The Heiress Hunt

by Joanna Shupe

  Lockwood caught Harrison’s eye. “I assume we are respecting the boundaries. A gentleman’s game, nothing out of bounds.”

  Resting his mallet head on the ground, Harrison leaned onto the handle with one hand and crossed his feet at the ankles. “I’m not afraid of chasing my ball a time or two. Are you?”

  Lockwood said nothing, but when his turn came around, he took revenge on Angelica by sending her ball to the far side of the court. Nellie walked over to Harrison and whispered, “That’s hardly sporting of him.”

  “Don’t worry. He’ll get his.”

  Nellie chuckled. “I’ll make sure to stay out of your way, then.”

  Harrison stepped forward and cleared the fifth wicket. When he lined up his next shot, he didn’t aim for the wicket, but sent his ball rolling into the duke’s green ball. Fighting a grin, Harrison lined up the two balls, put his foot on his orange ball and brought the mallet down with a mighty crash. The orange ball didn’t move, but the duke’s ball went sailing through the bushes and into the brush below.

  Lockwood said nothing, but a muscle in his jaw worked as his gaze tracked the ball’s progress. Shoulders stiff, he tramped off into the greenery.

  Nellie didn’t bother hiding her laughter. “Nicely done, Mr. Archer.”

  The ladies carried on, the mood definitely lighter. They got into the spirit of it, smacking their balls against one another’s, laughing and teasing. Lockwood finally returned, green ball in hand. A grass stain marred his otherwise immaculate white trousers, and the sight amused Harrison immensely.

  The duke soon took revenge and aimed directly for the crowded spot where Harrison’s ball rested. In an absolute stunner of a shot, he managed to nudge the orange ball. Harrison expected to see his ball smashed into the Atlantic, but the duke showed remarkable restraint. Lockwood sent the orange ball to the farthest corner of the lawn, where it stopped just inside the perimeter of the course.

  The point was obvious: Lockwood was a gentleman and Harrison was not.

  Except Harrison hadn’t ever cared about being a gentleman. He didn’t need anyone’s approval or society’s blessing. Only two things mattered to him now: taking everything away from his family and marrying Maddie.

  When it was finally Harrison’s turn, he walked by Lockwood to get to his ball. “You are wasting your time,” Lockwood murmured under his breath. “She’ll never want you, not as long as she has someone like me.”

  Harrison swallowed the angry retort burning his tongue. While Maddie currently wore Lockwood’s ring, Harrison would not go down without a fucking fight.

  And, unlike the duke, he did not play fair.

  For the rest of the day, Maddie did her best to ignore Harrison. She skipped the afternoon’s activities, remaining in her room instead, where she’d rehashed what was said in the gazebo.

  Something is happening between us, even if you don’t wish to admit it.

  It was true, she was attracted to him. However, the connection was more than simple attraction. Simmering under the appreciation of his appearance was a certain fondness, a wish to never leave his side. To tell him everything and share whatever came ahead. The admission of those feelings came as a great relief, even if she could do nothing about it. She’d accepted Lockwood’s offer of marriage, and that was that.

  Undoubtedly this would pass. The distraction of her old friend was merely a tiny setback in her grand plan. As soon as Harrison entered into a betrothal of his own, Maddie could focus on Lockwood.

  Yes, that was it. She must turn all her energies into matching Harrison with one of her friends. Any other course of action was now out of the question, as the engagement was public knowledge.

  Before dinner, Maddie’s friends gathered around her, admiring the betrothal ring and offering up congratulations. Lockwood smiled adoringly from across the room, while Maddie’s mother beamed as if she’d just met the Queen of England. During this time, Maddie hadn’t allowed herself a single glance at Harrison. She was afraid of what she might see.

  It was futile—the path to a different outcome had closed. Maddie could not break the betrothal, not without causing a horrific scandal, nor could she act upon the emerging desire for her childhood friend. Her future was set.

  And if her happiness felt forced in that moment, well . . . that was only temporary. Her enthusiasm would bloom in the days to come as she made plans for the wedding and starting her new life in England.

