Gilford stopped when he reached the group, the ladies halting beside him. He cleared his throat. “All nine archers are now present. The rules are simple. Three rounds.” He held up three fingers. “Top three advance from round one. Top two advance from the second round. Winner takes all in the third.”
“Very well, let us begin,” one of the ladies said, repositioning her bow where it rested over her slender shoulder.
“Patience.” Gilford glanced at her. “I have not finished.” He looked toward the targets. “My man has marked our positions on the ground. Each archer must stand on his mark—”
“A-hum, or woman.” The same lady archer who spoke before peered at Gilford.
“As I was saying, failure to remain on your mark will result in forfeiture. My man will tell us when to release our arrows.” He grinned.
Gilford’s man came up beside them. “Archers take your positions.”
Felton found the mark in front of the far left target and positioned himself on it before looking down the row. Gilford had the target next to him. The other stately looking gentlemen came next, followed by the two less fortunate fellows. Farther down, the blond-haired man stood beside another upper-class man at the target next to him. The lady archers took the far right targets.
“Ready,” Gilford’s man called from behind.
Felton raised his bow, then drew an arrow.
“Aim.”
Staring down the length of his arrow, Felton aimed for the center of the target. At this distance, making the bullseye would require extreme focus. They were a good ten feet farther back than the standard. It mattered not, he remained confident in his skill.
“Fire!”
Felton released his arrow and watched it soar toward the target.
Thwack, thwack, thump. In rapid succession, the arrows struck their targets. Felton released the breath he’d been holding as his arrow struck dead center. He glanced down the row. All but two archers had hit the bullseye, but only three others, Gilford and the lady archers, managed to be near or in the center. It was hard to tell from his angle.
“Hold your positions.” Gilford’s man approached the row of targets.
Felton watched as the man strolled down the row before turning and walking back the other way, studying the target’s as he went. Once he reached the end again, he turned and started back down the path. This time he reached the midpoint, then turned to the archers.
“Lord Gilford, Mr. Crauford, Lady Archer One, and Lady Archer Two are all moving to the next round. As there is a tie for the third slot.” He clasped his hands behind his back. “The rest of you can kindly step out of the way.”
A small hive of footmen Felton had not noted before, rushed to the targets. They pulled the arrows and removed all but the four targets needed to move on. As they completed their work, and he waited for Gilford’s man to direct them, Felton turned his attention to the ladies. There was something familiar about Lady Archer Two, maybe the way she cocked her hip or her sway when she walked. Did he know her?
He couldn’t possibly. It was a ridiculous notion, true ladies did not compete in spring up archery tournaments in the seedy East End.
“Archer’s, find your marks,” the businessman said, his voice loud and clear.
Felton moved once more to the far left target. Gilford was once more beside him with the ladies to the right of him. Felton lifted his bow in preparation and positioned his arrow.
“Ready.”
He pulled back the string and aimed down the length of space between him and his mark.
“Fire!”
As the announcer called out, screams issued from near the river. Felton released his arrow but did not wait to see if it hit its mark before turning toward the ruckus. He scanned the horizon but found nothing amiss. Furthermore, the screams had ceased. When he looked back at the targets, he saw that his arrow had once again struck the center of the bullseye as had Gilford and Lady Archer Two’s.
“Please step aside Lady Archer One,” the business man said.
A round of disbelieving rambles and breathy curses emanated from the group of men observing from behind them.
“What…”
“She is undefeatable.”
“That is what everyone said.”
Felton swallowed back the urge to defend her. She was a lady after all. He did not like the thought of her delicate sensibilities being hurt.
“Stuff it. I outshot the lot of you and had those screams not rent the air, I would have hit my mark.” Lady Archer One peered at the group before turning back to her companion. “Show them what lady archers are made of.”
“I certainly will,” Lady Archer Two’s voice carried on the breeze.
Felton stiffened at the melodic tone. “Georgie.” His heart skipped a beat as he stared across the lawn to where she stood. What the devil was she doing here?
Chapter 6
He could not possibly know who she was beneath her mask and cloak. Could he? Georgie held her breath as Felton stomped toward her. Before she could react, he was upon her. He met her gaze, his face all tight lines, eyes flashing dangerously. This was bad.
She averted her gaze to where her hem met the grass.
“A moment,” he said, then paused to glance at Gilford before returning his stare to her. “In private.”
Georgie snapped her head up and peered back at him. “Now is not the time. We have another round.” She cringed at the way her voice faltered.
He took her elbow and leaned in close. “Do not force me to cause a scene.”
“Very well.” She looked to Gilford. “May we have a moment?”
The man nodded. “Make it fast.”
Georgie allowed Felton to lead her away to a more concealed area near the carriages and horses that had brought them all here. She swallowed hard as he brought her to a stop.
“What the devil is wrong with you, Lady Bug?”
She jerked her arm away, finding strength in her outrage. “Me? You are the one having fits.”
His eyes flashed. “I would have no need of fits if you were not endangering yourself.”
