Page 67 of Love Unraveled
Often one night of work led to another, but he would not ruin the moment by saying so. He loved that she was dreaming of their tomorrows. It was still a little surreal, but he would not pinch himself, for if this was a dream, he had no desire to wake up.
“I wish we were attending together.”
“It would not aid our purpose to be the center of attention.” He wanted to kiss her pouting lips. “It is best you go with the Thornwoods as planned. Bentley is the perfect cover for me.Deux hommes élégantsout on the town, prowling for women with low standards.”
“You are not much of a dandy, and you’d better not be prowling.”
He turned from the mirror and scanned the length of her body. “One does not go fishing for cod when one has caviar at home.”
Sophie’s eyes narrowed in contemplation. “I am unsure if it is flattering to be compared to fish eggs.”
He strode to the chaise and pulled her to her feet. “My apologies,” he whispered in her ear. “You are incomparable. A diamond of the first water.Mon bijou.” He nipped her earlobe and swept soft kisses across her neck before seeking her mouth. They were both breathing hard when they parted.
The amber in Sophie’s dark eyes danced in the lamplight. “You are forgiven.” She touched his cheek, then dropped her hand. “You must go. Elizabeth will be here soon and insist you join us. She is valiantly rising to the cause of helping me assure your acceptance in my public life.”
It was difficult to leave her, but he had an obligation to fulfill. He hoped tonight would provide some information that would be of help on the continent so he could alleviate his immediate debt. As for his promise to remain under Liverpool’s direction after the month was over, it was entirely in the prime minister’s hands as to whether he would hold Gaston to it. Never truly knowing the fate of her mother had haunted Sophie. If he could provide answers regarding her father, give her some closure, it would be worth it.
*
“The night isyoung,bella. I would like to stay,” Sophia said when Elizabeth declared she was ready to end the evening.
Sophia could not blame her. To ensure the evening flowed naturally, and it was not obvious she was seeking out anything or anyone in particular, Sophia had insisted they attend several of the five routs being held. They were at their third one, and it had grown tiresome. But this was the rout Jocelyne had named, so she was not going anywhere.
“Then we shall remain also.” Elizabeth looked to her husband. Richard nodded in agreement, although he did not look enthused by the prospect.
“Not for me,bella.” Sophia touched her arm. “I am a big girl, no?”
“I cannot leave you unattended.”
“And she will not be so.”
Sophia instantly recognized the deep baritone and turned as Lord Stratton stepped beside her.
“I will happily see the countess home.”
Elizabeth smiled, and Sophia could see the worry slip from her eyes. “Perfect,” she said. “I didn’t know you were coming. You could have attended the other routs with us too.”
“Well, Nicholas had accepted several invitations, but neither he nor Catherine wanted to leave the house. And since we will soon be back in the country, I decided I would wander about and see what London looked like through a grandfather’s eyes.”
The Thornwoods said their good nights, and Stratton offered his elbow. Sophia smiled at him, then glanced around the room. The Marquess of Acherton lived a life of excess. While he was a member of the House of Lords, Lord Acherton seemed to have little interest in politics. He far preferred to eat too much, drink too much, and rumor had it, love women too much. His townhome, larger than most and made all the more spacious by the removal of some furniture and the sliding open of walls between rooms, was decorated with gaudy artifacts from around the world. The collection was proof that money could not buy good taste. The front drawing room in which they stood had proven as uneventful as it was unappealing, so Sophia was happy to stroll and see which rooms drew the men. She could decide where it was best to eavesdrop.
“Catherine is pleased with the new developments in your life,” he said quietly, although with the din around them, there was not much need for discretion.
Sophia was glad Stratton knew the truth about her and about Gaston’s long-standing role in her life. “I am glad to hear it.”
“As you should be, since you were so concerned about her good opinion. If she’s your canary in the mine, your friendships will be fine. She could not be happier for you. Come the time you want to tell her your whole story, she won’t run. She will only love you all the more. As I do.”
“Why, Lord Stratton, are you revealing a hidden passion for me?” Sophia said flirtatiously, trying to dismiss the emotion threatening to rise into her eyes. What had happened to her? Crying had never come so easily.
Stratton chuckled. “A foolish old man may dream of such things, but a wise one knows realistically you would wear him out and send him to an earlier grave.”
Sophia laughed, delighting in her relationship with Stratton. They chatted amiably as she paused in several doorways, considering the value of what was happening.
“I presume you are working?”
Sophia quickly glanced at him, surprised by his comment.
“I was watching you in the drawing room. You avoided groups of women and lingered wherever there were men. And now you loiter longest where the men gather.”
