel. Given the comments made about Sophia, it was a better choice. The spoiled boy he'd known growing up at Bateman Abbey was little changed. It was doubtful he'd ever change.
“McDonald, come and let me show you how billiards is done,” Bateman said with a smile.
Ian glanced under the trees, where the ladies were gathering. “Thank you, but I think I'll have some refreshments with the ladies.”
Bateman looked in the same direction as the women took their seats at the tables, laughing and sipping lemonade. “Perhaps you are right.”
Ian chuckled as Bateman moved to the shade and accepted a glass of lemonade from a servant. He bent down to talk to Theo Hamilton, who blushed and looked away.
“What will it take for you to succumb to Bateman's demands?” Nathaniel asked. “At this point, I'll give you a fortune to make him go away.”
Ian couldn't stop the bark of laughter that erupted. “Good joke, Matthews, but as the man wants me to marry his sister, I doubt anything you could add would meet his demands.”
“Those are his terms?”
“Needless to say, I've refused. Repeatedly.”
“I can understand why.”
With that, Nathaniel turned and walked into the house.
Chapter 14
S
ophia watched with a frown as Nathaniel went back into the house. “Anne, your husband's ill humor is beginning to wear on me.”
“He hates all the pretentiousness. I can't say I blame him.”
Guilt washed over Sophia. She had brought this into their peaceful home. “I'm sorry, Anne.”
“You couldn't have known it would turn out like this.”
Sophia thought back to the conversation she'd had earlier with Theo Hamilton. “Anne, would you excuse me for just one minute?”
“Of course. It's only your party.”
“I won't be a moment.”
Sophia dashed across the yard to meet Ian, who was strolling toward her. She paused and waited for him.
“This is a surprise,” he said.
“I wouldn't get your hopes raised. I have news I thought I should share.”
“News?” Ian offered his arm and Sophia took it. “What sort of news?”
“It involves a baby.” She grinned at the look of surprise on his face.
“Good work, Miss Townsend. How did you manage to discover this news?”
“She also told me of your plan to help them.”
“I had to.”
Sophia's heart made the funny kind of lurch it always did when Ian was near. There was such kindness in him. “I want to hear what you've planned.” She glanced around her. “But not here. We cannot risk being overheard. Later.”
“Tonight?”
She nodded. “I'm sorry you gentlemen lost the archery tournament.”
“No you are not.”
She laughed. “You are right. What has upset Nathaniel so badly?”
“Your houseguests are wearing on his nerves.”
“Today has been a good day. Lady Catherine has been quite charming so far.”
“You seem surprised.”
“I am, rather.”
“Miss Townsend, my brother has had a wonderful idea!” Lady Catherine approached them with a bow.
“And what is that?”
“He proposes a rematch with the top two players. I believe that would be the two of us.”
Sophia felt a bit of unease. Perhaps it was the glee in Catherine's eyes. “I thought we'd have tea.”
“Are you afraid of losing, Miss Townsend?”
Sophia did not like the tone of Lady Catherine's voice. “Not at all. I simply thought it would be nice to take a break from the heat.” She strove to keep her voice light and cheerful. Lady Catherine had the light of competition in her eyes. She was not going to back down from this battle. And it was indeed a battle.
“Miss Townsend, weren't you the one who thought of this idea?”
“Perhaps the tournament should be the best gentleman against the best lady,” Ian offered.
Sophia almost leaned against him in gratitude. She was hot and tired. Lady Catherine was a fierce competitor, causing Sophia to have to focus completely on the game rather than enjoy the day. Catherine had a way of taking something fun and making it much less so.
Lady Catherine lifted her chin and glared at Ian. “I don't believe we were asking if you'd like to join in.”
“Lady Catherine, is that necessary?” Ian interrupted. “This is just a foolish game.”
“You only say that because you bested me. There are reputations at stake,” Lady Catherine said through gritted teeth.
Sophia quickly spoke, hoping to ease the tension. “Lady Catherine was one of the top archers in school. Her reputation for archery is legendary.”
“I had no idea, Lady Catherine,” Ian said with a smile. “If you will permit me to get you something to drink, I would love to hear all about it.”
“I must defend my title!” Lady Catherine insisted.
There was no way around it; Sophia was going to have to shoot one more round. “Very well. Shall we begin once everyone has had tea?”
