Page 13 of Love Unraveled
She’d been angry and composed in the drawing room, but he saw none of that now. Watching her when she did not know she was being observed shifted something in him. He cursed himself for a fool, but years of yearning could not be dismissed with the wave of her hand. Gaston still believed the count had been involved in his disappearance, but he was now certain Sophie was unaware of it. There was comfort in that. For his own sanity, he must discover if she’d loved the count. More importantly, Gaston must find out if she’d ever stopped loving him.
Chapter Nine
These are certain signs to know
Faithful friend from flattering foe.
—Shakespeare, “The Passionate Pilgrim”
“I’m sorry I’mlate,” Catherine said, her naturally flushed cheeks far more attractive than any rouge Sophia had seen applied on the ladies attending this evening. “Daniel had a fussy day, and I didn’t want to leave until I knew he had settled.”
“You are always late,bella. But you’re a good mama.” Sophia kissed both those rosy cheeks.
“I’m not,” Elizabeth said as she followed suit and brushed a kiss across Catherine’s cheeks. “A good mama, that is. I must confess, I am enjoying these days without the boys. The freedom! I’m glad Richard insisted we not interrupt their new governess so soon. She’s only begun to set routines.”
“Those four will not even notice you are gone, especially with a new soul to torment.” Sophia was happy to see Elizabeth smile at her teasing. They both knew the children, while relentless in energy, were well-behaved boys. Elizabeth and Richard were actively involved in their little lives, and it showed. “They will grow to be independent men, not mama’s boys. It is what you want, no?”
“There is some merit in what you say. At least, I shall grant it credence as a sage observation when I am overcome by guilt.” Elizabeth grinned.
“I thought this was to be an intimate gathering?” Catherine glanced around the small ballroom. “It seems a great crush.”
Sophia found it overcrowded as well, but it was exactly what she needed. There was no time to think at a gathering like this one. There was also ample opportunity to listen to conversations. She’d only been in London a week, but she’d heard nothing so far, only that Napoleon had crossed the River Saale. Of course, she shared none of this with her friends.
“There is so much competition at this time of year. Many fear their affairs will be underattended. Perhaps they sent out extra invitations to ensure a good turnout and then,voilà, everyone appears. In truth, we were not to be here. I had to work my magic.” Sophia waved an imaginary wand in the air.
“You mean work your duke, don’t you?” Elizabeth said, and Catherine giggled.
“Maybe.” Sophia pursed her lips and looked away, pretending she was offended, but it was exactly what she’d done. They had many events in the coming weeks thanks to the duke’s influence. And hers. But she did not delude herself. Her presence was desired by many, but she did not hold the same power as the Duke of Salinger.
“Speak of the devil…um, duke,” Elizabeth said, and Catherine laughed again.
This time, Sophia swatted her lightly with her fan. “Cease. You are having fun at your good friend’s expense.”
Catherine sucked in both lips, trying to look contrite, while Elizabeth raised a knowing eyebrow. Sophia smiled at the two of them, winking playfully before turning her attention to the Duke of Salinger.
“My lady,” he said, taking her proffered hand and bowing slightly. “I saw you the moment I walked in. You light the room.”
Sophia dipped her chin in acknowledgment of the compliment but did not comment on it. The duke was always ready with plaudits, but she recognized the hollowness in his flattery. She was no fool to fall for his shallow accolades. The man wanted one thing from her—her money. She’d yet to decide whether being a duchess would be worth the struggle to hold on to her purse strings.
“My ladies,” the duke said smoothly, acknowledging Elizabeth and Catherine, then immediately dismissing them and returning his attention back to Sophia. “Will you spare me a dance this evening, Countess Tessaro?”
Sophia fluttered her fan in front of her face, not because she was playing coy but because she found it irritating when he casually ignored her friends. If the liaison might not be so advantageous for many reasons, she would send him on his way. The duke played in powerful circles, including that of the regent himself. Many of her tidbits for the Home Office had come from there, especially from foreign visitors who enjoyed the regent’s liquor as much as the regent did himself.
Still, if she did decide to marry him, he would need to temper his arrogance.Gaston. Could she marry anyone now she knew he lived?
“Countess?” The duke was frowning, and Sophia was not convinced it was out of concern. She had not meant to drift to thoughts of Gaston, and it was frustrating she had done so.
“I will consider it,” she said, more tersely than she’d meant to, but she felt no remorse. The duke’s skin was a thick pelt, and he’d not feel the sting of anything she said.
“Of course.” He bowed stiffly and walked back into the crowd.
“I honestly do not know what you see in him,” Catherine said. “I know it’s none of my business, but seriously, he could be your father.”
“He is handsome, no?” Sophia said it flippantly, hoping to dissuade further conversation on the topic. She did not want to dwell on the duke any more than she wanted to stew over Gaston.
“I suppose, if you like old, whiskery grandfathers.” Elizabeth’s angelic face scrunched in distaste.
“Have I mentioned you two are evil? Not every woman is fortunate enough to marry for love.”
