He swore under his breath and then pulled her close, completely ignoring propriety and sitting her on his lap. His arms looped around her waist, and she rested her head against his, reveling in his affection. She loved how open he was. He was not a man afraid of emotion.
In her world, that was something special.
She looked around to make sure that no one was there and strained her ears for footsteps in the hall outside. When she heard and saw nothing, she pecked his lips, squeezed him tight, and then clambered off him.
“We’d better not take unnecessary risks.” She didn’t want to stay away from him, but it was more important that they protect his relationship with his mother by avoiding scandal. In that vein, she ought to leave before they were caught alone. “Will I see you later?”
He grinned. “You can count on it.”
Hot and melty inside, she gave him a little wave that would have made her feel silly under different circumstances and practically glided out of the library.
In the corridor, she almost walked straight into Lady Somerset, who was hurrying in the opposite direction.
“Where did you come from?” Lady Somerset demanded, her face scrunched in a way that suggested she took personal offence at Sophie’s mere existence.
“I was in the library,” Sophie said, hoping she didn’t look as guilty as she felt.
Lady Somerset grimaced. “I see no reason to spend time in such a stuffy place as that.”
Sophie shrugged. “What can I say? I am a bit of a bluestocking.”
Lady Somerset’s gaze darted toward the library door, a hint of intrigue in her eyes. “Unless something other than books has your attention in there?”
At that moment, several gentlemen appeared in the corridor, returning from their hunt.
Sophie had never been more grateful for an interruption in her life.
CHAPTER 23
When Sophie metNicholas’s gaze across the garden, he grinned and winked at her. Her insides fluttered, and her heart danced a happy little jig. She glanced around, hoping that no one had noticed.
She was sitting underneath a tree at an outdoor table with several other ladies, who were playing whist. She was considering asking them to deal her in for the next hand when a shadow fell over the table, and she looked up.
Baron Sylvestor stood over her, silhouetted by the sun. It was the hottest day they’d had all week, and she was, frankly, overheated. It was the kind of weather where one was inclined to lie on the ground in the shade and refuse to move unless cold lemonade was offered as an incentive.
The baron smiled down at her—or at least, she thought he did, but his features were masked by harsh shadows because of the way he blocked the sunlight. “Good afternoon, Lady Sophie.”
She rose and curtsied to him. “Good afternoon, my lord.”
He offered her a bow in return. “I’m glad to have caught you. You’ve been so busy over the past couple of days. I never seem to have the opportunity to find you at rest.”
“Yes. Well.” She fussed with her skirt, avoiding eye contact because she didn’t want him to realize that she had made a point to be wherever he wasn’t. “There are so many entertainments at Nunhaven, and the weather has been conducive to trying them all.”
“That there are.” He reached for the end of his sleeve, as if he wanted to roll it up. She wouldn’t be surprised if he did. He might be even hotter than she was in those shirtsleeves. “Speaking of which, now that I have been fortunate enough to find you when you aren’t otherwise occupied, would you like to join me for a walk to the pond?”
Sophie opened her mouth to make an excuse—what it would have been, she wasn’t quite sure, as he went on before she was able to.
“I’ve arranged for a rowing boat so we can go out on the water. Portions of the pond are shaded by trees on the bank, so I thought it might provide a welcome respite from the heat.”
“That’s… very thoughtful of you.” How on earth was she supposed to evade what was obviously a well-planned way to get her alone? “I’m afraid I’m reluctant to leave the shade. From memory, it’s quite a walk to the pond, and I burn easily.” Struck by brilliance, she added, “Miss Bloombury has been enjoying the sun. Perhaps she might like to accompany you in my place.”
On the other side of the table, Lady Wembley cleared her throat. “I’m afraid that Miss Bloombury’s chaperone is otherwise engaged today, so that won’t be possible.”
Drat.
Lady Carlisle reached down beside herself and picked up the parasol she had used to shield herself from the sun during the short walk from the manor to the table. “You may take my parasol. It will protect you from the sun and help keep you cool.”
Just like that, Sophie had no excuse.
