Page 35 of An Earl Unmasked
Diana sighed in relief and sat back to wait for the game to end. If Minerva had three ways in which to achieve a stalemate, she had little to worry about.
Chapter Seventeen
Randal studied theboard but kept Diana within his peripheral vision. Minerva claimed there to be three possible ways to tie the game. Three. He was only familiar with two. The first being where each player was limited to repeating the same maneuvers over and over without placing the other in check, which he unfortunately had often encountered on the battlefield during more than one skirmish. The second being where no legal moves were available, also a situation he had encountered on the battlefield.
Leaning back in his chair, Randal faced his opponent. “In the interest of time, mayhap you could enlighten me as to the three situations in which a stalemate may be declared.”
“The first—no legal moves. The second—insufficient pieces. The third is by agreement due to repetition.”
The Malburys might think him a dullard, but he asked anyway, “Pray elaborate upon the second.”
“A stalemate will ensue if you do not have the pieces necessary to both check the king and, at the same time, make sure he has no way to escape.”
“Ah, so not so much a matter of how many pieces but which pieces remain.” Taking an extra moment to indulge in viewing Diana’s lips that were curved into a smile, Randal pretended to mull over the possibilities. Reluctantly, he returned his attention back to his opponent, whose gaze flickered between him and Diana.
Randal said, “Do I understand correctly that if I retain a king and a rook, it is still possible for me to win, but if I’m left with only a king and a knight or mayhap a bishop, a tie will be the end result.”
Both Diana and Minerva answered in unison. “Exactly.”
He looked down at the chessboard and reassessed his pieces and their positions. Diana’s breath hitched ever so slightly. No one else seemed to have noticed her reaction except for him, which was not surprising since he was ultra-conscious of her every move. It was still possible for him to win the game.
Minerva made her move, and Diana’s shoulders sagged. Did the woman have so little faith in him? Randal’s mind wandered from the game. What was he doing? He never placed one person’s wishes above the greater good for all involved. Caring for and loving another was extremely dangerous, and he had purposefully avoided forming attachments for years—a task made easier by remaining upon the war-torn Continent. Why should he alter his stance now? Again, his gaze was drawn to Diana.
Refocusing on the game before him, Randal noted he could easily place his rook in jeopardy, but that wouldn’t be playing to win, and he suspected both Diana and Minerva would never respect him if he purposefully played to tie. Calling upon experiences learned on the battlefield, Randal knew taking time to build a solid defense before launching an aggressive attack was a winning strategy. Should he win, it would mean he’d have to marry Minerva. His stomach tightened into knots.
“Lord Chestwick, it is your move,” Minerva prompted.
He glanced over at Diana, who was still avoiding his gaze. He didn’t need her help, but it was nice for a moment to believe he was partnering with another, that he wasn’t all alone in this battle.
He spread his legs and rested his forearms over his knees. Closer and lower to the board, it afforded him a different angle and perspective. However, from the corner of his eye, it also placed Diana’s décolleté in plain sight, which was distracting.Very distracting.
He considered his possible moves carefully, attempting to play each scenario out two moves ahead. He frowned up at Minerva. He didn’t know the woman as well as he knew the French military tactics employed on the battlefield. If he could maneuver hundreds of men into position, surely, he could figure out how to maneuver chess pieces into formation.
Diana shifted—the edge of her gown lowering ever so slightly. If he were to get her alone one more time before her departure, he needed the game to be completed quickly. He straightened and moved his pawn into a defensive position.
Diana beamed a smile in his direction. “Well played.”
A burst of pride rushed through his veins. To be the cause for Diana’s sweet smile motivated Randal to focus on the board once again.
Minerva sat back and crossed her arms.
Greg chuckled and said, “It would appear Chestwick, you have surprised both my dear sisters.” He pulled up a chair, clearly with the intention of watching the match play out. “Most opponents Minerva has played have been the aggressor. A defensive play was both unexpected and genius. I’m looking forward to seeing what Minerva’s next move shall be.”
“A play-by-play commentary is not required.” Minerva scowled at her brother. “I shall simply reconsider my strategy.”
A ruckus of male voices wafted through the walls. He hadn’t expected Kent and Drake to return. He stood to send the men away once again.
The door swung open, and his butler announced, “Lord Mansville and Lord Tierney.”
Moving towards the strangers, Randal’s knuckles cracked as his hand balled into a fist. Lord Mansville was the gentleman Kent spoke of that had caused Minerva such distress. He stood before his unwanted and uninvited guests.
“Lord Chestwick, it is an honor to make your acquaintance.” Lord Mansville glanced and nodded to Gregory, who was now standing next to Randal. “Mr. Malbury.” Slapping the back of his hand on his companion’s chest, Lord Mansville said, “Look, Tierney. The lovely Malbury sisters are present.”
Lord Tierney appeared chagrined by Lord Mansville’s rude behaviour. “Lord Chestwick, our apologies for intruding.”
Gregory shifted slightly to block the scoundrel’s view of his sisters. “Mansville—what the devil are you doing here?”
“We were riding back to London, and my horse fell lame.”
