And yet there will be happiness...

Well done

Happy to leave the two Ladies alone, Charlotte approached Tom.
- What's wrong, Mr. Parker? - Charlotte asked - do you need my help?
Tom was a little confused and didn't know what to say.
- We need another participant - whispered Tom - but I don't know where to get it.
- As far as I remember, we have already recruited an even number of players - said Charlotte - someone refused?
- On the contrary - said Tom, still in a whisper - Lady Augusta has expressed a desire to participate. I suggested that Crowe give her a seat, because he was already pretty drunk, but he flatly refused. Says that's not why he spent all day in the woods. Arthur also promised Georgiana that he would participate, so I guess I'll have to...
- No, no, Mr. Parker, you don't have to - Charlotte said with a smile.
She turned and strode toward Georgiana. Charlotte said a few words to her, but she only shook her head violently from side to side. Miss Heywood was relentless, and a few minutes later Georgiana reluctantly approached Tom and confirmed her interest.
- Splendid! Splendid! - exulted Tom - so we can start the draw.
Ladies and gentleman - Tom began confidently - we begin our Archer competition. Now you will draw the name of your opponent in the first round from the bowl. I offer our ladies the right of first choice.
He held out the Cup. Augusta came up to him and held out her hand with a smile. She pulled out a sheet of paper and read the name written on it, then looked down in confusion.
- Mr. James Stringer - she said.
- Splendid ! Your turn, miss Heywood - he said.
Charlotte went to him and reached out and pulled out a new sheet of paper.
- Mr. Arthur Parker - she said, smiling.
- Well done, miss Heywood - Arthur said, laughing as he approached her.
It was Georgiana's turn. Pulling out her paper and reading the name of her rival, she frowned and looked at Charlotte with annoyance.
- Mr. Crowe - she said, sounding annoyed.
- Oh, Miss lamb, how interesting - Crowe said - I've been wanting to cross swords with you for a long time... or bows..
Georgiana only snorted in response and stepped aside to make room for the next contestant.
- Lord Broome, you are our guest, so pull first - Sidney said.
The man smiled back at him and held out his paper.
- Mr. Thomas Parker - Broome said.
- So the last pair of the first round, Lord Babbington and Mr. Sidney Parker - Tom said, loud enough for everyone to hear.
A second draw was held to determine the order of the participating pairs and the chief judge of the competition, Reverend Hankins, was chosen.
- So, everyone knows the rules-recited Tom - in the first round, the shooters in pairs take turns shooting at one target with red and blue arrows, then the judge-Tom pointed to the Reverend standing next to him - counts the points. The shooter who gets the least number of them is eliminated. You have 6 arrows at your disposal. No more than 5 minutes for all shots. I wish you all good luck!

Charlotte and Arthur were the first to start shooting. He gave her the first shot with a smile. Charlotte took off her hat, put on her gloves, and, exhaling, took up her starting position. Looking around, she saw Sidney. He smiled at her tenderly, nodding his head slightly. His lips silently said, " good Luck!". Even from afar, Charlotte could feel his excitement and support. Standing at the ready, she took the bow in her left hand, set the red-feathered arrow, and pulled the string a little with her right, taking aim.
- Go on, Miss Heywood! - Arthur shouted at her.
Holding her breath, she reached for the bowstring and confidently released the arrow.
All eyes were fixed on the target, almost in the middle of which was the first arrow of the contest.
There were loud clapping and applause.
- Well done, Miss Heywood! - Arthur congratulated her - the first arrow right in the bull's-eye!
Charlotte smiled at him and picked up the second arrow. Less than three minutes later, the other five arrows also reached the target.
- Well done, Charlotte - Georgiana shouted, genuinely pleased with her friend's success. Charlotte looked around for Sidney. He stared at her, feeling immensely proud of Charlotte. At that moment, Sidney was incredibly happy.

- This girl can shoot as well as any gentleman - Lady Denham said with a grin - Are you sure she needs any help at all? For me, she's doing a great job on her own.
- You're right - said Susan, squinting slightly  - but it's a delicate matter, and she's still very young and doesn't know the niceties of high society like you or me.
-  And you can be persuasive - said Lady Denham, raising her eyebrows a little - Oh, my God, Mr. Arthur Parker is going to shoot, and I hope no one gets hurt.
Susan smiled at her and returned to the contestants.