Sophia’s brows rose. It was possible, she supposed. She’d previously considered the man to be somewhat cold and too condescending to be attracted to her friend. Rhoda was keenly intelligent and liberal-minded. But, perhaps she was the perfect woman for St. John. Perhaps he needed a wife who could complement his traditional ideals with an ounce or two of progressive thinking.
“He is attentive? He shows you and speaks of affection?” she asked.
A smile drew the corners of Rhoda’s full lips upward. “He is, and yes, he does.” She took a few steps and then hugged herself a little self-consciously. “Sophia, he calls me his flower. He touches me in such a way, on occasions… I cannot help but imagine them over and over again in my mind.”
“Mmm...” Sophia understood this. Over the past two days, she’d cherished the memory of Dev touching her arm, brushing her hand, leaning in and allowing his breath to linger near her nape. It was all the more evocative since they’d been forced to keep their distance from one another most of the time.
How long would they wait… after?
Except she did not wish to think about this.
“Has St. John mentioned speaking to your father?” This was important. This was how a gentleman revealed his true intentions.
“My father has not traveled to London, yet.” Oh, yes, Rhoda’s father and mother rarely resided in the same city — let alone house — at the same time.
“He is still in Bristol, then?”
Rhoda scowled. “He is.” They stopped and watched Peaches dig into a particularly fascinating section of earth, before continuing their meandering walk. “I suppose, though,” Rhoda began, “Bristol is not the end of the earth. If Lucas is serious about me, it would not be unreasonable for me to expect him to travel to my father, would it?”
Lucas, indeed? Sophia agreed whole-heartedly. “It would not be. He is a marques. He can do as he pleases, travel where he wishes.” Oh, she hoped Harold’s older brother was not planting false expectations in Rhoda’s heart. Rhoda deserved a husband who loved her, one whom she loved. Just over a week ago, Sophia had given up on this possibility for herself.
But Dev had not.
Warmth blossomed in her heart.
Dev had not given up on her.
“I am happy to see you so content with Lord Harold, after all. I’d not thought he would ever appear so… demonstrative, in front of others, no less.”
Sophia flushed at these words. She wished — oh, how she wished — she did not have to keep this secret from her friend. It would be such a relief to share this burden with Rhoda.
But she could not.
And so, she must perpetuate the lie they’d begun since the wedding.
“Harold is a sensitive and thoughtful gentleman.” Best to stay with the truth as much as possible. “I realize, now, after coming to know the person he is, that he is a very special man. It’s silly, really, Rhoda, how we think we understand a person, know what’s in their heart, after sharing a few dances and a turn in the park. Courting, within thetonanyhow, does not allow a lady and a gentleman to comprehend one another at all.”
“Except,” Rhoda smiled enigmatically, “for when they slip away together, unseen, along a dark garden path or behind, perhaps, a well-placed fern.”
Sophia shook her head and smiled. But she would kill St. John if he was merely dallying with her friend!
They changed directions to keep up with Peaches, who seemed to be navigating this journey, and now had a lovely view of the sea. “Lord Harold and I have swum in the ocean every day since we’ve arrived. This estate is situated perfectly.”
“Once one has safely arrived,” Rhoda added. “The drive leading up to the castle is daunting. I could barely look out the window at times, what with all of the turns, and climbing, and cliffs below.”
Sophia wrinkled her nose. That had not bothered her when they’d first arrived. She’d had other things to worry about at the time. So much had changed. She felt years older than she had a month ago.
“Mama is looking well.” Sophia changed the subject. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
Rhoda nodded. “You’ve made her so happy. Dudley did not join them for this visit?”
Sophia sighed. “We are lucky to be spared his company.” And then, “What have you found, Peaches?” The little dog carried a large stick between her teeth. “You wish to play, do you?” She wrestled the stick out of Peaches’ teeth and then threw it as far as she could. Dev had told her Dudley was in Brighton. The mere mention of his name caused her stomach to churn. He’d lied about an exam. He would gamble himself into debt again. Dev was right in that her stepbrother might not limit his transgressions to herself.
What if he’d hurt others already? Dudley needed to be brought under control somehow!
Yes, Dev was right.
“What of Captain Brookes?” Rhoda’s words jolted her. It was as though her friend could read her mind. “I had thought the two of you had developed an affection for each other.”