“I am in no danger.”
“Oh. Do tell, how do you figure that you are safe?”
Georgie cocked her hip. “You are with me.”
“For all of your talk about propriety and properness, the East End is the last place I would think to discover you. Why are you here?”
She leveled her stare on him, her eyes squinting against the late day sun. “I was invited.”
“That is not good enough.” He leaned closer to whisper. “Have you no care of your reputation?”
“On the contrary, it matters a great deal to me.” She turned to walk back to the others.
He reached for her once more, stilling her. “We are not done.”
“Do stop. You have no control over me.”
“I could reveal your true identity.”
His words came close to her mouth, sending heat spiraling through her.
“You won’t.”
“I might if you do not tell me why you are here.”
Georgie faced him. “I came because I was invited. Lady Archer Two has a reputation to uphold just as Lady Georgina does.”
“You will allow me to escort you home after the final round.”
“I will not.”
“Stop being difficult, Lady Bug. I will escort you with or without your consent. If you make my task more difficult, I will inform the duke of your shenanigans.” He released her, turned, and walked back toward the group.
Georgie stared at his retreating form, her anger increasing with every confident stride he took. She wanted to pummel him, to yell, to refuse him. But something in his tone, in the coolness of his eyes, told her she’d be wise to grant him this.
When Georgie returned to the others, Adeline stood near the marks on the grass, her foot tapping. “Who is that man?”
“Felton.” Georgie took her position in front of the targets.
Adeline followed. “What did he want?”
“To give me a headache. He thinks he is my protector.”
“Lady Archer One, please move away from the remaining archers.”
Adeline sighed, then turned away from Georgie.
“Ready.” Gilford’s man paced behind them, his footfalls ringing out in the open space.
Georgie pulled her bowstring tight.
“Aim.”
She adjusted for the slight breeze coming off the Thames and aimed for the center of the target.
“Fire.”
Her arrow soared with the precision Theo had taught her, lodging solidly in the center of the bullseye. She looked at Felton’s target and grinned to see his arrow slightly off-center. A thrill went through her at the small validation. At least in this, she had bested him. Now the infuriating man would have to escort her home all the while knowing she’d won.
Or had she?
Georgie glanced at Gilford’s target. Her heart soared. The man had gone wide, hitting the edge of the bullseye. These were among the best archers in London, and she had outshot them all.
“You did it, you won.” Adeline approached with a wide smile all her own. “I never doubted you would. Still, this is thrilling.”
“Most certainly.” Georgie looked over her shoulder to where Felton stood. He did not look at all upset. On the contrary, he wore an amused grin. What the devil.
Gilford approached along with his businessman. “Congratulations are in order, Lady Archer Number Two.” He grimaced. “I have to admit, it pains me to be outshot by anyone, especially a woman.”
“Thank you, my lord.” She did her best not to appear smug.
He nodded toward his man. “Give her the prize.”
The businessman held out a black velvet pouch and Georgie accepted it. The funds would aid her to further her endeavors, though nine shillings truly did not add up to a fortune. Every bit helped, though.
“Let us be on our way,” Adeline said.
“Good day, Lord Gilford.” Georgie strolled toward her waiting mount, her head held high, victory warming her blood.
“Wait.”
She turned to Lord Gilford. “Yes?”
“Might we have the privilege of knowing the name of London’s top archer?”
“Lady Georgina—”
Felton reached her side and propelled her toward her horse. “Are you mad?”
“Truly. That man will see to it that your name appears in every gossip rag across town. You will be ruined.” Adeline hurried to mount her grey mare while Felton thrust Georgie onto her bay. “I could just as well be discovered.”
“I care not who knows my name. I take pride in being Lady Archer Two and would scream it from rooftops if I did not fear stepmother’s punishment. As for you, they already know you are Theodora.” Georgie widened her eyes for emphasis as she stared at Adeline.
Felton slapped the horse’s hind quarter, sending it into a gallop. Georgie clutched the reins in an effort to gain control. Within a moments time, he and Adeline rode next to her, one on each side.
Felton could not recall the last time he had been so furious, but surly Georgie had been involved. Her wild and reckless streak had long been the bane of his existence. There could be no telling what the fall out would be if Gilford were able to figure out her surname. One thing was certain, she would be ruined.
He seethed as he guided them out of the East End, keeping watch to ensure they were not followed. His nerve endings crackled with unrelenting tension as they rode past unsavory people and places. Georgie had no business coming here. Gilford never should have invited ladies into this part of London.
He glanced at Georgie as they broke into a more savory area of London. She sat proud on her mount as though she’d done nothing wrong. Her mask had been removed and her bow and arrows were concealed by the skirts of her riding habit as she chatted with Lady Theodora. The pair appeared as proper ladies should to all who witnessed them. “Lady Theodora, shall I return you home first?”
Neither lady paid him any mind. He cleared his throat. “Lady Theodora?”
She angled her head to him. “Excuse my rudeness. I did not quite hear you the first time. What was it you asked?”
