88 Stay- Part 1 (1/2)
Heidi had come out to the forest with the Lawson's, Warren's cousin Agnes, Mr. Rufus and Nicholas on a bright sunny afternoon with a clear sky above them. It was mostly like this; to go hunting when there was no hint of rain. It was the fourth time for Heidi to join them in their hunting activity and the difference today from the rest of the days was that she held a bow and an arrow in her hand. She didn't enjoy it, but Heidi was well aware that this was one of the natural things the elite did, killing animals to kill their own time.
”What was the bet again?” Venetia asked already ready and aiming for something Heidi couldn't see.
”The one who hunts the largest mule deer in less than an hour will be given a land each from all the participants,” Lord Nicholas said looking around the forest.
”I believe Lady Heidi and Lady Frances won't be participating,” Timothy said looking at the ladies.
That's when Heidi realized Lady Frances had accompanied them too. She didn't like the woman, especially after the nerve she had by running her mouth about how she had 'bagged' Warren as she was a mere common lady. But then, that wasn't the only reason.
”Oh, I would love to but my aim hasn't improved yet. The last time I went hunting with papa, they had to get the arrow out of a servant. Ahahahaha,” she laughed, covering her mouth with the back of her hand.
”We should keep your hands away from the arrows,” Timothy replied back playfully. Like Heidi, Frances was carrying the bow and arrows.
”I am sure by surrounding myself with such skilled hunters, I will be able to pick it up really quick. Lord Nicholas also said he would teach me, didn't you milord,” she peeked through her lashes while looking at Nicholas who smiled in agreement.
”Of course, my dear,” the lord replied.
This was the reason, thought Heidi to herself. The lord was being his charming self, spending his time next to the woman whom she had caught that night making out with him in the hallway. Internally she sighed, she had never thought she could be jealous but there was no helping it. If this was Lord Nicholas's way to tease her, it would be best to avoid both Nicholas and Lady Frances for the reminder of the day. Did he enjoy her reactions that much? He had told he liked her, not that he loved her. And she knew expecting too much would only hurt her. But there were also times she wanted to retaliate and give him a taste of what he was trying to achieve.
”Heidi,” she heard Warren call for her, who was few feets behind her, ”Would you want me to help you learn?” he asked.
Heidi nodded her head, ”I would be very thankful.”
”Maybe we should go together. It would be nice to learn together, don't you think Heidi,” Frances suggested, excitement radiating through her eyes.
”Okay,” Venetia said walking to stand next to Agnes, ”We'll be moving forward. The time starts now.”
”See you later then,” Timothy waved with a smile before disappearing behind the thicket of trees, leaving Lord Nicholas, Warren, Heidi and Frances alone. Hearing a crow near a tree, Heidi wondered if it was Lord Nicholas' crow, Toby. Did anyone even stand a chance in winning while Lord Nicholas had his pet to tell him which direction the largest mule deer was.