“I believe we should go further north,” Nicholas suggested. “I see a lot more foliage and grass over there. It is a hot day, and we are more likely to find the boars where there is a natural cover.”
“I agree with Nicholas.” Lord Jonathan nodded fervently. “It is way too soon to stop now.”
“I believe I see something rustling in the leaves,” Deborah chimed in, training her gaze on the hunting grounds. “I agree with His Grace that we shall have more success in this location.”
“No worries.” Lord Jonathan raised his hand in the air. “We can split into two. You can remain here with His Grace, while the rest of us venture further north.”
“I agree.” Nicholas nodded. “After all, there’s more than just one boar here, and it wouldn’t be as exciting if we were all concentrated in the same.”
“Let us make it more interesting,” Peter said. “The first to find and hunt the boar wins.”
“Not everything has to be a competition,” Deborah grumbled, seeming annoyed at the prospect of being left alone with the Duke.
“No, it is all right,” the Duke put in. “I do not mind a challenge.”
With that decided, Lord Jonathan and the two brothers rode away on their horses, leaving the Duke and Deborah alone.
CHAPTERNINE
The scorching sun beat down Deborah and Henry’s backs as the two carried on their search for the boar, feeling the pressure of the time ticking by.
Deborah sat atop her chestnut mare, scanning the horizon for any signs of the animal.
“Your Grace, I believe I saw something move there in the bushes,” she said confidently.
“Is that so?” The Duke turned his steed in the direction that Deborah was pointing at. His nose wrinkled in confusion. “I am afraid that you might be seeing things, My Lady, for there is nothing there.”
Deborah inhaled sharply, annoyed at his dismissal. “I assure you, I saw something move there. I am quite skilled at this sport, and I have an eye for spotting rapid movements.”
“As so I,” the Duke countered, not backing down.
“We are working together as a team, and it would be better if we found a way to agree,” Deborah said through gritted teeth, feeling annoyed that he refused to take her seriously.
Just then, there was rustling in the bushes. Both looked at the source of the noise, alerted by the presence of the boar.
“There! Over by the bushes. I just saw it move again!” Deborah’s voice was filled with excitement, feeling the thrill of the chase course through her veins. “I told you, it is exactly where I pointed out a moment ago.”
The Duke nodded, a rare moment of him admitting that he had been wrong.
But before the two could approach the animal, it darted out of the bushes and into the thick forest cover.
“Come on, then,” The Duke reined in his steed. “Let us follow it.”
The sound of thundering hooves filled the air as the two chased the wild animal. The Duke led the chase, while Deborah followed.
But the animal was too quick for them. By the time they made it to the clearing, it had vanished yet again.
“Oh, we missed it by a second,” Henry huffed, annoyed.
“I believe I saw it run to the left,” Deborah pointed out, seeming sure of herself. “We shall go that way if we hope to beat my brothers at this hunt.”
“Lady Deborah,” the Duke stressed, “I assure you, the boar went to the right. You must have been mistaken.”
Deborah’s brows furrowed in response, and she pursed her lips. “I guarantee you that I am not mistaken. I have a keen eye for hunting and saw the animal go to the left.”
“Are you always so certain about your opinions?” he challenged, his eyes glimmering with a mixture of curiosity and annoyance.
“Yes, I am.”
