Page 55 of The Viscount in her Bedroom
“He fences. A little boxing, too.”
“Oh.”
“Do I hear doubts?”
“Well—”
“And what would it matter anyway?” Simon asked lightly, slowing as the gravel beneath his feet sloped away toward the lake. “So he defeats a blind man. Can you imagine the gossip headlines? ‘Keane Outrows Blind Viscount.’ If I can’t win, I’ll enjoy that.”
“But you’ll win.”
“Of course. Even better would be ‘Blind Viscount Routs Keane.’”
“Simon, how evil of you.” She playfully swatted his arm.
He gave her a smile. “Have the servants brought a second boat?” he asked.
“They just launched it and are tying it up to the pier. Manvil is there.”
“He’ll be upset that he isn’t with me. This is what he’s been waiting for.”
“Oh, dear. Should I withdraw?”
Simon laughed. “Trust me, he wouldn’t want that. Would you mind putting my coat somewhere?” He stripped it off and handed it to her, along with his cravat.
“Ah,” Keane said, “a serious opponent. I’ll enjoy that.”
“Then I hope you enjoy the spray from my boat hitting you in the back of your head.”
As everyone hooted with laughter, Simon was surprised at how much he was relishing this challenge. He would have to thank Louisa for instigating it, and even pompous Keane for suggesting it.
“Georgie?” Simon called.
“I’m here,” she said.
“Now you help Keane. He’s going to need it.”
He felt a hand on his arm and a soft kiss on his cheek. “Good luck, Simon,” Georgie said.
“He’ll be the one who needs it,” Keane said, his voice not quite so jovial.
Louisa led Simon down to the pier. “How should I help you in?”
Manvil spoke at his side. “I’m here, my lord. I’ll hold the boat for you both to get in.”
When he and Louisa were seated, he said, “Manvil, bring both of the boats to the end of the pier, you hold onto one, and have Robert the gardener hold the other. I assume all the outdoor servants are gathered?”
“Of course, my lord. There are wagers to be had.”
Simon grinned. “The two of you will let go when you give the signal to start. Don’t worry, Keane,” he called. “Unlike me, you’ll be able to see if anyone is tempted to cheat. But then Georgie will be watching you.”
“I do not cheat,” Keane said darkly.
Louisa sat in the stern of the boat and clutched both sides, not because she was worried. She was so thrilled to be a part of this race that she could barely control herself. She wanted to raise her fists in the air defiantly at that scoundrel, Lord Keane. The day was sunny with an endless blue sky. The grassy bank where the gathering spectators stood was so green as to make a desert weep. Everything was perfect.
And there was Lord Keane in the other boat; he was lean but powerful, his expression a grimace of concentration. Though Georgie was seated in the stern facing him, Louisa sensed he didn’t really see her. Georgie gave Louisa a smile, but Louisa knew her well enough by now to see her nerves. She was holding her own with the men, so she should be enjoying the day.
Georgie held an umbrella over her head, and Louisa reluctantly opened the one a maid had handed her. It wouldn’t do for every freckle on her face to pop out.
