Sophie rolled her eyes. What was it about blondes that attracted gentlemen so strongly?
The men of thetonhad declared her blonde sister, Violet, to be a captivating beauty and overlooked Emma, her twin, who had slightly darker hair, a fuller figure, and was less inclined to giggle and flirt.
Sophie had thought it ridiculous then, and she did now too. Were men really so shallow?
She glanced down at herself and realized how hypocritical she was being. She’d gone to the effort of wearing a dress like this and displaying her jewels in order to attract potential husbands. She was as guilty of vanity and judging by appearance as anyone else.
Idly fluttering her fan, she peered about, and her heartbeat sped up as she recognized the second gentleman she’d hoped to speak to. The colonel was standing with Lord and Lady Wembley.
“Mother.” Sophie discreetly nudged Lady Carlisle’s arm.
Her mother turned toward her. “Yes?”
Sophie motioned toward the colonel. “I would like an introduction to the gentleman speaking with the Wembley’s, if it can be arranged. He’s very handsome.”
Lady Carlisle followed Sophie’s gaze, and her eyes widened. “Colonel Moore?”
“Unless you don’t consider a decorated colonel and viscount’s brother to be an appropriate match?” It seemed unlikely, but was always a possibility.
“Of course I do.” She sounded offended that Sophie had asked. “He’s just… older than the men I thought you favored.”
Angling her head to get a better look, Sophie consideredthe colonel. It was true that he was likely fifteen to twenty years older than she was, but he certainly wasn’t old. And, as she’d previously noted, he was exceedingly dashing.
She decided not to voice her thoughts, leaving her mother’s comment hanging in the air between them before once more asking, “Will you facilitate an introduction?”
Lady Carlisle intertwined their arms, and together they wound through guests—who were, as Sophie had expected, packed into the close quarters—and over to the Wembley’s.
Lady Wembley lit up as they approached, obviously glad to have a new conversational partner. “Lady Carlisle,” she boomed more loudly than the situation warranted. “So good to see you. And you, Lady Sophie. I hope you plan on dancing plenty tonight.”
“I do.” Sophie smiled. “Are you well, Lady Wembley?”
“Quite.”
Mother cleared her throat and nodded meaningfully toward the gentlemen.
“Oh!” Lady Wembley exclaimed, waving toward the colonel. “My apologies. Please allow me to introduce you to Colonel Moore. He’s a friend of my husband’s. Colonel Moore, these are Lady Carlisle and Lady Sophie Carlisle.”
Sophie swept into a deep curtsy and flashed the colonel her brightest smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Colonel.”
He tilted his head in acknowledgement. “Likewise.”
Up close, he was even handsomer than she’d thought. There were faint crinkles at the corners of his eyes, and his skin was more tanned than was fashionable, but it suited him and made those brilliantly green eyes appear even more vivid.
She expected him to ask her to dance or, at the very least, exchange a few lines of polite small talk with her, but instead, he returned his attention to Lord Wembley and continued a conversation about… cows?
Sophie exchanged a startled glance with her mother. What in the world was that about?
Lady Wembley noticed their shared look and chuckled. “The colonel has purchased a large property in Wiltshire. He’s most eager to learn about tending the land and making it profitable.”
“I see.” Lady Carlisle lowered her voice. “If he has bought a holding, may we assume that he is also interested in beginning a family?”
Lady Wembley grimaced. “Reputedly, but he seems rather focused on farming at present.” Her expression turned sympathetic as she looked at Sophie. “Any young ladies with designs on the colonel will likely require a great deal of patience.”
Sophie deflated, her stomach dropping. Time wasn’t something she had. She couldn’t afford to be patient.
Perhaps that meant she ought to forget about the colonel and focus solely on Baron Sylvestor. She’d have to discuss the matter with Kate.
“Sophie, you look lovely!”
