Page 14 of The Seduction of Lord Sin
Mortified by Dharma’s look of pity, she made her way to bed with hope dwindling. It looked like Toobury would move up to first place, and her heart shriveled in her chest. He loved another. Perhaps love would never be bestowed upon her.
The hollow words she’d spoken to Flora and Dharma about not chasing love in her marriage as long as she had a child echoed coldly in her heart.
She hugged her sore ribs as she walked down the lonely corridor. Never had she envied Flora more.
To her dismay, Charlotte wanted a taste of the four-letter word—love—so badly, the idea of announcing her betrothal to a man she barely knew, by the end of the week, hurt worse than her bruised and battered ribs. But there was no turning back now.
ChapterFive
Hot summer days were not comfortable for women. Even with her parasol, sweat trickled down Charlotte’s back between her skin and her shift, trapped against her skin by her corset. Earlier in the morning, she’d hoped a breeze might come up before having to venture outside after lunch, but she supposed the archery was better served without the breeze.
Dharma came gliding toward her. “I’ve organized for our chairs to be moved under the oak tree for shade.”
“Thank you, dear. Most thoughtful, but you should be packing to leave.” She followed the servants, carrying their chairs toward the row of hundred-year-old oak trees. Turning to Flora, she asked, “How long do you think this will take?”
“How should I know? I’ve never run an event like this. James should arrive today, so I may have to leave you with Dharma. We haven’t seen each other for a sennight.” She knew what Flora was referring too. What little Charlotte knew of sex, she’d scraped together from Flora’s teachings.
Dharma flopped into her chair under the tree. “Well, Lord Bann is not taking part. Burton informed me he was still abed.”
Charlotte inwardly gave a sigh of relief. She tilted her bonnet back and looked at the men who had been practicing before the actual event began.
“The men have decided it will be the best of three shots at each of the three targets. Then the scores will be added together.”
Charlotte smiled at Dharma’s obvious excitement. “And here I thought you wouldn’t like anything about this week.”
The smile Dharma flashed sent bells clanging in her head. “What is there not to like? Handsome men making idiots of themselves when you already know who you’ll pick?”
She opened her mouth to deny the accusation, but promptly shut it again. She couldn’t. Lord Devlin was the best option for her. He already liked, or admired, her—his friendship was a great beginning to more… But then there was Toobury…
“Now, Dharma, be kind.” Flora’s fan was waving like a bird taking to flight. “Besides, I think I’ll enjoy the entertainment.”
Her words fell to a whisper as a jacketless Lord Sinclair approached, his shirtsleeves wafting in the slight breeze.
He bowed. “The men have settled the draw. If you are ready, the first competitor will begin. Did you wish to give them any words of encouragement? Perhaps a token for your favorite?”
Goodness, she wished Lord Sinclair was not enjoying this situation so much. His cheeky smile, while taking her breath away, also made her feel way smaller than her five feet eleven inches. Usually a good thing, but today—not so much.
“I don’t think that will be necessary. I suspect everyone knows Lord Devlin will win.”
That saw his smile fade.
“I have faith in Lord Sinclair. I have a feeling he shall rise to the occasion.”
“Thank you, Lady Flora. I shall indeed give it my best shot.”
He walked back to the others, while Charlotte’s eyes followed the fine buttocks and broad shoulders. The sighs from the two women beside her did not escape her notice.
Sitting up straighter, she watched as Toobury stepped up to the mark. Time dragged as he took aim, and Charlotte had to stifle a yawn. Every time she’d moved in her lonely bed last night, it broke her sleep. For such an important week, she could have done without the pain radiating from her bruised ribs and ankle.
Twang!The arrow flew and with a thud, buried into the closest target. The ladies clapped politely as the score was called. Nearly a bullseye. This contest could get interesting.
“I don’t know what it is, but the knowledge that these men are competing for an outing with you makes shooting arrows somewhat more interesting.”
Dharma’s mouth fell open at Flora’s words and she replied, “I find it medieval and totally ridiculous. And frankly, beneath you, Charlotte.”
“The men don’t seem to mind. In fact, they look like they are enjoying themselves,” was Flora’s reply. “Besides, Charlotte seems most engaged with the activity.”
Only then did Charlotte realize she had been staring at Lord Sinclair. His fine white linen shirt was virtually see-through. With his arms stretched high above his head, the linen hugged the corded muscles of his chest and she could not look away. He lunged forward and the strength in his bulging thighs was evident. His trousers left nothing to the imagination, and she had a very active imagination.
