Page 18 of Enticing the Devil

When he came to a stop in front of her and she had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze, she forcefully ignored how it made her feel small and feminine in a way she’d only ever experienced in his company.

“Mr. Thomas,” she greeted simply.

He gave a nod. Then, “You’ll want to participate in the final round, I imagine.”

The way he phrased the statement caused her to hesitate. She frowned. “I certainly don’t have to. But if you’d rather not...”

“You’re clearly the better shot,” he noted gruffly as he glanced over her head.

She turned to see what he was looking at, but there was nothing at all of interest behind her. She was inclined to agree with his assessment, but her father would say such hubris was decidedly unladylike and unattractive.

“My targets were much closer. It would be hard to say—”

“You’re better,” he interrupted firmly.

She fell silent, unsure if his curtness was simply an aspect of his nature if or if he were actually put out by her skill. Before she could determine if it was one over the other, he gave a short bow of his head and walked away.

Chapter Seven

The final archery round proceeded rather quickly. The five archers took their shots in rapid succession as the spectators and other competitors watched on in obvious excitement.

The moment her third and final arrow met the center of the target beside her first two, Anne knew she’d won. Since she and Mr. Thomas had the highest points going into the final round, even if each of her competitors got three bullseyes as well, they wouldn’t have been able to overtake first place. With a small smile, she’d lowered her bow and glanced to where she’d last seen her partner.

He was no longer there. A quick glance over the crowd confirmed what she already suspected; he hadn’t bothered to stay to the end of the event.

Before the fact could burrow too deeply into her mind, Lady Wright stepped around her table with a wide grin.

“Verra well done, Lady Anne,” she said with a grin. “I find I dinnae mind losing when it’s to someone with such skill.”

Anne glanced to the countess’s target. “I see you made three in the center as well, my lady.”

“Aye, which means I can blame the loss on my husband. And I surely intend to,” she added with a wink. “But you’re quite magnificent with a bow and you should acknowledge that. I’ve never seen anyone aim and shoot with such fluid grace. It’s fascinating.”

The final scores were tallied quickly and resulted in a first place for Lady Anne Humphries and Mr. Thomas, with the Earl and Countess of Wright claiming a very close second and third being earned by a local squire Mr. Gallagher and his partner, Lady Muriel Ratcliffe.

Lady Wright’s comments weren’t even the most effusive Anne received as others came forward to offer their congratulations. Though the atypical amount of attention made her feel rather uncomfortable, she couldn’t deny how much she enjoyed taking the win.

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