His Favorite Mistress by Tracy Anne Warren Page A

invited. “Choose one.”
    He tilted his head with arrogant refusal. “I prefer my own. I’m used to the grip on my rapier, you see.”
    Realizing he was right, she lowered the sword. “Fine. I shall choose one for myself, then.” Flipping the weapon neatly in her grasp, she offered him the hilt.
    He made her a small bow as he accepted. “My thanks, Miss Gabriella.”
    Moving toward the far wall, she began to inspect the swords. Behind her, she felt him watching.
    “Surely you are not serious about this?” he asked after a moment.
    “Of course I am,” she returned. “I haven’t had a chance to fence with a worthy partner in ages.”
    “All the more reason why you should not do so today. You are out of practice.”
    “A bout with you will help me refresh my technique. What do you think of that one?” Stretching out a finger, she pointed toward a likely sword.
    “It appears to have good balance, but the rapier Ethan was using is better, particularly since its tip is already blunted.”
    “And which sword might that be, pray?”
    He crossed his arms over his chest. “The answer scarcely matters, since we are not proceeding with this plan of yours.”
    Spinning to face him, she planted her knuckles on her hips. “Do you doubt my ability?”
    “Not at all.” In a sweeping motion, he raked her with his gaze. “Still, even you must admit you are hardly dressed for such exertions. You’ll trip over yourself in that gown.”
    She shrugged aside his doubts. “I’ve learned to do more in a dress than you might imagine possible, so not to worry. Come on, Wyvern, fight me. Unless you’re afraid of being bested by a girl,” she added, hoping the taunt would ruffle his male pride enough for him to agree.
    A laugh rippled from his throat. “You, my dear, have a very droll wit. No, the only thing of which I might possibly be afraid is for your reputation should we happen to be observed.”
    “But all of us here are family and friends. No one will mind.”
    He gave her a skeptical look. “I am not so sure of that. It’s doubtful, for one, that Rafe would approve.”
    “Oh, surely he’s not so stuffy as all that. But even if he is, why are you worried? After all, if I am not alarmed at the prospect of incurring his displeasure, then why should you be? Or do you only do the things of which my uncle approves?”
    His smile widened. “Hardly, as well you know. I do as I see fit in accordance to my own rules and none other. Now, enough of your baiting, hoyden.”
    “But I am only longing to have a little fun,” she implored, inwardly conceding the futility of her previous persuasion tactics. “Where can the harm be in that? It is not as if we are doing anything so very scandalous, is it?”
    When he said nothing further, she continued. “Besides, who is to know, with everyone occupied elsewhere? My uncle and most of the men aren’t even in the house, and the ladies are buried in their painting. Please, just fifteen minutes with the rapiers. No one will know but us,” she finished, showing him her most winsome smile.
    Like a star in a night darkened sky, a twinkle winked deep within his intense blue gaze. “You do not lack for persistence, I will say that much.” Unbending, he gave a nod. “Very well, we shall have a bout.”
    Clapping her hands, she let out a small squeal and leapt up and down on her toes.
    “But ten minutes only, not fifteen,” he warned.
    “Yes, Your Grace. Ten minutes and not a second more.” She flashed him a mischievous grin. “Despite the limitation, that should give me more than enough time to defeat you.”
    He laughed again. “Outrageous minx!”
    “Would you do me the favor of retrieving the sword Lord Vessey used?” she added in a light tone.
    “But, of course,” he agreed with a gallant sweep of his hand.
    Once he had gone to find the correct sword, she moved to a nearby chair and dropped down onto the seat.
    As he strode across the room, Tony shook his head, wondering