She did not.
Which, as an engaged woman, she found more than a little disturbing.
Why hadn’t Harold aroused such feelings? Brookes, a man she didn’t know from Adam, had inexplicitly lit a fire in her she’d not even known existed. What was so different about him?
Was it because she and Peaches had been in such danger? Could her scandalous behavior be excused as an understandable response to such a harrowing experience?
Or was it simply because she found herself trapped in a very private alcove with a sublimely handsome gentleman? Perhaps she could scrutinize these matters with Rhoda.
Later.
“They’re going to hoist the wagon upright in a moment. Sophia? Are you well? Is Peaches unhurt? You’ve gone awful silent, Sophia?” Rhoda’s voice penetrated Sophia’s muddled thoughts.
“Keeping quiet, Rho,” Sophia answered almost automatically. Really, she ought to be ashamed of herself. “Don’t wish to upset the lion!”
“Oh.” Rhoda sounded a trifle put-out. “I suppose…”
Rhoda faded into oblivion once again as Brookes’ mouth explored the inner shell of Sophia’s ear. How on earth could something so… silly… feel so brilliantly, extraordinarily fabulous?
Harold’s touch never had caused these sensations. It hadn’t even come close. She hummed under her breath and at the same time reflected upon the rare intimate gestures her fiancé had bestowed upon her.
He’d occasionally kissed her hand. Well, he’d kissed the air above her hand. He had never quite placed his lips upon her skin, or her glove, to actually kiss it, per se.
And on a few instances, he’d courteously offered his arm while they strolled through the park.
He… well, once he’d brushed a lock of hair away from her eyes. She’d thought he would kiss her then, but he’d turned away instead. Rarely had she found herself alone with Lord Harold.
Why, truth be told, aside from his formal proposal, they had never been alone together!
And very soon, the privacy she shared with this heroic rake would be stripped away as well. The tip of his tongue flicked inside of her ear now. And the captain was whispering something about an introduction
“May I call upon you some afternoon, Miss Babineaux? Take you for a ride in the park, perhaps?” His breath felt hot in her ear. “If you require a formal introduction, I’m certain I can arrange something.”
She could barely respond, however, for all of the confusion flitting about her mind.
Harold was so very different from this impertinent captain.
Good heavens! It had taken Lord Harold nearly two Seasons to ask for adance. She’d been particularly flattered when he’d told her this.
Captain Brookes lacked such patience, it would seem.
Yes, this delicious man was likely considered something of a rake. His expert touch revealed that he knew exactly how to do… all of this. No, nothing shy about him.
She probably ought to mention that she was, in fact, spoken for.
Yes, she really ought to… And she ought to thank him for his assistance…
“Although he will most likely be grateful for your aiding my rescue…” Sophia spoke into his shirtfront. Oh, how his hair felt ever so soft and springy! “…I doubt my fiancé would approve of this.”
She’d barely completed her sentence when, with a great deal of creaking and groaning, sunlight landed upon them both as the carriage shuttered and was hoisted back into its upright position.
Clutching Peaches in one arm, Sophia took one step backwards and smoothed her dress where the captain’s hands had been. Naughty man! Hopefully, it hadn’t wrinkled too badly.
Rhoda, who rushed toward her now, would likely notice wrinkles that oughtn’t to be in certain places on one’s gown.
Rhoda could be counted on for this sort of thing regardless of the circumstances.
“Sophy, Oh, Sophia! You had me terrified!” Rhoda was suddenly beside her, hugging her and fussing at her dress and hair. Which said something as to the danger she’d been in, because nothing frightened Rhoda.
