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That very idea stunned him stupid for several heartbeats.

He liked her. There was no doubt about that.

He wanted to be near her and know more about her.

But a courtship? That sort of activity only led to one place—a parson’s trap.

Was he about to walk straight into one willingly?

Well, bloody hell… He might just want that very thing, and he didn’t know what to make of that sudden revelation.

Now that the idea had entered his head, he couldn’t let it go.

He had to ensure she won this competition even more now.

He needed that time alone with her. Adrian had to convince her not to give up on him.

They could have something real between them.

Something lasting… But he would not have the opportunity to prove it to her if she refused to be alone with him.

He went to stand beside Georgina as they awaited the results of the competition. Adrian feared she was correct. Her archery skills were on par with Lady Melisande’s. They would likely tie. “What do you believe will happen next?”

“That we will be announced as tied and the next target be placed for us to shoot one last time.” Her tone was firm and accepting. She didn’t expect anything else.

“You’re likely correct,” he admitted. “Melisande is a very skilled archer, as are you.”

She nodded. “I doubt she expected us to have scores so close together.”

“She probably thought she would win with little effort on her part,” he agreed. “What do you think she hopes to gain from this fib of hers?”

Georgina was quiet for a few moments. At first, he thought she hadn’t heard him or that she would not answer his question.

Then she started to speak. “I cannot say with any certainty what she wants from this. But I do believe whatever it is has to do with Lord Kendal.” She glanced up at him.

“She wants him. I just do not know if it is for marriage or something less honorable.”

“He might consider any designs she may have for a wedding less than honorable.” He would have considered a trap into marriage that as well. But now it depended on who was trying to lure him to the altar. He might gladly say vows as long as his intended bride was Georgina.

“That is true.” She frowned and tilted her head thoughtfully. “Do you think that is what she might want? I confess I do not know her well enough to even begin to ascertain her motivations.”

“I suppose we will discover soon enough what she wants with Kendal,” Adrian said. “Either way, that is his problem and not ours.”

Georgina smiled. “You don’t wish to help your friend out of whatever she has planned for him?”

“He can take care of himself rather well.” Adrian nodded at Lord Kendal. “And he’s not that good of a friend.” His lips twitched as he fought a smile. “At least not one that I would offer to help out of the goodness of my heart.”

Georgina shook her head. “You shouldn’t be so blasé about betraying a friend.” She sighed. “Even if he isn’t a close one. You never know when you might need help from someone.”

“And what about your relationship with Lady Melisande?” he asked. “Will you come to her aid as well?”

“I don’t know,” she admitted. “We are not friends. We’re barely acquaintances.” She tilted her head to the side. “I suppose it would depend on what she asked from me and if I thought it was something I could help her with.”

Adrian respected her opinion. Perhaps he should consider helping Lord Kendal if Lady Melisande hoped to trap him into marriage.

He wasn’t so certain he could do anything about that situation.

Perhaps he could help him. Perhaps not. It wasn’t a problem he would have to handle at the moment.

“They’re about to announce the results.”

“We have a tie,” a man said. He had dark hair streaked with gray and wore the livery of the Marquess of Easton.

Adrian squinted and then grinned. It was Easton’s butler, and he didn’t appear to be enjoying this new role.

Easton’s mother must have given him the task.

“Lady Melisande Burton and Miss Georgina Williams, will you please come forward? We will have you each attempt to hit the target and the best shot will win the tournament.”

“It appears that I was correct.” Georgina retrieved her bow and quiver. “It’s time to take one last shot.” She glanced at him. “Are you going to come with me?”

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” He smiled. “Do you need one last lesson before you win this?”

“Of course not.” She snorted. “I never needed any lessons to begin with.”

“Lead the way, my lady,” he said. “I have the utmost faith in your capabilities.”

Adrian hoped she did win, but even if she didn’t, he still had plans where she was concerned.

There would be other ways for him to find some time alone with her.

He didn’t need Kendal’s assistance in that regard.

He should never have made that wager with the viscount.

It was a foolish thing to do, and he regretted it.

That one act had ensured that Georgina would be disappointed in him.

The end, in this instance, did not justify the means.

“Ladies,” Easton’s butler said. “Please come forward.”

Georgina and Melisande went forward and stopped in front of the butler.

They each had their bow and quiver in their hands and were ready to take one final shot.

The butler gestured toward the target. “You each have one opportunity to take a shot on these targets. You both will take that shot simultaneously.” He motioned for them to stand in a certain location.

“On my mark, raise your bows and nock your arrows. When I say go, you will release your arrow.”

Both ladies stepped forward and prepared to make their shot. “Ready,” the butler said. “Lift your bow and nock your arrow.”

Georgina and Melisande each lifted their bow and placed their arrow, preparing to let them fly.

Adrian studied each of them. They both seemed determined and capable of winning this contest. Georgina appeared more relaxed though.

As if she didn’t quite care as much as Melisande what the outcome might be.

“Let your arrows fly,” the butler said.

Adrian watched as the ladies let go and their arrows soared toward the target. They hit at the same time, but one was slightly better than the other. One had hit dead center, and the other was slightly off. They were both excellent shots.

After a few moments, the butler came forward and announced, “The winner is Lady Melisande Burton.”

Georgina walked over to Melisande and said, “Congratulations. Your shot was beautiful.”

“Thank you,” Melisande said. “Yours was as well.”

They were being so polite to each other. It was an interesting exchange. Adrian wasn’t so certain that he would have been so cordial with a rival. Kendal came to stand beside him. “When ye are ready tae do yer part in our bargain, ye know where tae find me.”

“That I do,” Adrian said. “We will talk later.”

He had lost the wager, and he would do his part.

In the meantime, he would have to make his own plans on how to find time alone with Georgina.

It would be more difficult, but not impossible.

Besides, this was better. He didn’t want Kendal’s help.

That way no one would be aware of his plans other than himself.

Georgina glanced up then and met his gaze.

He smiled at her and considered his options.

This house party would give him ample opportunity to spend time with her.

He would wait and find the perfect moment.

She was skittish and shy normally. He didn’t wish to push her into something she wasn’t ready for, and he wanted her willing to be with him. Adrian had to play this carefully.

For now, he would go over to her and tell her how wonderfully she had done in the competition. He couldn’t have done any better himself. She was so lovely and talented. Adrian wanted to know everything about her, and he couldn’t wait to discover it all.