Kate’s lips pursed as she looked down at the sketchbook. “Not until it’s finished.”
Sophie cocked her head. “Really?”
It was unusual for Kate to keep her art to herself. Usually, she had no problem showing Sophie her sketches or clothing designs.
Kate nodded. “I need to get it right first.”
Curiosity got the better of her. “What is it?”
Kate glanced up, her lower lip caught between her teeth. “I’ll tell you once I have everything in order.”
Intriguing. Sophie got up from the piano stool and padded over. Kate closed the sketchbook as she approached and tucked a loose lock of reddish-gold hair behind her ear.
Sophie sat, giving her plenty of space. “I wouldn’t rush you. I wasn’t trying to pry. I just like to be well-informed, as you surely know.”
Kate’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “That’s one way to put it.”
“And what’s another?” Sophie asked with an arched eyebrow.
“It wouldn’t be polite to say.”
Sophie laughed. “Politeness, or lack thereof, does not bother me, but I’ll let you remain silent on the matter.”
Footsteps clipped down the corridor outside, and Sophie perked up, instantly looking over on the off chance that Nicholas had finally decided to show himself.
Instead, it was Theodore, his harsh features softening as his gaze alighted on Kate. Cradled against his chest was their son, Oliver, his eyes closed and his adorable thatch of dark hair sticking up a little.
Kate set her sketchbook aside, rose from the chaise, and walked over to them. She kissed her husband on the lips, and Sophie averted her eyes, her cheeks heating from the intimacy of the moment. It felt like she was seeing something she shouldn’t.
Few society couples were openly affectionate with each other, although she supposed things might be different within the privacy of their own homes.
“Hello, Ollie,” Kate cooed, and Sophie looked back in time to see her kiss the top of Oliver’s downy head. She stood close to Theo, and the three of them were the perfect portrait of familial contentedness.
Sophie’s heart squeezed. Shewantedthat.
Specifically, she wanted it with Nicholas, and she had noidea why he was so determined not to wed when he could see for himself how happy marriage had made his brother.
Theo was a wonderful husband, and she had no doubt that Nicholas could be, too, if he’d allow it to happen.
Oliver burbled and reached for Kate, his pudgy little hands grasping at the fabric of her dress.
“Can you help the nanny put him down for a nap?” Theo asked Kate. “I’m due for a session at the House of Lords shortly, and he wouldn’t settle for her.”
The little boy seemed settled enough to Sophie, but perhaps that was because he was now getting attention from both his parents. Perhaps he’d only been playing up because he wanted them.
“Of course.” Kate took hold of Oliver, and Theo passed him over. She positioned him on her hip and turned to Sophie. “Sorry to leave you, but I’ll return soon.”
Sophie waved dismissively. “No need to hurry. Ollie takes precedence.”
Kate nodded, and she and Theo left the room side by side.
Now alone, Sophie settled onto the piano stool once more. She’d been working on a new composition—a lively song intended for dancing—and she played the first few notes and debated how best to harmonize them.
She tried several combinations, considering each and discarding the ones she disliked. When she’d decided on an option, she started over from the beginning, concentrating on listening as much as playing.
Only a couple of seconds after she finished, there was a knock at the door, and she flinched, her hand flying to her chest. She’d been so absorbed that she hadn’t heard anyone coming.
“Oh!” She spun around, her mind struggling to catch up as her gaze landed on the figure in the doorway. He was tall and elegantly dressed, with dark hair, dark eyes, and featuresthat might be similar to Theo’s were their harshness not softened by a well-groomed beard and a friendly smile.
