Page 28 of The Scoundrel's Christmas Challenge
The stable boy and stable master, Jack, met them in the courtyard. “Ye got ‘im, milord,” said the boy. “Did he get far?”
Lucius shook his head. “Only to the local inn. We waited out the storm and went our separate ways.” He caught the eye of the stable master. “It was a… misunderstanding if anyone was to ask.”
Jack nodded and took the lead and rein of both horses.
“I left the saddle and bridle behind. Could someone fetch it on their next trip to the village?”
“Aye, sir,” said Jack. “He looks no worse for the wear, milady. ‘Tis a blessing, to be sure.”
Christiana had to agree. She tucked her arm through Lord Page’s as they returned to the house. “Are you hungry?”
“I am. The innkeeper provided tea and some fresh bread, but the ride has made me ravenous.”
They joined the others in the breakfast room. Christiana poured coffee for Lucius herself while he filled a plate from the side table. They told the other guests that Lord Frederick had been called away and bid them all a happy holiday.
Lord Elwood snorted. “I can’t see the boy being happy about anything.”
“He’s not a boy, my dear. He’s a man,” corrected his wife.
“Then he should act like one,” her husband grumbled.
“So, it’s down to the three of us,” said Lord Bentson. “I only need one more win.” His smile deepened the creases in his face and neck, and as Christiana watched him slap his knee, she made a decision.
He would get the vase regardless of the points. The old man, her mother’s first love, had become a friend. She wanted to make Lord Bentson happy, and at the same time, in an odd way, make Mama happy too.
“Lady Winfield?”
Christiana blinked, realizing she had missed part of the conversation. “I’m sorry. My mind was wandering. Were you wondering about the contest today?”
Everyone nodded.
“Marksmanship with pistols.”
“Ooh,” whispered Lady Elwood. “My dear, this could be your time.”
“I’m almost as good at pistols,” said Lord Bentson. “This could be my time!”
They all turned to stare at Lord Page. He shrugged and winked at Christiana. “It depends on the day.”
The weather cleared, though heavy dark clouds still hung low in the sky. Once again, Christiana and the gentlemen went out on the back lawn, waving at Lady Elwood through the window. Her bright red dress and turban were easily identified even at a distance. A footman had tacked a thin, round wafer of paper to a tree, and she carried three replacements.
“Whoever hits the center circle gains three points. Any other hits are worth one. You may choose a different pistol for each of your three tries or use the same one. Mr. Jensen will reload for us.” She opened the three boxes containing both single and double-barrel pistols and then indicated two rifles. “There should be something here for everyone.”
Lord Bentson was true to his word. He landed one shot in the bull’s eye and two more just outside with a single-barrel pistol, giving him five points. Lord Elwood chose the rifle, being his weapon of choice for hunting. He made the bull’s-eye twice with the third shot landing outside the center. “Seven,” he bellowed. “Puts me in the lead.”
Lucius also made the bull’s-eye twice, but his third shot was just on the border of the center circle, tying with Elwood. Christiana missed her first shot completely, hitting the tree trunk above, and then finished with two decent shots near the center for two points.
After examining the wafers, it was decided Lord Page’s final shot was closer to the bull’s-eye than Lord Elwood’s, declaring Lucius the winner.
“Demmed if you didn’t beat me,” said Lord Elwood good-naturedly. “Excellent marksmanship, gentlemen. I’d have you with me in a dark Cheapside alley any day.”
“Thank you, my lord,” said Lord Bentson. “I was known to have quite a punch in my day. It would have been a pleasure to have your back.”
Christiana rolled her eyes. Men and their egos. Even this sweet old man boasted about his youthful prowess. “It seems Lord Bentson and Lord Page are tied overall with two points. But there’s still time, Lord Elwood.”
***
That evening, they dined on white soup, roast pheasant, and root vegetables, with a syllabub for dessert. They drank too much wine, played Hunt the Slipper—Lady Elwood had to be convinced her skirt was not an appropriate place to hide it—and sang festive songs while Christiana played the pianoforte.
