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of the foil like a bird. If you hold it too tight, you will kill it; if too loose, it will fly away.”
    Andrew and John turned to look at their uncle who mused, “Perhaps you should take advantage of his overconfidence.”
    “And?”
     
    “The French love their coup de grace. Retreat, cower, anticipate, dodge, and the rest is up to you.”
    In the final moments, John was backing up as if he were beaten; Captain Wiley made the final victory lunge, only to miss John, who twirled and pinked a surprised Captain Wiley. The obvious winning move silenced the home crowd, but the English side went wild with cheers. These accolades continued as the referee held John Darcy’s hand high at the end of the match.
    “Well done, nephew,” Sir Thomas shook his hand and congratulated John as he came off the stage. “I only wish your father and mother could have been here to see your dashing performance.”
    “I knew you would win,” Lady Staley said with a big smile.
    Inhibitions aside, Laura and Sarah rushed to John’s side and he lifted both in the air, one in each arm, as he twirled around and in the process kissed each one on the cheek. He put them down and Sarah saw him spot his twin brother. John walked over and shook his brother’s hand with all the warmth and meaning of an English handshake. Such brotherly love soon evolved to a hug. As they did so, John said, “Were you not such an excellent sparring partner, I would never have grasped the championship ring.”
    “I am proud to have the best swordsman in England and France as my brother,” Andrew replied.
    Sarah was moved as she saw Andrew genuinely congratulate his brother. She wished Laura would someday likewise exhibit such sisterly warmth.

 
     
    Chapter Six
     
    Sarah had mixed feelings as her hair was being fixed for the day. She was quite pleased at her cousins doing so well in the tournament. The pleasure that came with John winning the championship felt like that any sister might feel towards a brother.
    On the other hand, the invitation to Madame Duval’s house filled her with trepidation. She must spend the entire day with her sister, Laura, with whom she had never spent an agreeable day. Early in life her sister had been domineering and disrespectful. This had led to the sisters separating at their own request after their mother’s death and the preoccupation of their father. Laura went to live with her aunt Caroline, the Countess of Westbook , and Sarah moved into joyous peace at Staley Hall.
    Over the past four years, Sarah had observed that her sister’s sojourn with her snobbish Aunt Caroline did nothing to improve Laura’s disposition. Sarah hoped to see an improvement in her sister and planned to place the best interpretation on any behavior; none the less, she would at least try to guard her own feelings.
    With dressing completed, Sarah descended the stairs to meet her sister. Laura looked quite beautiful in her white day gown and wide-brimmed hat.
    Sarah said, “You are quite handsome in your dress.”
    “Thank you, sister. I think you look well. . . but your dress seems rather nondescript. Do you not realize that we are to meet the Marquis today? Perhaps, I should help you select something more suitable.”
     
    “I am afraid there is not time, we must be prompt on such an auspicious occasion.” Continuing with a sad smile, Sarah said, “Besides, sister dear, I fear you would find my entire wardrobe consists of non-descript gowns.”
    Laura leaned closer to Sarah and said, “Smell my perfume! It is the latest fragrance in Paris” After the obligatory sniffing, Laura grabbed Sarah’s arm and led her out the door. As they stepped outside, Laura released her grip and clapped her hands with joy. “What a perfectly lovely day. The sun seems to shine as never before--I am sure it will bring out the fine sheen of my golden hair. I will have to make sure the Marquis sees me outside in this glorious light.”
    Sarah’s mood began to brighten