Chapter 12 #2
Sylvie restrained the urge to respond to his teasing by smacking him across the chest. She didn’t dare touch him.
The memory of his rough palm cradling her hand on Friday outside the men’s club had seared her mind already.
More physical contact would only make it worse.
“We should practice more trick shots together. And we’re missing some theatrical elements that would help make the show more entertaining.
Are you comfortable adding more of a performance to your role? ”
Completely serious now, Miles nodded. “I’ll do anything you think will help.”
He hadn’t even hesitated in agreeing. The way he was so completely open to supporting her work was even more unexpected than how her heart melted at his words. Would he react the same way if he knew it was her under the hood, not some nameless archer?
Sylvie swallowed hard before continuing.
“We’ll meet at your spot. It will have to be at the usual show time on Thursday.
That’s Independence Day, and we aren’t scheduled to perform due to the parade.
I can’t get away any other days this week, but I’ll try to think of a way to do so for future practices.
If you’ll draw me another map, I’ll meet you there so we won’t be seen together. ”
He nodded in instant agreement. Sylvie helped him and Mr. Miller clean up, then left the resort with a map to his secret spot and a heart torn between elation at spending more time with Miles and dread of an impending downfall.
America’s Independence Day dawned sunny and sweltering. Miles woke quite early to the resounding pops of firecrackers being set off by neighborhood children who would likely run through the streets all day.
But even the early hour couldn’t dim Miles’s excitement. Sylvie had finally asked for his help. She was relying on him and the trick shots they could create together to improve her show. And he was determined to meet her expectations.
A morning at the laboratory while everyone else was out celebrating would be beneficial for his work, so Miles prepared for the day.
It took longer than usual. What did one wear to do some work and spend an hour or two in the woods with the most wonderful woman imaginable?
Finally deciding his hesitancy was absurd, he put on the brown suit he usually wore to the laboratory.
He did allow himself a few extra minutes to fix his hair before rushing downstairs to eat a quick meal, though.
On his way out through the front hall, Grace stopped him with a gentle call from the base of the grand staircase.
“Oh, there you are, Miles. Before you leave, Mrs. Bryce invited us to join an intimate group on their yacht this evening to take in the Sandusky fireworks display. Your name is also included on the invitation. Will you come along?”
Would he spend time alone with Sylvie in the woods that day and also enjoy an evening watching her eyes glow with the reflection of exploding lights? There was no reason to even consider an answer. “I would be honored. I’ll be back this afternoon to get ready.”
Grace smiled with a knowing twinkle in her eyes. “I didn’t think you’d refuse this particular invitation. Are you making any headway with your pursuit?”
That Alexander had told his wife Miles’s personal business shook him for a moment, but with some consideration, Miles could understand.
If he were ever privileged enough to be Sylvie’s confidant, he would divulge to her even the most trivial thought or experience without hesitation, friends’ secrets included. “Possibly. I’m hopeful, at least.”
With a nod, Grace turned to go upstairs. But she threw one last comment over her shoulder. “I recommend not pushing too fast. Miss Bryce has a reputation for being skittish with gentlemen.”
She continued on her way, leaving Miles to contemplate her words as he left the house.
He narrowly avoided getting caught up in a parade starting its route and made his way to the laboratory on a crowded steamer while mulling over Grace’s description of Sylvie.
The last thing he would call her was skittish.
She was strong. Thoughtful. Witty. Engaging.
But he could also see how members of high society might have gotten that impression of her. At social events, she was pleasant enough to avoid her mother’s censure while also remaining aloof to keep men from thinking she was amenable to their suit. It did tend to make her appear unpredictable.
But he knew better. Sylvie Bryce was a woman who would love deeply when she finally decided to. And far too much of his heart longed to be the man she would decide upon.
Once at the laboratory, Miles strode into the empty workroom, thrilled at the quiet stillness permeating the building.
The students and staff who lived there had likely all gone into Sandusky to enjoy the day.
That would help him work as well as keep the upcoming practice unnoticed.
Settling in at his desk, Miles began analyzing notes he’d been making of the insect populations around the lakeshore over the last few weeks.
Then he compared the information to reports one of the students had gathered from local doctors about the prevalence of different diseases the insects were known or believed to carry.
Miles was so engrossed in the data that he nearly missed the time when he had agreed to meet Sylvie in the clearing.
Stacking his materials in a neat pile, he grabbed a stool from a high table, rushed out the door, and headed down the path leading into the woods.
He made his way to the narrow deer trail he’d noticed during his first days there and followed it to the clearing.
And there was Sylvie, hood and mask in place, with one hand resting on her hip while the other held a lovely bow he hadn’t seen before.
Her own, he guessed, since she used one the resort provided for her shows to avoid drawing attention by carrying hers back and forth.
“You’re late. I don’t have unlimited time, you know. ”
Miles held back a grin at her stern tone.
While her attitude might be charming to him, this work meant freedom to her.
He wouldn’t give her any reason to think him capable of mocking that.
He could only imagine how difficult it must be for an unmarried woman to escape from her household alone on such a regular basis.
“I apologize. I was occupied by my work this morning and lost track of time. But I’m ready to begin now. What do you have in mind for us?”
Miles liked the way “for us” sounded. Did Sylvie enjoy the idea of the two of them being partners in this venture as much as he did?
Light pink tinged the bit of her cheeks showing below her mask, increasing his confidence that she did, indeed.
In a gesture Miles had noticed she often did, Sylvie reached up with both hands to straighten her hood.
“I’m planning to combine some elements from our other trick.
I’ll start facing away from the target, then spin around while shooting from behind my head.
If I’m successful, the arrow will pass through a ring tossed by Mr. Miller and an apple balanced on your head.
I’ll consider adding a blindfold if it goes well. ”