Not things he’d earned the right to own,Sophie thought.
“Do you have siblings?” she asked before she could stop herself, because she really wanted to know more about this man who could be her enemy.
“Two sisters, both older, and you, Countess?”
“No,” she lied.
“My sisters are both wed and live in the country. So far, I have three nieces and two nephews.”
There was that smile again. This was a very different Lord Coulter than the one she’d danced with. He seemed almost approachable, but Sophie would not be letting her guard down. She always felt like she was one word away from social ruin.
“And you were born in Devon, Countess?”
She nodded and then busied herself handing Timmy his milk and a scone with jam.
“Would you like one, my lord?” she asked when he showed no signs of leaving, and if nothing else, she had manners to fall back on. Why hadn’t he left? Did he see this as a chance to interrogate her further?
“I have just eaten two, so I won’t take yours. But I will wait to escort you home.”
“I don’t need you to escort us home, Lord Coulter.”
His eyes went to the window and then back to her. “And yet I will do so.”
What does that mean?He can’t know about those men who Sophie believed were following her, so why had he looked to the window?
“There is no need,” she said, her voice stronger now.
“Should you not have a maid accompanying you, and a footman?” He was frowning now, and that was a look she had seen before.
“I am no concern of yours, my lord, and do not need you to walk us home.”
“Relax, Countess, I mean you no harm. I will simply walk you home and take my leave,” he said, as if it were entirely rational to do so, which it wasn’t.
“Don’t feed the dog, Timmy,” Sophie said, watching him do exactly that.
“He’s hungry.” Which was likely true, but still, it wasn’t right to do that in a tea shop. Of course, he ignored her and continued to sneak the animal food under the table, completely oblivious to her turmoil.
“I knew I’d find you here.”
“Are you having me followed?” Lord Coulter asked Lord Sumner, who had just arrived.
“Hello!” Timmy said loudly.
“Hello.” Lord Sumner smiled at Timmy and then greeted her. “I’m not following you, Colt, but imagine my surprise to find you here with?—”
“By chance,” Sophie cut in. “I did not know Lord Coulter was here.”
“Of course you didn’t,” Lord Sumner said, collecting a seat from another table and sitting beside Timmy. “My friend is always eating. Whoever he marries will need to bear that in mind.”
She couldn’t be sure but thought Lord Coulter growled under his breath.
“And this fine young man is your son, I believe, Countess?”
“Timothy,” she said.
“How lovely to meet you,” Lord Sumner said. He then crossed his eyes, which Timmy laughed at.
“They have a similar intellectual level so will be the best of friends,” Lord Coulter said minutes later when Lord Sumner and Timmy continued to chat. “Timothy, of course, has the higher intellect.”
