Page 54 of Solving Sophronia

A group of young women approached, and Jonathan recognized one of them immediately. Miss Charlotte Grey. His first instinct was to hurry away, but Lady Sophronia had already begun introductions.

“Count Brankovic, please allow me to introduce my sister, Lady Priscilla, and her friends, Miss Charlotte Grey and Miss Helen Rothschild.”

“How do you do, ladies?” He spoke in his stilted manner, kissing each of their hands in turn. The action elicited giggles from the women.

“I hear you are from Serbia, my lord,” Lady Priscilla said.

Jonathan appraised Lady Sophronia’s sister in a glance. She was beautiful—stunning, really—but he sensed right away there was little more to her. And the same appeared to be true of her friends.

“Dat is correct. Near to Vojvodina.”

“So exotic,” Miss Rothschild whispered to her friends.

They giggled again, apparently believing his deficiency in English affected his hearing as well.

Lady Priscilla slid closer, touching his arm. “I wonder about your coat, my lord. Do you serve in the military?”

Lady Sophronia frowned, and Jonathan was not displeased at the sign of jealousy.

“Da.I am major in the Syrmian Hussar Regiment.” He repeated the words he’d memorized.

“You must have such stories.” Miss Rothschild moved closer to his other side, nearly boxing Lady Sophronia out from the conversation.

Jonathan took a step to the side and pressed his palm against the small of Lady Sophronia’s back to maneuver her into the circle.

“I do hope you intend to dance tonight, Count Brankovic,” Charlotte Grey said.

Is she actually fluttering her lashes?He couldn’t believe this was the same woman who had been so dismissive in her parlor only a few days earlier.

Sophie had been right about being known only for her title, and he could feel her frustration. Although, of course, in his case, it was precisely the reaction he needed in order to maintain his disguise.

Before he had the chance to answer Miss Grey’s question, two men approached. One wore a thick beard, and the other, a younger man, had curly hair and long side-whiskers. The younger man bowed to the ladies. “Lady Sophronia, Lady Priscilla, Miss Grey, Miss Rothschild.”

“Lord Meredith,” Lady Sophronia said. “Please, meet Count Nikola Brankovic.”

“A pleasure, my lord. And this is William Charles Baldwin.” He introduced the ladies, then turned to Sophronia. “My lady, Mr. Baldwin has agreed to be interviewed for your article.”

“Oh, thank you, sir,” Lady Sophronia said. “Mr. Baldwin, I understand your lecture the other night was very well received.”

He offered his arm. “I’d be pleased to tell you all about it, my lady.”

Sophie hesitated, glancing at Jonathan, before taking the man’s arm.

Jonathan felt a stab of panic. Would she leave him alone? He scanned the room, hoping for a glance of Sergeant Lester or one of Sophie’s friends, then chastised himself for the reaction. He was a detective for the London Metropolitan Police Force. He hunted and apprehended criminals and villains on a daily basis. Speaking with some fancy gentlemen at a ball was likely the easiest job he’d ever do.

“Don’t fear for your friend, my lady,” Lord Meredith said. “I’d be pleased to introduce him around.”

Sophie’s gaze met Jonathan’s, holding a question. He gave a small nod to reassure her. After all, this was why they were here. And while it may be uncomfortable, he needed to interview as many of the suspects as possible. Besides, he thought Lord Meredith seemed sincere enough. And, as noblemen went, rather likeable.

Sophie’s eyes lit on something behind Jonathan, and her shoulders relaxed the slightest bit. “Oh, Count Brankovic, you remember my friend, Miss Thornton?”

“Yes. A pleasure to see you again, Miss Thornton.” He rolled therin her name a bit longer than necessary. The skill had taken quite a bit of practice, and he was proud to show off for his teacher.

Miss Thornton gave a small smile, looking down quickly.

The other gentlemen greeted Miss Thornton as well, and she replied shyly. Sophie had told him her friend suffered from bouts of panic, and Jonathan wondered if it was truly painful for her to be out in company. If that was the case, he appreciated her willingness to assist with the case all the more.

Sophie pulled her friend away from the others and spoke quietly for a moment, giving Miss Thornton the bag with her notebook.

---