Page 80 of Falling for a Forsaken Marquess
“Unfortunately not, but some members are open to the idea,” said William. “Archery is as much a woman’s sport as it is a man’s, and there shouldn’t be such a great divide between the sexes. Skill, practise, and passion are the only requirements needed to excel in the sport, and I have personally seen many women who surpass men in their archery abilities.”
“Has Agnes told you how she loves the sport?” Lavinia asked.
“Papa would set up different targets and test her strength and endurance all day. I suppose he was excited to discover that one of his daughters took an interest in something he loved as a young man. His fingers are not as they used to be now, and he has difficulty using his middle finger to draw back the string, but I daresay he can shoot an arrow with the best of them.”
Lavinia seemed to be as talkative as Agnes had been when he first met her, but William didn’t mind. He enjoyed the easy manner in which she drew him into the conversation and made him feel part of their little group. It was odd how things that bothered him before no longer had such an unwanted effect on him.
“I have offered Miss Humphries some lessons to reacquaint herself with the sport,” William revealed. “She mentioned she no longer partakes in it as much as she used to.”
“Agnes fills her days with other activities,” Lady Trafalgar informed him. “She used to spend all day outside with her father, but since he started having trouble with his fingers, she stopped. Agnes is considerate like that.”
Everyone close to Agnes spoke so highly of her, which puzzled him when it came to Phoebe. It was clear that she disliked Agnes, but he had yet to discover a reason. Perhaps Phoebe was jealous, but from the little he knew, her family was wealthier than the Humphries, and she was also an attractive woman.
Their tea and cake eventually came, and they continued their pleasant conversation with Livvy throwing in topic after topic. Agnes did not speak as much as William hoped, but that didn’t deter him. Martin had told him to try harder, which was precisely what he would do.
“Is your transport outside?” William asked once their cups and saucers had been cleared away.
“We hired a carriage, My Lord,” Lady Trafalgar informed him. “We’ll find another one to return to Mrs Mellors’ house.”
“I insist you all ride with me,” said William. “There is no need to hire a carriage when I am here.”
“Oh, we wouldn’t want to be a bother, My Lord,” Agnes said quickly.
“It would bother me if you did not accept my offer, Miss Humphries,” he replied firmly, raising his eyebrow at her.
Agnes smiled and ducked her head. “I suppose we cannot do such a thing.”
“Precisely.”
They left the tea shop and walked across the road where his driver and carriage stood waiting for him. William ensured that Agnes sat beside him by helping her sister and mother into the carriage first and forcing her to take the opposite seat.
They picked up their conversation from the tea shop, discussing the most favoured places in Cheltenham and life in Lydney. William wanted most to speak to Agnes alone, but he couldn’t do much short of kidnapping her and running away.
However, Lady Trafalgar and Lavinia seemed to understand his need to have a little time with Agnes because they walked ahead when they arrived at Mrs Mellor’s home, giving him the much-needed opportunity with the woman beside him.
“I am glad to have seen you today,” he said, walking achingly slow.
“As was I, My Lord,” Agnes replied, her eyes ahead.
“Indeed? I couldn’t tell.”
That made her look his way. “Why? Did I do something to offend you?”
“I think I have become a tad selfish where you are concerned, Miss Humphries,” he admitted. “I like our conversations and do not like to include other people.”
“Oh,” she said, her mouth prettily forming the word. “I did not think I had made such an impression.”
“You certainly have,” he affirmed. “Perhaps we can go on a walk again. I feel that we have much to discuss.”
The slow smile that spread across Agnes’ face warmed his insides. “I would like that, My Lord. My family and I have planned a few outings before they leave, but I would love to walk with you as soon as the opportunity arises.”
William was disappointed that Agnes could not spare him time while her family was here, but he understood her need to be with them. At least she seemed eager to spend some time with him again.
“I look forward to it, Miss Humphries,” he said as they reached the front door. “It is always a pleasure being in your presence.”
William felt more confident about his chances with Agnes when he returned to the carriage and left the area. Jacob had not won yet.
Chapter 16