Lady Catherine smiled victoriously. “I look forward to it.” She strolled off to rejoin the party.
“I'm surprised you did not allow her to win,” Ian said.
“I had no idea she was such a stick about this honor. We are just a small country party.”
“She's gathering her arrows. You'd best ready yourself.”
Sophia agreed and went to retrieve the arrows she'd left in the target, marking that she'd won. The targets, bales of hay with paper bull's-eyes pinned to them, faced the back lawn which rolled down to the small creek that separated the Lodge from Horneswood, where her younger sister lived. She picked up several arrows from the other ladies as she strolled behind the targets. She could see Lady Catherine practicing her stance.
If Sophia beat Catherine again there was no telling how long she'd have to stand out here and shoot arrows before Catherine could win. No, she'd allow Catherine to win.
Sophia shielded her eyes from the glare of the afternoon sun as she watched Anne's two boys, Nat and Fred, playing in the yard near the kitchen. She turned away and began to walk toward where everyone was sitting, making sure to stay clear of the area where they'd been shooting. She frowned as Catherine picked up an arrow and positioned it. Surely she'd wait until Sophia cleared the area before taking aim.
Just at that moment, little Fred took off across the yard toward his mother. For one second, Sophia froze in fear. “Freddy! No!”
Fearing that Catherine hadn't seen the little boy, Sophia took off running, hoping to catch him before he was harmed. She heard shouting behind her but kept her eyes on her nephew. A sharp pain seared her upper arm and she stumbled but caught herself. She reached the boy and scooped him up in her arms.
“Auntie Sophia! Down! Down!” he cried.
The boy cried and wiggled, trying to get away. Pain, so harsh that she caught her breath, lanced through Sophia's arm. “Hush, love. We can't run across the range. You might get hurt.”
“Freddy, are you all right?” Nathaniel said, he and Anne rushing up to them at once. He was out of breath from running from the house. “I saw it happen through the window. I thought he'd been hit.”
Sophia handed the wriggling boy to his father. “He's fine, Nathaniel.”
Nathaniel gathered the baby in his arms and hugged him. “Thank you. I knew I could not get to him fast enough.”
“Sophia, your arm,” Anne said, touching her sleeve.
Sophia knew she shouldn't look. She knew if she looked, she'd faint, but she couldn't stop herself from glancing at her arm. Her sleeve was ripped and blood dripped down her arm to her hand. Lord, how she hated the site of blood, especially her own. The edges of her world went black.
Suddenly, Ian was there, his arm around her waist. “I've got you.”
Sophia sagged against him. “I hate blood.”
“Apparently not enough to keep from dashing into the path of an arrow.”
His arms felt warm, safe. “I couldn't let Freddy get hurt. He was running right into the line of Lady Catherine's arrow.”
“Mr. McDonald, please take her inside.”
Sophia could hear the shaking in her sister's voice. “I'm fine, Anne, really.”
Lady Catherine ran to join the group. “I am so very sorry. I had no idea the boy was going to dart into the range like that. Why wasn't his nurse with him?”
“Lady Catherine, we will discuss that later. Please allow us to see to Miss Townsend's wound.” Sophia was shocked at the anger in Ian's voice.
“Really, I'm perfectly fine.”
“Does this mean you withdraw, Miss Townsend?” Lady Catherine demanded.
Sophia couldn't believe her gall. “Yes, Lady Catherine, I withdraw. By all means, declare yourself the winner.”
Lady Catherine grinned and walked away.
“Please tell me they aren't staying much longer,” Nathaniel said to Anne before adding, “Let's get her inside.”
Sophia allowed Ian to lead her into the house, following Nathaniel and Anne, who still hadn't let go of their young son. “All this fuss for a scratch.”
“It's bleeding rather heavily for a scratch, Sophia.” Ian's voice was dark. “You could have been seriously injured.”
“Better me than Freddy.”
“Take her into the library. The light is better there by the window, Mr. McDonald.”
“Anne, I'm fine. It is just sore.” She felt she had to lighten the mood. Everyone acted as if she were dying. The worst thing she'd suffer was Catherine's triumph at being declared the victor. Honestly, it was just a stupid game.
“Prepare yourself for some coddling, Sophia,” Ian said.
“I wish they wouldn't.”
