A moment later, Baron Sylvestor strode in, his expression uncharacteristically serious. He stopped just inside the door and cleared his throat. “I noticed you slip away, and you looked upset. Are you all right?”
“I’m, uh, fine.” Although her pulse was thumping faster with every passing second.
They were alone.
If someone happened upon them, it was possible she’d be pressured into marrying the baron the same way Kate had been pushed to wed Theo.
Also, what would happen if Nicholas turned up while the baron was still here?
Either it would look like she was up to no good with the baron, or the baron would guess that she’d made an assignation with Nicholas.
It was best to avoid either of those outcomes.
“Are you sure?” He took a few steps closer. “Was someone unkind to you? You don’t seem like yourself.”
Panicked, she glanced toward the door. “It’s inappropriate for us to be alone together.”
He backed up. “Of course. It was indelicate of me not to think of that. Would you like me to summon a maid so we can speak more with the reassurance of a chaperone?”
She swallowed a groan. Why must he be so persistent?
“Actually,” she began, rising from the chair and resting one of her hands on her belly. “I’m not feeling particularly well. I think something from dinner isn’t sitting right.”
He frowned. “I’m sorry to hear that. Would you like me to fetch your mother to care for you?”
“No!” God forbid they give her mother any reason to suspect that something was amiss. Lady Carlisle could be surprisingly astute. “I’ll retire and sleep early. Hopefully I’ll be recovered by the morning.”
“Allow me to escort you. It wouldn’t be very gentlemanlyof me to leave a lady in distress without rendering assistance.”
Was hetryingto compromise her?
She arched her eyebrow meaningfully.
He chuckled. “Never fear. I shall ask a maid to escort us.”
He ducked out into the corridor and returned a few moments later with one of the housemaids in tow.
Reluctantly, Sophie took the baron’s arm and walked with him out of the library. As they headed down the corridor, Nicholas marched around the corner and almost bowled into them.
Sophie’s heart leapt once again.
Hehadcome.
Did that mean he was willing to consider marriage?
She giggled, almost giddy at the thought, and both men looked at her strangely. Immediately, she schooled her features even as her mind whirled, turning over the possibilities.
“My apologies, Lady Sophie.” Nicholas bowed. “I should pay more attention to where I’m walking.”
“It’s of no consequence at all, Mr. Blackwell.” Her hand twitched, desperate to reach out and grab him before he had time to talk himself out of any progress he might have made on the marriage front. “Lord Sylvestor happened upon me in the library and, as I am not feeling well, he’s escorting me to my quarters.”
She held his dark gaze. Hopefully he would understand that she’d had no choice but to leave with the baron once he’d found her. She still intended to meet with Nicholas in the library, but she’d have to sneak back after the baron had left her.
Nicholas tilted his head. “I’m sorry you’re unwell. I hope you’re much improved by tomorrow.”
“As do I.”
She and the baron swept past Nicholas, and he continued on, bound for the library.
