Page 56 of Solving Sophronia

Her concerns eased, and her stiffness melted away.

As if by reflex, his arm tightened, bringing her closer until their bodies were nearly touching. The air between them was hot and electric, and more than anything, Sophie wanted to lean in to him and rest her head on his shoulder as he held her in his embrace.

She jerked back, mortified at the turn her thoughts had taken. Her feet stumbled, and the detective slowed, then stopped, a look of concern creasing the corners of his eyes. “My lady?”

“I beg your pardon.” She gave a sheepish smile and pressed her hands to her heated cheeks. “How very clumsy of me.”

The other dancers moved around them, but she knew she was drawing attention. Would her blush ever leave?

Detective Graham put a hand on her arm. “Are you unwell?”

“I am well. I apologize. Just a bit warm.”

“Do you wish to stop? Or shall we continue?” He tipped his head to the side.

Sophie could feel him studying her, and the idea that he might see her thoughts was humiliating. She retook his hand, gathered her skirts again, and pasted on a smile.

He waited for the correct beat of the music, and they started again, but this time Sophie was determined not to allow her emotions to be clouded by their proximity. “Tell me—what did you learn from the gentlemen?” She kept her voice low enough that the conversation remained private beneath the sound of the orchestra.

Detective Graham raised a brow and watched her for another moment before answering. “I was pleasantly surprised by Lord Meredith and his friends. We enjoyed a fine time—conversation and drinks in the cardroom until their mothers shooed us all out to socialize.”

“That is not what I meant.” She rolled her eyes. “Did youquestionany of them?”

His lips twitched. “I mentioned that I enjoyed hunting, and then I listened.”

“As they discussed the lecture.”

The detective nodded.

“Did you learn anything new?”

He shook his head. “Unfortunately, no. Much to the disappointment of Miss Thornton and Miss Kirby, who were trying to look inconspicuous as they listened behind the door outside the cardroom. Your friends might consider careers in espionage.”

Sophie frowned, frustrated that her marvelous plan was producing no results.

“But we are able to cross more suspects off the list. That is something, at least,” he said.

“I suppose,” she muttered, scowling.

He squeezed her fingers and leaned close to her ear. “We will find the killer, Sophie. Every step brings us closer to his discovery.”

Sophie’s cheeks flared again. This time it was not only his closeness but his use of her Christian name that brought on the reaction. Aside from family and a few older gentlemen who still thought of her as a little girl, no man had ever called her by her name. She stumbled again.

Detective Graham caught her, his arm tightening around her. He stopped again, resting his other hand beneath her elbow to steady her.

“I am so sorry,” Sophie said, pressing her palms to her heated cheeks. Her voice came out breathless.

“Come along.” He tucked her hand beneath his elbow and led her from the ballroom. They crossed the entry beneath the globe chandelier and entered the dining room. The room was filled with round tables this evening, where groups of guests sat visiting as they took refreshment. “I do not know why young ladies insist upon skipping meals,” he grumbled.

Sergeant Lester was at the far side of the room stacking dirty plates on a tray. When he saw them, he motioned with his chin to the side, indicating he wished to speak with them.

Detective Graham nodded to the sergeant and looked around the room. “There is your grandmother, Sophie.” He spoke in a quiet voice, hiding his English. “Eat something while I meet with the sergeant.”

Sophie was still heated, which she told herself had nothing to do with the man holding her arm and whispering into her ear. “I’ll come with you,” she said, halfheartedly, not wanting to miss anything and at the same time needing space to regain control of her emotions.

“I promise to tell you everything,” he said. “And ifIdo not, rest assured those two young ladies hiding behind the potted plant will.”

Sophie looked to where he indicated and saw Elizabeth and Dahlia peeking at them between palm fronds. She couldn’t help but smile at the sight.

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