Page 27 of Love Unraveled
“Did you honestly think I was going to let you off so easily?” His voice was steady enough, but his eyes flashed in challenge.
“Whatever do you mean, Mr. Durand?” His alias did not flow easily from her tongue, but his scowl confirmed using it had gotten the reaction she’d been seeking. “I kept my end of our little agreement.”
“Hardly, Sophie Auclair,” he said, walking toward her. “A crowded room with friends as a bulwark does not satisfy the agreement.”
“You said you wished to participate in my socials, and it was what my friends wanted to do.” She fought her response to him, tried not to react to his proximity. “What was I to do?”
“In that case, I will grant you grace this one time. And you will make it up to me. We will enjoy an evening together,” he said, his gaze softening as he ran a strand of her hair through his fingers.
She could not stop the shiver that shimmied across her neck and down her arms, but she could resist the invitation in his words and in his eyes. “I have an engagement.”
“Oh, do tell,” he said, taking a step back. “What are we doing?”
“Weare doing nothing.”
She walked away and took a seat on the sofa. Sophia hated that he could rankle her so easily. She did not expand further. Instead, she looked toward the window, discreetly keeping an eye on his reflection as he strolled to the side table and poured himself a drink. The man was audacious, and she should find it unappealing, but for some reason, she did not.
Gaston strolled to the chair facing the sofa and sat, looking far too relaxed now. “Tut-tut, Sophie, a deal is a deal. Of course,weare doing something this evening.”
“Iam going to Lord Bennet’s ball.” Sophie casually wiped at her skirt, then looked back at him. “With the duke.” She was well rewarded. She’d wiped the smug look off his face.
“You are breaching the terms of our agreement. You were to tell him you need time.”
“I’m not entirely certain I approved such a directive.” She held up a hand to stop him before he could say anything. “Regardless, even if I concede, I have not yet had a chance to tell him, have I?”
“Sophie, you are testing my patience. A note would suffice.” He frowned, his drink untouched.
“Surely you would not have me do something so personal by letter? I have no wish to offend him.” He nodded slowly as though in agreement. She should have let it be, but of course, she could not. “After all, I will need the man to renew his offer for me in a month’s time. It would not do to run him off.” She stood. “You may choose tomorrow’s activity.” She turned her back to him and walked to the window.
She heard his growl before he reached her, and her body hummed with anticipation, not fear, as he grabbed her hand and pulled her around, locking her against his body with his free arm. His eyes burned into hers, and she lifted her head, waiting for his lips to meet hers, waiting to taste him once again. Perversely, he abruptly let go and took a step back.
“You have won this round, Sophie. For now.” Gaston turned heel and strode out the door.
She stood in the empty room, touching her unkissed lips, disappointment warring with excitement. While she did not for a minute believe they could find their way back to the love they’d left behind on the continent, she was beginning to see that this month was going to be interesting. As a cat finds pleasure in playing with a mouse, so might she have fun with Gaston.
*
Dinner was adull event. Sophia learned nothing, nor was she been entertained. Were it not for the delicious meringues, she would declare it a complete failure. The duke was in fine form, arrogantly commanding attention, although he’d not much to say to be worthy of it. His talk of horses was growing increasingly tedious.
Retiring with the ladies was equally mundane. She did wish she’d been able to bring Elizabeth or Catherine along with her, but it seemed rude to impose upon the duke for an invitation on the night she was going to dismiss him, albeit temporarily. Others would be arriving soon, joining the Bennets in the ballroom. So there remained a slight possibility the evening would improve.
She’d already decided she was going to talk with the duke on the way home, although she still didn’t know what she was going to say. Sophia wasn’t concerned about breaking the duke’s heart. She had no illusions. His interest was more in her purse than in her, although he was not altogether impervious to her charms. He’d never tried to seduce her. He was too old-fashioned to attempt such a thing. But she’d seen the lust in his eyes when she’d allowed him a parting kiss. Recognized the yearning in his body as he’d held her close. Unfortunately, she’d felt nothing. Could she live without passion?
Sophia had attended many events with the Duke of Salinger this season, and it had led to much speculation in the papers and among her friends. He’d tried to broach the subject of marriage, and she had redirected him each time, not ready to commit.Yet.She wasn’t offended by his interest in her money, for most men would find her wealth an appealing attribute. And, even though he was twenty years older than her, he was somewhat attractive if not inspiring. But his rigidity made her hesitate most of all. She’d suffered under the inflexibility of her aunt, and she’d vowed never to live under such constraints again. She’d been working to change him, waiting for a glimpse indicating it was even possible.
“Countess?”
“Oh, do forgive me,” Sophia said to Lady Bennet. “I attended the exhibition today, and it wore me out. I blame my inattention on fatigue.”
“Exhibition?” Lady Bennet asked.
Her voice always took Sophia aback. It seemed too high and shrill for her solid, matronly form and towering height. She should be commanding but instead consistently sounded like a frightened young girl.
“The Somerset House exhibition,” Sophia said, and Lady Bennet looked lost. “The Royal Academy? Opened their doors Monday? Art?”
Lady Bennet frowned, shaking her head. Sophia glanced around the drawing room. There were plenty of paintings, many of them quality. How could the woman not know about such an important event? “You have never been?”
“Indeed, I have not. Perhaps my husband has. Oh, there he is now.” Lord Bennet led the group of men entering the room. “Percival, over here.” Her voice pierced the room, and Lord Bennet obeyed, followed closely by the Duke of Salinger. Lady Bennet questioned him about the exhibit, while Sophia fought the urge to roll her eyes.
