Page 29 of Married By Twelfth Night
Bridget carried in two foils, handing him his blade first. “It’s going to be a thrilling afternoon, Richard. Don’t downplay it.” She went to Tobias next. “Don’t hold back,” she told him. “My brothercan handle it.”
“Obviously, I won’t win,” Tobias answered with a nervous laugh. He set his mask over his head. “Nonetheless, I do expect you ladies to cheer for me.”
All three women broke out in a succession of exaggerated cheers, making them all laugh.
Richard put on his own mask. Mother had made him purchase a set of masks during his time at university. She had never been fond of the sport, and while most men preferred to play with their heads back, she had demanded he wear a mask, and Father had enforced it. Now that he was sparring with a much younger opponent, he could see the usefulness of the purchase.
He and Tobias slipped into on guard position. “Hits are only valid on the right breast. Are you ready?”
Tobias gave a quick nod. “I think so.” He lunged forward, and Richard easily parried the attack.
“Don’t put all your weight on your back leg.”
“I thought that was customary,” Tobias said.
“It is, but if you can balance more, you will have the advantage in speed. Try again.” Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Grace’s riveting gaze on him. Had his instructions to Tobias made him sound conceited? That had not been his point, but he did not like that Grace might construe his words as such. He had not cared before, but after their last talk in the carriage, he was questioning himself and wishing to be better than before.
A moment later, Tobias parried, followed by a timely riposte. “Much better,” he said. “Again.”
They sparred for a solid forty-five minutes, and finally, Tobias, using a feint-disengage attack maneuver, managed to thrust the end of his foil into Richard’s chest. All three women clapped excessively.
Richard joined in the clapping. “Very good! You are a quick learner.”
“Thank you.” Tobias pulled off his hat, revealing a mop of sweaty hair. “I might need a moment to breathe before we go at it again.”
“Have some refreshment.” Richard waved him toward the women. Bridget had arranged for queen cakes and tea. He’d half expected to see more shortbread and melted chocolate, but perhaps Richard would have to perform better to earn their favorite treat. He removed his gloves and hat, wiping his face with a handkerchief.
“I am impressed with your talent.”
Richard turned to find Grace holding a cup of tea for him to take. He accepted it. “Thank you.”
“I have heard many times of your love for the sport, but I did not equate that to the hours of work and practice that came with it. Your dedication is admirable.”
A small smile played on his lips. She wasn’t forcing out a compliment for anyone to hear this time. It was honest and completely satisfying. “When something is important to you, the sacrifice of time and energy is nothing.”
She sipped on her own cup of tea. “I have seen proof of that recently in other areas of your life, but none of those passions included teaching my brother with such utter patience and encouragement.”
This he could not take credit for. “Bridget wanted a demonstration. I . . . was trying to do something for her.” He fingered the warm porcelain in his hand. “It’s because of what you said the other day.”
“You listened?” She shook her head in disbelief.
“I did. Friends listen to friends, do they not?”
The awe in her eyes turned to what he hoped was a shade of admiration. He did not need her approval, but for some reason, having it seemed very important to him.
Grace led him over to speak to Ruth, who had a number of questions about the different fencing blades. He happily explained them to her, but his attention was torn. He kept noticing little things he shouldn’t. Where Grace was standing. The sound of her laugh. And the lilt of her voice. Each played in the back of his mind long after the Steeles returned home.
Instead of puzzling over why, or trying to chase the curious thoughts away, he let himself contemplate all things Grace. She hadn’t shied away when he had needed her, and that meant a great deal to him.
So, he would allow himself to think of her.
Just for one night.
Chapter 12
The Steele family hosteda card party every December before the holidays came and families traveled or made family plans. Tomorrow was the day, and Grace was in charge of overseeing the maids’ cleaning of the main rooms the guests would frequent. It was a very pointed task, since Grace was not always the most tidy. She liked organization, but she merely prioritized more exciting tasks to the tedious, boring ones.
When Richard arrived for an unexpected visit, carrying a mysterious crate, she was suddenly self-conscious. She wore an old white dimity gown and apron, and her hair was coming out of its coiffure from her attempt to pull a marble out from under the sofa. Brushing aside her embarrassment, she forced her shoulders to straighten. It was only Richard Graham, and there was no need to impress him.
