Ewan moved his king defensively, buying time. “Agreed.”
Juliet smiled, appreciating the shift in conversation. “I hope your brother Edward is well. He’s taken to his duties as a member of Parliament with great enthusiasm. “That he does. It fits him well. He likes to boss people around.” Ewan moved his bishop.
As Juliet moved her queen for the final strike, she looked at Ewan with a confident smile. “Checkmate.”
Ewan nodded in genuine admiration, a warm smile crossing his face. “Your strategic mind is as sharp as ever, Juliet. You play as ruthlessly as your brother Bradley.” He glanced at her. “He was always a worthy opponent.” He remembered the few times he had played him at the gaming hells.
Juliet returned his smile, feeling a warmth in the shared moment. “And you, Ewan, have always been a worthy opponent and a good friend.” She let out a deep breath. “Bradley was a worthy opponent. He wouldn’t let me beat him at chess. He made me earn it.” She stopped resetting her pieces and stared at nothing. “We had our own aliases.” She shook her head. “I still find it difficult to believe.” She gave herself a shake and went back to setting her board.
With a glint of mischief in her eyes, she began to reset the board. “Shall we make it best two out of three?”
Ewan smirked, accepting the challenge. “Indeed, I accept.”
He rose and crossed the room to retrieve a hamper that Mrs. Murthy had thoughtfully prepared, filled with refreshments. Returning to the table, Ewan set out the contents: a selection ofcheeses, fresh bread, and a bottle of fine wine. “We might as well enjoy ourselves while we play,” he remarked, pouring them each a glass.
Juliet laughed softly, appreciating the gesture. “Agreed. Let’s see if your strategic prowess extends to our next game.”
As they settled in for another match, the atmosphere grew warmer, filled with laughter and playful banter. Juliet’s competitive spirit shone through with each move, her eyes sparking with determination as she plotted her next strategy.
Ewan moved his rook with a confident flourish, positioning it strategically on the board. “You know, Juliet, this rook isn’t just a piece. He is Sir Punch, the steadfast guardian.”
Juliet raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Sir Punch, you say? And who does he protect?” He was making a story about them.
Ewan smiled, his eyes twinkling. “He stands watch over the castle, ensuring safety for his lady love while they navigate threats.”
Juliet chuckled, moving her bishop.
“And your bishop, Lady Judy, a daring profession for a woman, but bear with me. Lady Judy is wise and strategic,” he leaned in toward her. “Even if she is a bit stubborn at times.”
“And then we have the pawns, loyal and brave. This one here,” he moved a pawn, “is young Percy, eager to prove himself. Everyone must prove who and what they are to the world.”
Juliet’s fingers traced the edge of her queen, her gaze thoughtful. “And the king, she is resourceful and resilient.” Barrington perhaps.
He gazed at her. “Much like how we must be. She relies on Sir Punch and Lady Judy, but she also must make her own decisions.”
Ewan moved his king, aligning it with Sir Punch. “Together, they face their challenges, balancing duty and personal desire. United is a single purpose.”
The game progressed, the chess pieces coming to life with each turn. Ewan’s eyes sparkled as he moved his knight. “This knight, Sir Alden, had a claymore. He’s a friend and ally we rely on.”
“Like Duncan.” Juliet couldn’t help but smile as Ewan’s eyes twinkled with mischief, weaving whimsical tales with each move on the chessboard.
The game continued, their conversation flowing easily. By the end of the afternoon, they had played seven games, with Juliet ahead. Ewan leaned back with a playful smile. “I must request a rematch soon.”
Juliet grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I look forward to it.”
With their time drawing to a close, Ewan leaned in and kissed her tenderly, his lips lingering with a promise of more. Juliet felt a flutter in her chest, the beginning of something new and sweet between them.
Reluctantly, they left the warmth of the cottage and headed back to the carriage. As they traveled towards Juliet’s home in Cavendish Square, the initial contentment began to wane, replaced by the reality they faced. Juliet found herself completely drawn in by Ewan’s charm and humor, which turned their chess game into a magical escape. Their time together was a cherished reprieve, a tender interlude filled with warmth and growing affection.
Juliet glanced out the window, the familiar streets of London coming into view. “Ewan,” she began, her voice tentative, “our arrangement… will it truly be enough?”
Ewan sighed, his gaze fixed ahead. “It will have to be, for now. While marrying me protects you from being forced into another marriage, it also puts you at risk from those who are after me. For your safety, it is best that we remain apart.” He letthe thought set for a few heartbeats. “Besides, I can court you and we can get to know each other properly.”
The carriage pulled to a stop in front of Juliet’s home. Ewan stepped out, offering his hand to help her down. They walked to the door in silence, the earlier ease replaced by unspoken worries.
As they reached the door, Ewan turned to Juliet, his expression earnest. “Goodnight, Juliet. We will make this work.”
Juliet nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. “’Till it be morrow, my Punch.”