“You saved their child from being hurt.”
“Of course I did. He's my nephew. Does everyone think I'm so heartless that I'd allow my nephew to be hurt? Why was Catherine shooting the blasted arrow in the first place?” She twisted her arm, wincing, to look at the gash. It wasn't deep but was long and still bleeding. “Didn't she see me?”
“I don't think she was paying attention.”
There was something in his tone that made her think he was lying. She looked at him. “You think she did it on purpose.”
“She had to have seen you on the sideline.”
“Of course. But she couldn't have seen Freddy. The children were playing on the lawn, well away from where we'd set up for archery. The nurses had strict instructions to keep the boys away until we were done.” She'd tried to think of everything. She knew the two boys wouldn't be able to resist the bows and arrows.
“But we'd broken up and gone for tea, so their nurse would have thought it was safe to allow the boys to join their mother.”
She didn't like where his thoughts were going. Was Lady Catherine vindictive enough to try to hurt her intentionally to win the tournament? It was a game, a lark. It was a silly house party that no one in the Ton need ever know about. It made no sense. Unless she was jealous of Ian's attentions to Sophia. She could clear up the confusion on that score at least.
It could all have been so much worse. They were using standard arrows with fairly sharp points rather than the duller ones the children usually played with. “I don't think I will ever plan another house party as long as I live.”
Ian brushed her hair back from her face. “You took years off my life, running off like that just as she was releasing the arrow. I don't like it when you're hurt.”
Sophia let that comment pass unremarked upon, tamping down the thrill his words stirred inside her.
He brushed a kiss to her forehead. “I had no idea you could be so fast on your feet, Miss Townsend.”
Sophia pushed him away and laughed as he landed on his bum on the carpet. “Never underestimate me, Mr. McDonald.”
* * *
Ian laughed from his position on the floor. “Trust me, Sophia, I've never underestimated you at any point in our relationship.”
She stilled. “We don't have a relationship.”
He stood and tugged his jacket before bracing his hands on the arms of the chair in which she sat. “Oh, I think we do.” His mouth touched hers gently. “Even if you do not recognize it.”
Sophia said nothing, but her eyes widened.
Ian couldn't stop himself from gently rubbing a piece of dirt from her cheek. “I have to say this before your sister comes back in to clean and wrap the wound.”
Her lips parted, and the temptation to kiss her soundly overwhelmed him. To hell with it! He bent down and took her mouth the way he wanted to. His tongue delved into her warm mouth, coaxing a response from her.
Sophia's hands found their way to his hair as she clung to him, mimicking his own actions, taking what she wanted from him. His heart pounded in his chest, and it was all he could do not to pull her into his arms, lay her on the floor, and sink into her. Ian wanted this woman with a passion that defied anything he'd ever known.
What had begun as friendship and a wish for a wife who could be his partner in the future was now very different. His feelings ran deep, much deeper than he thought he could feel.
He could hear the doorknob rattle as someone turned it. He quickly pulled away to stand by her chair. “Do not doubt when I say this,” he said, his voice gruff even to his own ears. “Lord Bateman will have to live with disappointment.”
Sophia gasped as Anne bustled in, followed by a maid carrying a bowl of water and the items needed to patch up Sophia's arm.
“Did you give her a brandy, Mr. McDonald? I think she needs it. She looks pale.”
“Don't talk as if I'm not here, Anne. You know how I hate that,” Sophia grumbled.
“If your tongue is sharp, you must be feeling better.” Anne motioned for the maid to set down the water and rags.
“I'll get the brandy.” Ian walked to the table holding a decanter and glasses. He poured two glasses. One for him, which he downed quickly, and one he carried back to Sophia. “Drink it slowly.”
“What, and not follow your example?” She tossed the contents back and gasped, then coughed. Tears came to her eyes.
“I warned you.”
Sophia glared at him. “Don't you have anything better to do than to stand here and watch me?”
“Sophia is right, Mr. McDonald. Please let me tend to her.” Anne took his arm. “I think it would be easier if you were to wait outside. Better yet, could you help Mr. Matthews with our guests?”
Ian was torn. He wanted to stay to comfort Sophia. Hell, he wanted another kiss, but that wasn't going to happen anytime soon with her sister there to protect her. “I should speak with Lady Catherine.”
“No!” Sophia said quickly.