  After an interminable meal in the dining room, the ladies finally adjourned to the salon. Nellie grabbed Maddie’s arm and dragged her to the far side of the empty room. “You missed a hell of an outing this afternoon,” her friend said quietly, eyes sparkling with mirth.

  Maddie was instantly worried. “What do you mean?”

  “No one told you?” When Maddie shook her head, Nellie continued. “Your men were at each other’s throats the entire time.”

  Maddie’s mouth fell open and she quickly sputtered a denial. “They are not my men.” Nellie’s expression remained dubious, so Maddie moved on. “What happened?”

  “Harrison was out for blood. He sent the duke’s ball flying clear into Connecticut. Twice.”

  That didn’t surprise her. Harrison played aggressively, as did she. The two of them had been unbeatable at croquet. “What did Lockwood do?”

  “It was clear the duke was taunting Harrison throughout the afternoon, whispering under his breath, not that Harrison ever reacted. But the duke sent Harrison’s ball flying a few times. Ended up winning both games.”

  Harrison hated to lose, much as Maddie did, so that must have bothered him. “I should have been there.”

  “It’s better that you weren’t. You wouldn’t have been pleased with either of them.”

  The rustle of skirts alerted them to another arrival. Katherine approached, her eyes sparkling. “Are you discussing the croquet match?”

  Maddie narrowed her eyes. “What happened to you earlier? You never returned for your picnic.”

  Katherine and Nellie exchanged a knowing glance that set Maddie’s teeth on edge. “Forgive me,” Katherine said, not sounding all that apologetic. “Was Mr. Archer angry?”

  I am consumed with jealousy.

  She swallowed. “No.”

  “Did something happen in the gazebo?” Nellie asked. “Is that why you skipped croquet?”

  Maddie studied the curtains and struggled with how to answer. Hardly anything happened in the gazebo, but those few minutes had turned her life upside down.

  “Oh, my God,” Nellie exclaimed softly, eyes going wide as her hand clamped onto Maddie’s forearm. “Something happened, didn’t it?”

  “Of course not. You are being ridiculous. I am betrothed.” She held up her gloved hand, where the ducal engagement ring rested under the cloth.

  “I know something happened. Please, tell me. Was there kissing or groping? Rubbing in all the best places?” Nellie put her hands together in a pleading gesture. “I must know. Please.”

  “Stop it.” Maddie glanced around them. “I am engaged and this conversation is unseemly. Someone might overhear.”

  Katherine and Nellie sent each other a small smile, and Maddie huffed in exasperation before walking away. Let them speculate without her.

  The door to the dining room opened and Harrison was the first to appear. His eyes landed on her and Maddie paused as if caught, his stare igniting flames in every part of her body. Tingles raced along her skin, her breasts swelling, and she grew light-headed, as if she’d played an eight-hour match in the hot August sun.

  It was over in a blink. Someone nudged him from behind, and he dropped his head and continued into the room. She hurried to the sideboard and poured a glass of sherry, not caring if she was the only woman imbibing at the moment.

  “My dear.” Her father smiled down at her. “Have a moment to spare for your old papa? Your fiancé and I would like a word.”

  The conversation with Nellie fresh in her mind, Maddie’s stomach twisted and dropp
ed. Had someone been talking about her and Harrison to the duke? “What is this about?”

  “Come along. I’ll not spoil the surprise.”

  Her nape prickled as if she could feel the weight of Harrison’s stare on her as she left the salon. Trailing her father, she went into his office, where Lockwood already waited, his mouth curved into a hint of welcome.

  She looked between the two of them. “Is it bad news?” Her hands trembled, so she buried them in her skirts.

  “No, not at all,” Lockwood said. “I have a surprise and I wanted to tell you right away.”

  Daddy sat behind his desk and leaned back, saying nothing. It was clear he didn’t wish to give her any hints, but at least he didn’t seem angry. “Oh?”

