Sherwood Smith Quote

Next was the foursome I had been bracing myself to face all along: Tamara, Savona, the newly met Lady Elenet, and the Marquis of Shevraeth. Very conscious of Olervec’s pale eyes following me, I forced myself to greet the Marquis first: Good morning, I said, as if we’d been talking just the day before. How much I wish to thank you for putting me in the way of finding the proper books for my project.Again that laughter was evident in his glance as he sketched a bow. If you have any further questions, he said, it would be my pleasure to accommodate you.I’d be honored. I curtsied, my hands making the fan gesture of Unalloyed Gratitude. The shadow of humor in the corners of his mouth deepened.Then I turned to the others. Savona grinned at me, one hand moving slightly in the fencer’s salute of a good hit. I fought the urge to blush as Tamara murmured, You’ll be in the race tomorrow?Of course, I said, lifting my hands. I have to prove whether my wins last time were luck, skill--or the kindness of well-wishers.Tamara smiled a little. And once you’ve proved which it is?Why then I either celebrate, commiserate--or fulminate!They all laughed at that, even the quiet Elenet, though her laughter was so soft I scarcely heard it.I turned to Shevraeth and said, Will you be there?I hope to be, he said.Riding your gray?Is that a challenge? he replied with a hint of a smile.I opened my mouth, then a stray memory brought back our private wager before we reached Athanarel and nothing could prevent the heat that burned up my neck into my face; so I quickly bent over, making a business of ordering one of the flounces on my gown. After I had straightened up I’d have an excuse for a red face, or at least enough of one to pass the notice of the three who (presumably) knew nothing of that unpaid wager.I think, I said, retying a ribbon and patting it into place, then unbending with what I hoped was an expression of nonchalance, I’d better find out if my luck is due to skill or kindness before I make any pledges.Very well, he said. A friendly race will suffice.When the conversation came to a natural close, I retreated to Nee’s side and finished the rest of the picnic with her and Bran.