"How have you kept this spark and banter alive in your marriage?"
Daniel shrugged. "When it is the right person, your soulmate, it comes naturally."
"Are you thinking of marrying again, Soph?" asked Margot. She clearly sensed something was amiss. This was a perk of being best friends, but also a downfall. She could not hide anything for too long. Luckily, Daniel saved her from responding as he started to wave.
"Sin, Sin! We are over here," he called out.
Sophie's head snapped around so fast she felt a twinge of discomfort in her neck.
Margot noticed Sophie’s wince. "Blazes! You just heard the man's name, and you almost broke your neck."
Sophie brushed her off and sat up as he approached.
"Good day all," he greeted them happily. When his eyes landed on Sophie, he gave her a knowing smile and her toes curled.
"Glad we bumped into you, Sin. I was going to send word later, but I shall let you know now that we would love to go to the opera. Or we would love you to join us, as I have a box for the season with a terrific view." Daniel was oblivious to his wife's disapproving glare.
"Wonderful! I have not been to the West Endsince I returned home."
"Well, it was nice seeing you, Sinclair, but we really must get the boys home." Margot gestured to the stirring children.
"I understand," Sin said with a nod as he turned to Sophie. "Perhaps I can interest you in a walk around the park and then I can see you home?"
Sophie nodded, not looking back to Margot, who would be furious. Sin's cheeky smile told her all she needed to know.
The sun was quite bright, especially in the direction they were walking, so Sophie put her parasol to effective use. Sin did not seem to mind, walking as if he had eyes at the top of his head, his neck craned down and gaze fixed upon her.
"Have you thought about my offer?" he asked abruptly.
"I have, but it occurred to me that I have only seen you a handful of times. I barely know you."
"I challenge that for two reasons. Most spouses barely know each other before they wed, and I would say we know each other very intimately." His heated gaze sent a tingle of desire through her body.
"This is true, but perhaps for my next marriage I would prefer to know my husband, and not only in an intimate sense."
"Very well, what do you want to know, Sophie? I am an open book."
"Why did you leave England?"
A pained look appeared on his face at this question.
"Has Daniel not mentioned it to you?" His tone was casual, but therewas still pain in his eyes.
"No, he has not divulged anything to me."
"My older brother passed away, suddenly and tragically in a horse-riding accident. I left because London held too many memories of him. I needed space and distance to grieve."
Sophie grabbed his hand and gave it a tight squeeze.
"I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing that with me."
"And I for yours. You lost your husband."
"I did, but it cannot be compared to your loss. In truth, I did not grieve him for long. He was a good man, but we were strangers."
"It is rude to speak ill of the dead, but the man was an idiot to not have seen the precious gem you are."
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I suppose. So, tell me more. What is your favourite food?"
