Page 62 of Return to Satterthwaite Court

“You’re a good shot, I take it,” Ivo said in sudden understanding. “This begins to make sense.”

Jack led the way out of the cottage, his rifle in hand. “I daresay Kate imagines she can best you. She’s an excellent shot herself.”

Charles arched his brow at her. “Is that a fact?”

“Don’t look so surprised. Shooting has more to do with skill than physical force, as you must be well aware.” Kate strode past him to join her brothers, with Hannah close behind.

Charles came after them. “Good vision helps.”

Ivo squinted at the stone wall ahead. “Mine is abominable.”

Jack laughed. “He has spectacles. He’s just too vain to wear them outside of the house.”

“It’s not vanity,” Ivo retorted. “I simply prefer the world to be out of focus. The streets are cleaner this way and the prettiness of the village girls is greatly improved.”

Jack and Kate exchanged a look. She supposed Ivo counted Meg Burton-Smythe among the pretty village girls of his acquaintance. Pity he hadn’t been wearing his spectacles when he met her. He might have recognized that she was forbidden to him.

“Shall I collect pine cones for us?” Hannah asked.

“I’ll help you,” Kate said gamely.

It wasn’t difficult to find them. Most of the trees had shed their pine cones weeks ago. Kate and Hannah collected enough to line up along the top of the wall. It was less than fifteen yards from the cottage. Scarcely any sport at all. But Kate wouldn’t embarrass Hannah by insisting on setting their targets at a greater distance.

“Do you practice much?” Kate asked.

“Rarely,” Hannah said. “But I do know how to hold a rifle and shoot it.”

“Did your brother teach you?”

“My father.”

“It was my mother who taught me.” Raising her rifle, Kate pointed it at the farthermost pine cone and fired. There was an acrid cloud of smoke as the ball discharged. The pine cone shot off the wall with a satisfying crunch.

“Well done, Kate!” Ivo called out.

Jack applauded. “A direct hit.”

Kate looked to Charles.

His eyes gleamed with appreciation. He inclined his head to her in acknowledgment of her skill.

Pride swelled within her. “It was nothing,” she said, reloading her rifle. “A mere twelve yards at best.”

“But such a small target!” Hannah said admiringly.

“You go next, Miss Heywood,” Ivo said. “Ladies choice.”

Hannah reluctantly accepted the rifle from Kate. “I can’t strike one of them from this far.”

“Move closer,” Charles said, coming to stand behind his sister.

“Oh, but I couldn’t,” Hannah told him. “It wouldn’t be fair to everyone else. If twelve paces is the minimum—”

“Nonsense.” Kate urged Hannah forward. “We make our own rules.”

Hannah haltingly closed the distance, stopping a scant two yards from the wall. She took her time sighting the pine cone before firing. The force of her shot sent her staggering back several steps. She might have fallen if her brother hadn’t been there to brace her. But her aim held true. The ball struck the edge of the pine cone, sending it spinning.

The four of them cheered Hannah’s effort with enthusiasm.