Page 41 of To Redeem an Earl

“And the time of your … memorable connection with Lord Saunton, you were a widow then?”

The woman scowled in confusion. “Yes, what is your point?”

“Oh, I was just thinking … You are quite young and of childbearing age. If your relationship with my husband was so …special… then he could have proposed to you, not so? Yet, he did not. He married me after several Seasons of hunting for his bride. Why is that, do you think? I hate to state the obvious, but… Mayhap your time together was not as memorable as you claim?”

Both Lady Partridge and her friend gasped in wounded outrage, while Sophia maintained a politely interested expression. The she-devil struggled to find a retort, apparently not quick enough to engage in verbal sparring. After a few seconds passed with her mouth opening and closing in the manner of a fish, Sophia took her cousin by the arm. “Look, Lily. I see celestial blue silk near the back wall. Shall we examine it more closely?”

Lily appeared agog over the scene she was witnessing, but she managed a nod, accompanying Sophia away from the speechless women.

“We are to remain in the shop with them?” her cousin whispered beneath her breath.

“I am in need of a wardrobe. If I depart a shop every time a small-minded woman enters the door, I will never get rid of these debutante gowns your mother made me wear.”

“I cannot believe what you said. You are so brave.”

“Not brave. Just determined to live my life without strumpets interfering.”

* * *

When Sophia finally reached home,she stalked toward Richard’s study. Pausing by the door which was slightly ajar, she heard his brother, Perry. “No, not him. He slipped and broke his leg over Christmas, so he is languishing at his Derbyshire estate until he recovers. It was a bad break.”

“I will cross him off the list, then,” Richard replied.

Sophia pushed open the door and stormed in. Her husband leapt to his feet, distracting her for a moment. He looked very fine in a green tailcoat that picked out the color of his eyes. “Sophia, you are ba—”

“Did you hire guardsmen for Ethan and myself?”

He glanced away. “What do you mean?”

“The twoJohnsin the ill-fitting livery? Both of whom arecoincidentallyrecently arrived from your country estates?”

“FourJohns,” piped Perry from behind her. She turned to find him sprawled in one of the ivory armchairs, nursing a drink in his hand.

“Four?”

Perry gave a flippant nod, lifting his tumbler to sip on his brandy with his distinctive Balfour eyes fixed on hers.

Sophia spun back to Richard. “Did you hirefourguardsmen?”

Richard glowered at his brother. “I did.”

“Why have I met only two, then?”

“Two of them are on night watch.”

“Andwhyhave you hired guardsmen?”

She saw something in his eyes. Shame, perhaps? “No reason. I am an important man, and I now have a new son and bride in my home. It seemed best to be cautious.”

She narrowed her eyes at her lying husband. He was having difficulty meeting her eyes, and he moved his hand to cover a list he had been writing when she entered.

“Are you hiding something, Richard?”

“No.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“It is simple. You and Ethan are my responsibility, and I am taking precautions to ensure your security.”

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