Page 50 of A Secret Infatuation
Grosvenor Square’s flagway was broad and the day beautiful. People strolled along it in different directions, and he offered his arm, enjoying the warmth and intimacy of walking together.
“How have you been? Not too fatigued from the masquerade?” He felt a little tremble go through her and slid his eyes sideways at her heightened color.
“I am not tired,” she replied.
“I spoke today to an MP by the name of Lord Henry Ashford, brother to the Duke of Stanley. He is known for having some sympathy for reform, even if he leans conservative. I asked if Lady Henry would be open to receiving a visit from you, for she is famed for her benevolence and is known to be amiable. I thought you might approach her first about a subscription, for she might lead you to others afterward.”
“You are too kind. I have hardly dared show my face to Miss Edwards, for I have not even begun seeking donors. The fact that Lady Henry expects my visit will make it much easier.”
“I am delighted to be of assistance and am ready to do more, should you wish it. Would you like for me to accompany you to visit Lady Henry?”
She smiled softly but shook her head. “I believe a visit to a lady with whom one is unacquainted is better done by another woman. I will ask either my sister or Marie—or even Miss Edwards, for she knows more about the asylum than I do.”
“You are probably right.” They were approaching Park Lane, and the sight of its green trees brought him back to the last time he had come to Hyde Park with Lady Sophia, and to the conversation he hoped to have today. His heart began to chug violently in his chest. He waited for a pause in the carriages and horses on the road before leading her to the other side.
The open path under the row of trees would give them the privacy he needed to begin speaking. It would not allow him to take her in his arms as he wished, should his suit prove successful, but he could speak his heart without fear of being overheard. Now…how to begin without oversetting her?
“I asked if you were tired after the masquerade last night, but I did not ask if you enjoyed it.”
Lady Sophia was quiet for long enough that he turned to examine her expression. He guessed that his opening had embarrassed her because it demanded she give voice to what he had not yet had the courage to express.
“Perhaps I shall answer my own question first,” he said. “I enjoyed it. Very much. In fact, I do not remember ever enjoying any ball as much as that one, for I was paired with the most charming dance partner.” Since he hadn’t taken his eyes from her, he did not miss her dimpled smile and gaze directed downward. “There was only one thing that cast me into regrettably low spirits.”
Her regard swung to his, and he held it. “I was unable to see the face of my masked partner when all was revealed, and I so should have liked to have.”
“Why?” she asked quietly.
“Because then she would know the words I had spoken were meant for her.” If he kept his voice light, he might not scare her off.
Felix watched emotions flit through her expression, varying like colors in a sunset and sending a delightful hue to her cheeks. He stopped and gently turned her toward him, reaching for her hands to clasp in his. She looked up at him, a tremulous smile on her lips. Lips he meant to kiss as soon as he was given a private opportunity. But first, she must be convinced beyond a doubt of how he felt.
“I must tell you of my esteem—the depth of love I have come to feel for you.” Her hands sat lightly in his, but her regard was unwavering, and he knew he had not erred in divining her feelings.
A stray wisp of curled hair flew loose from underneath her bonnet and caught on her lips; he reached up to free it. “Sophia, I?—”
“Harwood!”
Sophia’s eyes widened in surprise and alarm, and Felix turned to the unwelcome sight of Robert marching toward him, flanked by Tom Perkins. His stomach plunged.
What wretched timing! At last, he was on the point of declaring himself to Sophia, of asking if they could have an understanding, even if it meant a long courtship—as long as she needed. His hope was only half-formed, but he even thought they might go further and commit to a betrothal. If she was as equally lost to the helpless longing he suffered every time they were apart, perhaps she would be ready for it.
Robert’s face was mottled with anger. “Sophia, stay away from this man, for he is an imposter!”
She took a step apart from Felix, sending a wave of disappointment through him that she would so easily credit Robert’s denunciation.
“Mr. Cunningworth,” she began in a tone firmer than he had ever heard from her. “I do not know what you hope to achieve by telling me what I must or must not do. May I remind you that you are not one of my relations, and therefore I do not answer to you. I wish you would abandon the idea that I have any desire to be guided by you.”
For Sophia, this was a long speech, and a decisive one. In any other circumstance, Felix would have wished to shout “bravo!” But he was too filled with fury at Robert’s innuendo to rejoice in Sophia’s courage.
“What do you mean by coming here with these false accusations?—”
“Sophia, it matters little whether you wish to hear what I have to say; my information is too vital to be withheld. Although Mr. Harwood preaches reform”—Robert now glared at Felix, letting those words ring out a conviction before continuing—“it is only a convenient pretext to achieve a more exalted position and line his pockets. I have proof of his deeds, and what is more, all of London will be in possession of it by tomorrow morning.”
Felix was so bewildered by this accusation—the last one he expected, considering that he thought Robert’s objection would have to do with Sophia—he had no ready retort. Robert was so sure of this supposed perfidy that he was ready to smear his name? His hands hung helplessly at his side. “Explain yourself.”
“Oh, you need have no fear that I won’t. Not only am I going to explain myself to you, but I have exposed the facts to the gossip sheets as well. All of Society will know you for the fraud you are.”
Felix stared at him, his brain working sluggishly as he tried to understand what could possibly have caused Robert to act in this way. He was vaguely aware that a crowd had gathered to listen, near as they were to Hyde Park’s entrance.
