Come to think of it, Sophie had never given any indication that she knew the truth about him and Theo. Perhaps Kate was keeping their secret even from her confidante.
He cleared his throat, delaying because his mind had gone blank and he had no idea what to say. “I’m, uh, honored that you came to me for help,” he began, wincing inwardly at how pompous he sounded. “But there’s a reason I tend to avoid popular society events.”
A reason she apparently didn’t know.
If she was oblivious, he had no intention of changing that, but it did make explaining the situation difficult. Without the full picture, how could she understand that his mother would shout and cry and stage theatrics if he started making more frequent appearances at the heart of theton?
She’d certainly be upset with him if she found out he was courting a woman like Sophie. A marriage to an earl’s daughter was no small thing. People would pay attention to them.
Not that she was suggesting a betrothal.
He was getting ahead of himself.
Sweat trickled down his spine. Damn, he wished he had a cool cloth he could wipe his forehead and dab his neck with. Combining the heat with a dangerous discussion like this was bound to have him sweating through his clothes in no time.
“Please.” She pressed her palms together in front of her chest. “Please, Nicholas. I don’t want to be stuck marrying someone I don’t like just because I have no other options. I won’t ask much of you. A couple of walks in the park and perhaps attendance at two or three balls.”
Sighing, Nicholas buried his face in his hands. He dragged them down his cheeks and then curved them around the back of his neck and kneaded the tight muscle there. “You truly believe that staging a courtship with me would give you more options?”
She nodded vigorously.
He rotated his head from one side to the other. “Do you have a particular gentleman in mind?”
Her expression flickered for a moment, doubt crossing her features before she willfully erased it. “Yes, although I’m open to other possibilities.”
He opened his mouth to ask her who but then clamped itshut again. He couldn’t bring himself to enquire. He didn’t want to know.
“I can’t become a darling of society,” he warned her, tugging at his hair and meeting her gaze so she would know he was serious. “If that’s what you want, I’m afraid it’s not possible.”
“I wouldn’t ask anything you’re not comfortable with.” She shimmied closer to the edge of her seat, her mouth turned down at the corners. “You can approve any events we decide to attend ahead of time. If you don’t want to do something, then we won’t.”
Nicholas slumped. Damn, he had no backbone where it came to her. He wished he could say no, but he wouldn’t be able to live with himself if she were miserable in the future and he could have done something to help.
“Fine. I’ll call on you just enough to draw attention and dance with you at a few balls. Don’t expect anything more than that, though.”
She jumped up from the chair and clapped her hands. “I won’t. Thank you!” She skipped toward him, her arms open as if intending to hug him, but she then stopped, her cheeks turning pink. “I appreciate this so much.”
“You’re welcome.”
With those sparkling eyes, he found it difficult to believe that she needed assistance finding a suitor. They were so bright and full of life. But he supposed that the gentlemen of thetonweren’t necessarily known for their brilliance, and if she had refused several suitors, that would make others hesitant.
“I’ll consider what balls we may wish to attend together and send you a list so you can choose the ones you would prefer.” She clasped her hands in front of herself, almost bouncing on her toes even though she was clearly trying to suppress the urge. “You may call upon me at the usual times, as they suit.”
He gave her a teasing little bow. “As you wish, my lady love.”
Hopefully this wouldn’t turn into a disaster.
She giggled, but something almost wistful passed through her gaze. “You do like to be ridiculous.”
“Life would be boring without the ridiculous.” He wouldn’t deny his propensity for fun. He might have cursed his impulsiveness once or twice, but generally, he enjoyed himself more when he didn’t take life too seriously. “Is there anything else you wished to discuss?”
“No.” She smiled. “I’ll see myself out.”
“That absolutely won’t do.” He took her arm, breathing in her subtle floral fragrance, which reminded him of a cool spring morning. “If I’m to court you, I must get used to escorting you places.”
The corner of her mouth hitched up playfully. “Only proper places, sir. You mustn’t escort me onto any balconies.”
The flippant comment struck him dead in the chest. His quick intake of breath betrayed the impact, but he huffed a laugh to cover up the response.
