Since that final throw meant she and Harry had officially won the match, Leticia allowed herself this moment of reprieve. It felt so nice to be unburdened, even for just a moment. But as she hopped happily from foot to foot, still hugging Harry tightly during their celebration, her eyes fell on Richard. He was coming toward them slowly. Even from a distance, she could see the perplexed look on his face, and with both arms tucked behind his back as they were, he seemed as though he were being dragged in their direction against his will.
Leticia gave up the hold she had on Harry and waved her hand at Richard. “Come!” she beckoned. “We’ve just won the round. Celebrate with us.” He was but ten feet away at that point, and Leticia gave him her best smile, hoping to share some of the glory of the victory with her friend. But just before Richard reached her side, Harry turned toward him. His expression darkened momentarily, and he nodded his head.
“Someone’s flagging you on the other end of the lawn.”
Richard stopped and turned, holding his hand up to his forehead to shield his eyes from the sun. Both Harry and Leticia mimicked the motion. “I don’t see anyone,” she said squinting into the distance.
“Right there,” Harry replied in an irritated manner, flapping his hand toward the left side of the lawn.
Richard said slowly, “I suppose there could be someone over there, waving to me.”
“You best get along then.” Harry clapped Richard on the side of his arm and gave him a nudge. “Don’t want to keep any of your other guests waiting.”
Leticia willed Richard to glance her way then, and he obliged. “But I was thinking I might play a bit of nine pins with you.”
“Ah…” Harry said jokingly, “that’s sweet, but you can see us any old time. Right now, you need to be devoted to your other guests and your bride. Say, where is the lovely Miss Loery?” Again, Harry lifted his hand to block out the sun, and he scanned the horizon.
But Richard didn’t turn and follow Harry’s gaze. Rather, he lingered there, looking at Leticia. She felt her pulse quicken, and she reached one gloved hand forward, ready to pull him aside as now was the time to come clean and tell him everything—not only what she had overheard, but also the way she was feeling about his whole upcoming marriage ceremony.
“I don’t know,” Richard replied, his words dripping from his lips. No sooner had the words come out than Harry begin to wave his hand madly in the air.
“She’s right there,” he laughed. “It was her calling out to you…trying to get your attention.” He turned toward Leticia and rolled his eyes. “You’d think you’d know the sound of her voice by now.”
“You’d think,” Richard and Leticia chorused, and while she was slightly humiliated by the synchronization of their response, it was nothing compared to Richard’s mortification at the moment. He grimaced, and his blue eyes widened in shock.
“I’ve got to go,” Richard said, turning abruptly.
“That’s what I’ve been saying,” Harry replied, seemingly completely unaware of both Richard and Leticia’s reactions. “We’ll see you later, old friend,” he called after Richard’s retreating figure. Then, he looked down at Leticia. “All right, now let’s get back to the game.”
Leticia shook her head and tried to think of a way to politely decline the invitation. Since no ready excuse popped to mind, she opted to go for the truth. “I really think it’d be best if I sat out this next round. There’s something I need desperately to speak to Richard regarding and—”
“Letty,” Harry interrupted. “Whatever you’ve got to say to Richard can wait. We’ve got a competition to win here.”
“I know,” Leticia whined weakly, “but I truly think what I need to say to Richard is more important than some nine-pins competition.”
“Letty,” Harry said, saying her name slowly and with a teasing grin.
“Harry,” she replied, putting on her sternest voice. “If I can just catch Richard for a second, then—”
“Let him go,” Harry snapped. His words came out in such a forceful declaration, that Leticia couldn’t believe her ears.
“What?” she demanded.
Harry narrowed his eyes and spoke slowly. “Richard’s a grown man, Letty. It might have been adorable for you to chase after him when we were children, but now? It’s not quite so appropriate.”
Leticia felt as if her cousin was chastising her. She took a deep breath and straightened her posture. “I am not sure what is inappropriate about having a conversation with him.”
“Richard can take care of himself,” Harry added, continuing with his own thoughts without sparing a second to process what she’d just said. “Plus,” he shrugged, relaxing his stance so that he no longer looked irritated, but just mildly annoyed, “if he needs someone, I am here for him.”
“But—” Leticia protested, and as she did, she saw Harry’s eyes harden. “Never mind,” she grumbled, kicking at a tuft of grass underneath the toe of her shoe.
She turned toward the Manor then and searched for Richard. Slowly, he loped along with his head down and his shoulders slumped. The corners of her lips turned down as she watched him make his progress across the pitch.
Can Richard take care of himself? I just don’t know.
CHAPTERNINE
“The procession is going to be truly exquisite,” Miss Loery declared as she laid one of the cards from her hand on top of the pile. “I’m not sure if Miss Walch shared with you yet—”