Sophia’s muscles ached pleasantly as she sank into the delightfully cushioned seats of the Glanmore carriage. Dancing was utterly joyous and this evening she had not been short of partners. Her cheeks ached as well and that was to do with Christopher, who had not strayed far from her side and who had made her laugh so much they had drawn looks from some of the older generation, who were such sticklers for propriety they had forgotten how to enjoy themselves. For the first time since her come out, she hadn’t cared what those women thought of her. Several of the women had already judged her anyway. They had taken her naivety and forced her into a betrothal she hadn’t wanted, changing her life forever. Her future happiness and that of Christopher and her sisters was threatened because these people thought finding two strangers innocently in the wrong place at the wrong time was a valid reason to force them into marriage or else risk social disgrace. The true dishonour was their lack of kindness. So, no, she would laugh at her handsome friend’s jokes and she would revel in knowing that she had made the biggest decision of her life, and instead of leaving her frightened of the future, she was liberated in a way she could not explain.
For once, she did not want to dwell on it either. She finally understood a little of what Christopher was saying: life was for living,so why not? Not that she was about to change her personality. No one would find her making ridiculous plans to trap someone into marriage, or squabbling over whose ribbon was whose or racing pigs. Deciding that she and Robert would not suit, that she would rather risk scandal and be alone, was a terrifying decision. It was almost so big she could not truly grasp the magnitude and that had somehow left her at peace in a way she had not been in years. For the first time in her life, she felt as if she were stepping in time with everyone else.
Throwing herself into the enjoyment of the evening had been a wonderful distraction from the sheer enormity of her uncertain future. She would always remember the way Christopher’s eyes had shone while he had told their group a story about him playing hide and seek with his niece, his amusement and love for the adorable little girl palpable.
The interior of the carriage was dark and it took a little while for her eyes to adjust. Next to her, Christopher was a large, dark shape. ‘I think,’ she said, ‘Lady Albrighton will count this evening as a grand success. Next year, it will be even more of a squeeze. The orchestra was fabulous; I do wish I could play a musical instrument. The food was a triumph and there was the smallest scandal, with a happy ending.’
‘What scandal?’
‘Do you remember Lord James Daniel-Smythe of the orange waistcoat in Hyde Park and the woman he was trying not to marry?’
‘I do.’ His voice was like a warm drink of chocolate.
‘Well, she got engaged to someone rather lovely, the man she was interested in all along. I think they are going to be very happy. Of course, there was the inevitable chat about Lord James and who he will have to marry for blunt now. But I don’t concern myself with that side of the gossip. Miss Constantine Dewberry is going to be happy in the union she chose for herself.’
Sophia was so busy chatting, she barely noticed when the carriage started moving. It was only when it jolted to a temporary stop that she realised they were on their way. ‘Oh.’ She reached out and grabbed Christopher’s arm. ‘You must tell the driver to stop. The earl and countess are not with us.’
Christopher grunted. ‘I am afraid they went home hours ago. Arabella does not sleep well and they are perpetually tired. I am surprised they made it as long as they did. Of course, they could hire a nursemaid to look after her in the nights, but I do not think either of them is willing to give up the cuddles.’
Sophia only heard a few words of what he was saying. She and Christopher had been alone together before, but never in the dark. If anyone found out, there would be no way out of this betrothal. She would not be able to call it off regardless of what Christopher did. His arm was solid beneath her grip. She should let go, but she didn’t. The carriage was moving slowly, the wheels trundling over the cobblestones beneath them, making little sound. Instead, the space was filled with their breathing, in a way it hadn’t been a moment before.
‘Christopher,’ she whispered.
‘Yes?’
‘We are on our own.’ She had no idea why she was talking so quietly.
‘I had noticed.’ Christopher cleared his throat. ‘I am sorry. I thought we would be with Edward and Kate. If it is any consolation, to the outside world, they are in this carriage with us. Before getting in, while you were saying your goodbyes to Tabitha, I had a long and totally imaginary conversation with Edward, as if he were inside. Several of the bigger gossips walked past, Mrs Meadway included, andnone of them pulled sceptical faces, so I am convinced they believed me.’
She would have laughed, but she did not think he truly understood the situation. ‘It is dark.’
‘Does something happen to you after the sun goes down? Should I worry for my safety?’
She squeezed his arm. ‘No, you muttonhead. We are alone in a carriage, after dark. You may have fooled the gossips, but what if a wheel falls off and we have to descend from the carriage? Everyone will see.’
‘The duke’s carriages are rather good quality. They are not known to have bits falling off them. All will be well. Do not worry.’
‘We will have to stop and someone will see in.’
Christopher leaned up and pulled the curtains shut. ‘There. That problem is solved.’ His gloved hand came up and stroked the back of her hand. The gesture was meant to be soothing, she thought. ‘You do not need to worry, Sophia. You are safe with me. I would never let anything happen to you.’ Because it was so quiet, she heard him swallow. ‘Also, you should know that your… um… how to phrase it?… your virtue is safe too. I would never, never take anything you did not want to give and I would never…’ He shifted in his seat and she realised he was not as comfortable as he was trying to appear. ‘You are safe,’ he said.
‘I trust you, Christopher.’
‘Good.’ His thumb continued to stroke the back of her hand, as little darts of sensation skittered up her arm, like fireworks running along her skin.
She’d drunk nothing but lemonade at the soiree, but her whole body was light and airy, like champagne was bubbling up inside of her. ‘Do you trust me?’ she asked.
‘Why? Are you planning to have your wicked way with me?’
‘I would not know how to go about it.’
The breath from his laughter brushed over her forehead and she shivered.
‘Are you cold?’
‘A little.’ There was a nip in the air, but that wasn’t what had caused her tremor. She couldn’t say that even that light touch had caused her body to react.
‘I believe there is a blanket.’
