Page 48 of Adeline

“Theo corrects and guides us as we practice,” Adeline offered as they stood a few paces away from the others while they prepared their arrows. “She is accomplished at calculations, wind speed, and angles.”

Lady Melton adjusted Lady Josie’s positioning, having her shift one foot so the toe of her boot faced the target on a straight line.

“Odd, but I’ve never considered my stance when shooting,” Jasper mused.

“You will find it increases the accuracy of your shot by twenty-seven percent.” He glanced at her, her brow furrowed. “Or at least that is what Theo always says.”

“On most occasions, I am hurried to release my arrow before the stag or pheasant catches my scent and flees.”

“Shhhh,” Adeline whispered, leaning close enough for him to catch the scent of vanilla that clung to her. “Take in this moment.”

The pair released their bow strings in unison and hit their targets in the exact same spot.

“That was a spectacular feat!” Jasper applauded, receiving smiles from the women and a wave from Lady Georgina.

“My turn.” Adeline took her place before her target and removed her bow from her shoulder. She looked as captivating now, in Regent’s Park, as she had during their turkey hunt at Faversham, though her hair was not wildly cascading down her back, but instead pinned mostly atop her head in what Jasper could only assume was the proper style for London ladies. He could nearly picture her in true trousers with her skirts tucked as they were, her trim waist leading to toned legs with delicate ankles.

Lady Melton joined her with her own bow and quiver at the ready, and Jasper pulled himself from his scandalous musings.

Jasper watched as the women breathed deeply, exhaled, and then took another, far more shallow breath—and then loosed their arrows.

When both hit—and stuck—dead center of their targets, Jasper exhaled, not realizing he’d been holding his breath in anticipation of Adeline’s shot.

The women embraced at their victory.

“Marvelous,” Jasper called once more, applauding their talent.

The women were supremely talented with their bows and would likely best any man who dared challenge them.

Pride surged through him, though it was not his pride to feel.

“Good morn, ladies!” a man called from behind them. “I see you have attracted a crowd.”

Jasper turned to see a smartly dressed man striding toward them, lanky but not overly tall, and dressed in garb finer than Jasper’s. He was certainly born to an elevated class, and the man knew it. His hair was combed with precision, and his boots shone in the morning sun.

He did not stop when he arrived but went straight to Lady Georgina, wrapping her in a tight embrace before setting his lips against hers. “I have missed you, my lady bug. Must you be away from me all these hours? If I were a less confident man, I would doubt your love and devotion to me.”

Lady Josie’s cheeks flamed red at the intimate nature of their conversation.

“Oh, Felton, if I were not so in love with you, I might declare that you are smothering me with your neediness,” Lady Georgina countered.

“You wound me, as always, my lady.” The man sighed dramatically.

“Is it not better for words to wound your heart than my arrow, my dear Mr. Crauford?”

Jasper watched the couple with envy. What exactly he coveted about their relationship, he was uncertain. Perhaps it was simply having another person to be close with in all regards: mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Finally, Lady Georgina pulled from the man’s embrace and turned toward Jasper.

“Lord Ailesbury, may I present my preening, indigent, lovingly committed husband, Mr. Felton Crauford.” Lady Georgina swept her arms up and down in front of her husband as if showing off a prized statue. “Felton, this is Lord Ailesbury, a friend of Adeline’s from Kent.”

“I do hope you did not fall prey to their womanly charms and accept a challenge of skill,” Mr. Felton Crauford said. “Because, I assure you, they will best you…and take their purse prize without a second thought.”

Jasper instantly liked the man—his warm smile and wit were likely a fine match for Lady Georgina’s daring tongue.

“It is a blessing my bow remains in the country, or I’d likely have been swindled out of anything not entailed to my Earldom,” Jasper countered with a chuckle. He hadn’t felt so light and unburdened in years, and it all revolved around Adeline. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Crauford.”

“And you, my lord.” Crauford pulled his wife close to his side. “Will you be joining in the celebration tonight?” He cringed and glanced at Adeline.