Felix let her lead the way, praised Audrey till she blushed, then began a lively conversation with Lord Cameron and Louisa. “Tomorrow at eight o’clock would suit,” he said finally.
Sally turned, catching Louisa staring at Felix with wide eyes. “You cannot fight each other.”
“Why not?” Lord Cameron asked. “A man can get rusty if he does not practice.”
“I am not much in need of practice, so fair warning. I will test your limits.”
Felix sauntered off with a smug smile on his face.
Louisa grabbed her arm and shook her. “Sally, Hastings has just challenged Lord Cameron to fight him with swords. You must put a stop to it.”
Sally understood why Louisa was worried, but she did not share her fear. Cameron was proficient enough with a sword not to be a danger to himself or Felix. The young man who had stayed with them after his father’s tragic death and had cuddled on her lap as she read him stories as a child was more than capable of taking care of himself now. But it was natural to feel concern for him. “What is wrong with a little harmless practice between men? Our brothers always fought against each other and included us too. If they were here they might do the same.”
“But Cameron is no match for a seasoned captain.”
Sally was looking forward to the match. She would make sure to return from the fields just to have the pleasure of watching Felix stripped down to battle against an opponent who was not trying to kill him. “Felix is hardly going to do more than draw a little of his blood. At the very worst.”
Louisa moaned, clutching her head. “Grandfather will put a stop to this.”
“Grandfather will likely watch too,” she called out to her sister’s retreating back. “Once you tell him about the match.”
“Do you think he will,” Lord Cameron asked, his tone excited for tomorrow. “Will the duke watch?”
“I do believe he might.” She shared a grin with him. “You have grown so dashing that we love watching everything you do. Let’s hope the captain spares your pretty face from ruin though.”
The young earl blushed a deep shade of red. “I wish you would not say things like that to embarrass me.”
“Why not? It is the honest truth, dearest Cameron. You should get used to adoration. Many ladies will agree with me when you meet them in London. I have heard a great many sighs from the local lasses too, even if you doubt me. Just ask anyone.”
“I did.” He pulled a face. “Your sister laughed as if the idea was ridiculous.”
“Well, she is a few days older than you. A wise and elder influence,” Sally said, rolling her eyes. “But she still thinks of you as a little brother.”
“And will never let me forget it either.” He glanced around. “I heard from Louisa that you will move away soon to marry Ellicott. Newberry Park will not be the same without you.”
Sadness filled her at this first good-bye. She could not tell anyone she was having doubts until she had decided what to do about them. “Thank you, Cameron. I will miss you too, but we will see each other often in London, I am sure, especially during the season.”
He pecked her cheek as if he really were a member of her family, a sweet, shy little brother, and stepped back quickly. “But where is your betrothed? I should congratulate him on winning one of the most beautiful women in the district.”
“You are too kind.” She glanced behind her to point him out. Ellicott had not returned. “I do not know where he has gone unfortunately.”
“Well, perhaps I will see him tomorrow morning.” He grinned. “Good night, Sally. I will expect to see you tomorrow too and to hear you cheer me on.”
He swung his arm in a mock sword strike and started saying his good-byes to the family before collecting his mother and hurrying out.
Around her, her family chatted and mingled with an ease she for once did not feel part of. Troubled by the feeling of displacement, she slipped from the room and approached the butler. “Do you know where Lord Ellicott went, Morgan?”
She should really talk to the man about her conflicted feelings. She was not being fair to him.
Morgan winced. “I could not say my lady, but he did ask for a carriage.”
He had left the estate? But to do what at this hour?
“Thank you.” Sally slowly ascended to the family wing, pondering how men kept running away from her. Felix, though, kept returning. She found herself at his door. Light flared beneath, proving he was still awake. Was he waiting, hoping she would come to him again? Hoping to start over with her?
She wavered a moment, then tapped once. Sally let herself inside, only to have Felix catch her up in his arms and sweep her off her feet. He kissed her, and thoughts of her engagement to Lord Ellicott fled.
Chapter Twenty-Eight