  The duke folded his hands behind his back, the pose emphasizing the white evening vest hugging his lean frame. “I reached out to Mr. Charles Robb at the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon. He is the instructor of—”

  “Mrs. Hillyard.” Maddie clasped her hands under her chin as her heart started to thump with excitement. Blanche Bingley Hillyard was one of the greatest tennis players in the world. She had won several championships in recent years, and Maddie admired her career from afar.

  Lockwood’s expression softened, as if relieved. “Yes, Mrs. Hillyard. Mr. Robb has agreed to come here, to Newport, in order to train with you this summer.”

  Elation weakened her knees and she let out a soft gasp. Mr. Robb, coaching her? It was absolutely surreal.

  “I see she likes the idea, Lockwood,” her father said with a chuckle.

  She blinked up at the duke. “How . . . ?”

  “Think of it as an engagement present.”

  “I am stunned. Thank you, Lockwood.”

  “I thought you might like it.” Lockwood lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. “He’ll sail here as soon as the tournament finishes in mid-July.”

  She nearly vibrated with excitement. That meant she could train with Mr. Robb during all of August. Of course, there would be wedding planning to get under way. Perhaps Mama could do most of that without her.

  “And one more surprise,” the duke said. “I have requested plans to have a lawn tennis court put in at my country estate.”

  Goodness, Lockwood had been busy. “This is tremendous news. Again, thank you. I will tell Mother so she knows not to count on having me around in August.”

  “No need to keep it a secret,” the duke said. “Please, tell everyone.”

  Had she detected a bite in the way he said everyone? Was this something to do with Harrison and the game of croquet today?

  It was clear the duke was taunting Harrison throughout the game . . .

  Had Lockwood sensed the attraction between Maddie and Harrison? It seemed improbable, considering the most damning moments had happened when they were alone. Yet Katherine and Nellie had inferred an attachment. There was a good chance Lockwood had, as well.

  Her neck grew hot, embarrassment climbing toward her face. Without meaning to, had she cast flirtatious glances at Harrison in front of the others? Was she wearing her heart on her sleeve at all times? How mortifying.

  She had to do better at hiding her feelings. No one must learn of her improper thoughts. And it went without saying that she and Harrison could not be alone ever again.

  Chapter Eleven

  “Is everyone ready?” Maddie stood at the front of the tent, wisps of brown hair whipping about her head, the hint of a smile on her face.

  Harrison studied her from under his lashes, admiring the fine bone structure beneath the tanned skin from her outdoor pursuits. She was a fascinating amalgam of proper lady and rebellious upstart. A conventional beauty with a penchant for mischief.

  It was the rebellious side of her that had drawn him in all those years ago, two moths seeking the same light. The attraction had compounded until he was starving for her, with a ferocity that should have scared him. He always assumed they would end up together, that their personalities were a perfect match. And as he got older, the craving for her grew worse until she broke his heart, when he realized his feelings were unrequited.

  But unrequited no longer.

  He drummed his fingers on the table, restless and edgy. She’d avoided him ever since the gazebo. He told himself this was a good thing, that her reaction meant he’d rattled her, but it was hard to see her smiles bestowed anywhere but him. Difficult to hear her laughter aimed at others while receiving none for himself. He was greedy when it came to her attention and she was depriving him of it, and the loss shredded his insides like a thousand tiny cuts.

  His eyes moved to Lockwood, who stood talking to Kit in the corner of the tent. The duke was a decent enough sort, Harrison supposed, and if he weren’t in love with Maddie he’d bless their marriage with his whole heart. But his heart was spoken for, given to Maddie all those years ago when they’d played in the surf and tramped across the chateau grounds. Watching fireworks and chasing butterflies, digging up clams and climbing trees.

  The question was what Maddie wanted.

  Betrothals were not easy to break, especially one as high profile as Maddie’s, and calling it off would cause quite the scandal.

  That possibility didn’t scare him, however. In fact, he liked scandal. He’d created so many in both New York and Paris that no one even bothered discussing him anymore. One thing he’d learned was that money smoothed over most every faux pas, especially in America. Wealth mattered even when propriety did not—and the Websters had more money than almost anyone, save J. P. Morgan and Vanderbilt. They could weather any storm . . . even a broken betrothal to a duke.

