Page 34 of Real Earls Break the Rules

“I agree with the two of you regarding love,” Caroline said, “but Minerva has a point when it comes to archery. If you want to hit the target it can’t hurt to imagine someone you dislike. Whose head would you envision?” she asked Amelia.

For a brief moment Amelia thought of her father who had abandoned his three daughters without a shilling after his forgeries had been discovered. Over the years the pain of betrayal had ebbed, but it was present just beneath the surface and would arise at inopportune moments. She’d learned not to let resentment consume her. She was grateful for her life now, and she knew it would not have turned out the same if her father were still in their lives.

The women were waiting for her answer. Amelia managed to shrug and say offhandedly, “I can’t think of a single soul at the moment.”

“You are too kind,” Caroline said.

Amelia withdrew another arrow from the quiver and pulled back her bow. She closed one eye and let go. This time the arrow whizzed through the air and hit the bull’s-eye dead center.

The ladies cheered. “A perfect hit!” Sara said.

“Look who has come to join the festivities,” Caroline said.

Amelia lowered her bow and turned to see Vale walking across the lawn. The sun was behind him and the morning rays illuminated the gold in his chestnut hair and the rich outline of his shoulders against his jacket. He looked devilishly handsome, and he carried himself with a commanding air of self-confidence.

Amelia’s heartbeat accelerated as the memory of last night returned in a rush. The velvet warmth of his kiss, the caress of his fingers on her cheek, the trail of his lips across the pulsing hollow at the base of her throat to the swell of her breasts had left her wanting. Heat skittered down her spine just thinking about it.

She’d wanted their kiss to continue. She’d wanted more.

He’d pulled away.

She took a step forward, then stopped as Lady Minerva grasped her skirts and rushed forward to greet him with a welcoming smile.

“I’ve heard you are exceptional with a bow and arrow, my lord. Can you spare a moment to give a lady a lesson?” Minerva asked.

Amelia fought the urge to roll her eyes. He couldn’t possibly fall for her ridiculous praise, could he?

Brandon looked past Minerva and met Amelia’s eyes. For a heart-stopping moment a flash of desire leaped between them.

Minerva picked up a bow and pulled an arrow from a quiver on the lawn. “Will you show me the best way to hold the bow?”

Brandon frowned and turned his attention to Minerva. “Of course,” he said.

Amelia understood that he was the host of the house party, and he couldn’t refuse the lady’s request. Nonetheless her foolish heart skittered as he stood behind Minerva and put his arms around her. His left hand rested just below Minerva’s ample bosom as he showed her how to notch and align the arrow before pulling back the bow.

Amelia could not help but think about when Brandon had put his arms around her and instructed her how to play lawn bowls. The heat of his body had spread to her limbs. His touch had upset her balance, and she’d been consumed with a strange inner excitement.

Did Minerva feel the same? Glancing at her flushed face, Amelia was certain she did as well. The lady’s eyes were wide, her lips parted, and she gazed up at the earl like an infatuated girl.

“Close one eye and keep your hand steady. That’s it,” he instructed. A second later the arrow whizzed by and missed the target entirely to land in the trees beyond.

“Oh my. That wasn’t very good, was it? Show me once more,” Minerva said, her voice a little breathless.

Amelia felt a helpless, unaccustomed pain in her breast. It couldn’t be jealousy, could it?

The second arrow hit the target just off center.

Brandon stepped away and smiled at Minerva. “You did it,” he praised.

Minerva’s face was flushed with eagerness. “You are an exceptional teacher, my lord.”

Caroline and Sara clapped. Amelia’s cheering was weak at best.

“I’ll fetch the arrows.” Amelia desperately needed a distraction. She felt suddenly overwhelmed by everything that had occurred over the past few days. Since arriving at Rosehill she’d begun secretly painting a portrait, copying a priceless painting, and kissing the master of the house.

She hurried across the lawn and started pulling arrows from the straw target. Some were deeply embedded, and she yanked with force.

“Let me help.”