“Should I escort you home first?”
“Indeed. As a matter of fact, Lady Georgina is staying with me. That makes your task much easier.” She smiled.
Then the lady gave a wink to Georgie.
Felton opened his mouth to demand an explanation but thought better of it. He would deal with Georgie at a later time—in private. For now, he simply wished to see her settled somewhere safe.
They rode in silence for the next quarter of an hour.
“We are far removed from any danger now. There is truly no need for you to continue on with us.” Georgie stroked the area between her mounts ears. “Us being seen with you will only raise questions.”
Felton sighed, releasing some of his frustration. “I find it most interesting that you suddenly have a care for your reputation.”
“Perhaps it is not mine I am concerned with. No matter, we are upon Theo’s residence. Good day to you.” Georgie nodded before nudging her mount into a run.
Felton drew his horse to a stop and studied the ladies as they raced toward a grand Georgian mansion. He supposed Georgie would be safe enough now.
“Where the devil have you been?” Alistair stood inside the heavy oak door, Theo by his side. “I have looked everywhere.”
Georgie stepped closer to her. “Please do not blame Adeline. I persuaded her to ride an unfamiliar trail and we lost our bearings.”
Theo gave her a knowing glance, followed by a silent reprimand. She looked between her husband and Adeline. “It matters not. We are relieved you found your way back.” Theo tilted her head. “Right, Alistair.”
“Indeed.” He rubbed his palm across his jaw. “Theo, if you would please take Georgie to the drawing room, I must speak privately with my sister.”
“Of course.” Theo stood on tiptoes and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Send for me if I am needed.”
Georgie exchanged a supportive look with Adeline, then followed Theo into the drawing room. “What was that about?” she asked.
When Theo turned to her, Georgie noticed the faint redness in her eyes and light shadows beneath. Her stomach sank. “You have been crying.”
“Do sit.” Theo indicated a wingback chair near the fireplace.
Once they were seated, Georgie reached for Theo’s hands. “Tell me what has you upset.”
“I am fine, truly. It is Adeline and Alistair as well as the others I worry for. Their father has passed to his final reward,” Theo’s voice cracked.
Georgie placed her hand over her sinking stomach. “I’m so sorry.”
Tears glistened in Theo’s eyes. “We only learned of his passing while you two were out.”
“What happened?”
“His heart gave out.”
Georgie gave Theo’s hand a gentle squeeze. “How can I be of help?”
“Stay with me for a spot. Adeline may wish to see you after Alistair has finished talking with her.”
“I will ring for tea.” Georgie rose to do just that.
Theo nodded.
Georgie released Theo’s hand and went to the bell pull. Adeline had not been overly close to her father since Alistair had assumed responsibility for her and her siblings, but she cared for him all the same. Georgie suspected she would feel his loss deeply.
Coming back to her seat, Georgie lowered into the chair and arranged her skirts. She wanted to comfort Theo but knew not what to say or do. Rather than risking a mistake, she simply sat with her friend in companionable silence.
When the maid entered to set up tea, Georgie nearly jumped from her seat expecting Adeline. She settled herself as the maid set a silver tray up near her and Theo. Once the maid left, Georgie reached for the kettle. She poured Theo’s cup and added two lumps before handing it to her. “Drink. You will need y
our strength.”
Theo nodded, then took a sip before setting the teacup aside. “I worry the weight of this will press to hard upon Alistair’s shoulders.”
Georgie met her tear-filled eyes. “He has more strength than you give him credit for.”
“Even the strongest sometimes crumble.” Theo turned, studying the orange and blue flames of the fire crackling in the hearth.
“He will not. I swear to you, he can handle whatever life brings his way.” Georgie went to Theo and placed a hand on her shoulder. “He manages Adeline, and anyone who can do that is capable of surviving anything.”
Theo laughed. “I suppose so.”
Adeline burst into the drawing room, her eyes filled with tears. Georgie stood back as she and Theo embraced. Her heart broke for her friends. After several minutes, Georgie approached them and rested what she hoped was a comforting hand on Adeline’s arm.
Adeline glanced at her. “Georgie, I want you to do something for me.”
“Anything.”
“Live. And do it well.” Adeline stared into her eyes as if to convey a secret message.
Georgie nodded. “I promise. As will you.” And Georgie meant it. They would both continue to embrace life and make their dreams come true. For now, she would live for them both, but in time, Adeline would blaze her own path.
Adeline smiled through her upset. “Now be gone with you. You’ve an all male tournament to prepare for.”
“And win.” Georgie winked. “Should any of you need anything, send for me. I will come at once.”
“Thank you.” Theo reached for her hand and gave a squeeze.
Georgie quit the house, her heart heavy as her carriage departed the drive. She glanced back, releasing a pent up breath. She would win the tournament and all of England would know her name. She’d do it for Adeline and for herself. To hell with Felton, her stepmother, and all of society.
Chapter 7
Lady Archer's Creed 02 - Georgina Page 6