  “Ready?” she called, reclaiming his attention. The ladies all rose in unison.

  Damn. What was happening?

  “Weren’t listening, were you?” Kit slid into the empty chair next to Harrison.

  “No. What are we doing?”

  “Oh, not we.” Kit chuckled. “You.”

  “Go!” Maddie said—and every eye swung to Harrison.

  He resisted the old urge to fidget. “What am I supposed to do?” he muttered to Kit.

  “Sardines. You’re to hide and the ladies will find you.”

  Harrison remembered the game from childhood. When each woman found his hiding spot, they would squeeze in with him, all of them cozily waiting until the last person found the group. An idea occurred. “I think Miss Webster should play, as well,” he called out.

  Everyone in the tent paused, looking to Maddie. Her brow wrinkled. “Why would I play?”

  “You know all the best hiding places on the property. You should hide and I’ll search along with the guests.”

  She flicked a glance toward the duke before looking back at Harrison. “You also know the best hiding places.”

  “Nonsense.” He waved his hand. “It’s been years since I played hide-and-seek here. I’ve forgotten them all.” Kit covered his mouth with his hand as if he might laugh, but Harrison ignored him.

  “I agree,” Mrs. Webster said from the side of the tent. “You always loved this game, Maddie. Enjoy yourself.”

  Lockwood stroked his chin, lips pursed in thought, as if he were trying to figure out Harrison’s angle. Yet he offered up no protest, probably assuming Harrison would be occupied with the ladies.

  The assumption was reasonable . . . but also untrue.

  “Fine.” She put her hands on her hips, still looking unconvinced. “I’ll play, but why must I be the one to hide? It ruins the point of the game.”

  Harrison tried to cover his desperation under a bored expression. “The game will be over in two minutes if I hide. I’ll be found behind that bush over there. You are the only one who can make this a challenge.”

  One thing he knew about Maddie, she was competitive. It was one of the qualities that made her such a fierce tennis player. And while she could refuse to participate, everything told him she wouldn’t.

  “That makes sense, I suppose,” she said.

  He pressed h
is case. “Also, I’m not certain the chaperones would like the idea of me and one of the ladies alone together for a stretch of time, separated from the others.”

  Maddie cast a nervous glance at the table full of chaperones. “Oh, right. Good point.” She nodded once. “I’ll be the one to hide, then. Now according to the rules, I may hide either inside the house or somewhere on the grounds. The last person to find the hiding place is the loser and will sit out tomorrow’s sail on the yacht.”

  This was not a team game, so the ladies remained quiet, most likely plotting their strategy. The risk of being left out from a sail on the Webster yacht would motivate most anyone.

  Except Harrison. He would find Maddie first, and it had nothing to do with tomorrow’s outing.

  Gesturing toward the occupants of the tent, he said, “We should put our heads down until Miss Webster is safely on her way to a hiding place.”

  “You certainly are taking this seriously.” A deep crease formed between Maddie’s brows as she studied him. “Fine. Everyone sit and close your eyes. Mama, give them the signal to begin when I’ve been gone long enough.”

  Harrison nearly rubbed his hands together. He hadn’t forgotten anything about the chateau . . . or their games together. He knew exactly where she would go. He closed his eyes.

  Kit kept his voice low. “Couldn’t be more obvious if you tried, my friend. I hope you know what you are doing.”

  “Of course I do.”

  “How are you certain you’ll find her first?”

  “Because I know where she’s planning to hide.”

  “Where?”

  “The changing room by the indoor pool.”

  Kit heaved an exaggerated sigh. “I suppose I’ll need to entertain her fiancé while you’re seducing her in the dark.”

  “That would be dashed nice of you.”

  “Just do not say I didn’t try to warn you when this all goes sideways.”

  Maddie hurried to her hiding place. For some reason Harrison had pushed her to participate in the game, although his reasoning made sense, she supposed. Being trapped with one young lady for a long stretch of time could lead Harrison into a hasty wedding.