He was in so much trouble.
“Good. Considering that little chat we had in your study about watching over her, I thought I’d reassure you she’s in safe hands.”
He didn’t want her in anyone’s hands but his.
“Just make sure you leave his thumb and forefinger unbroken. A nobleman must be able to sign his papers and drink his libations, Colt,” Stephen drawled. “If jealousy gets the better of you, I mean.”
“Be quiet or I will make you, Stephen.”
Thankfully, his friend did shut up, which left Patrick looking at the stage and the countess out the corner of his eye.
CHAPTER 14
“She is an accomplished pianist also,” Mr. Tilton said.
“Well then, I hope one day I will get to hear Miss Ashworth play,” Sophie said, swallowing her smile.
Mr. Tilton was clearly in love with Miss Ashworth, who he’d asked if she knew. When she’d said they’d met briefly, he’d then launched into a detailed description of all the ways the woman far outshone any other ladies this season.
“You’ll forgive me for saying that Miss Ashworth was the diamond of this year’s debutantes, my lady.” He shot her a look. “I did not mean?—”
“Do not give it another thought,” Sophie said. “I happen to think you are right. Miss Ashworth is lovely.”
It was dark in the theatre, but not so dark that she didn’t see the blush on his cheeks.
“Just so,” he whispered as the curtains drew slowly back on the stage.
“Oh my,” Sophie said as a stunning lady dressed in red appeared. From the first note, Sophie was captivated. She laughed and clapped enthusiastically throughout the performance.
“Oh, that was wonderful,” she said as the first act finished.
“Would you like some refreshments, my lady?” Mr. Tilton asked.
“Is Miss Ashworth here?” Sophie whispered. He nodded eagerly. “Then of course we need refreshments.”
“We will return soon,” he said to Letty and Beatrice, holding out his arm to her.
With a regal nod, just like Letty had taught her, Sophie placed her fingers on his, and soon they were mingling with other theatergoers.
“Tilton!”
Viscount Sumner approached with his blue eyes twinkling, and Sophie couldn’t help but return the smile. He had come to her aid when Myles had cornered her one evening, and for that she’d always be grateful.
“I wonder if I may take your companion for a few minutes, Countess. I fear I have a weighty horse issue that Lord Hanley and I must have clarified immediately.”
Mr. Tilton looked stunned that he was to be called upon to discuss a horse matter.
“I—well… of course I will try,” he said, shooting a panicked look at Sophie.
“I will return to the box. You go on and give your expert opinion, Mr. Tilton.” She leaned in closer and whispered, “Miss Ashworth is to your right. Speak with her on your return.”
He nodded and then left with Lord Sumner. Looking around, she wondered where the lemonade was. A glass would be nice, and then she would return to Letty.
“Countess, allow me to take you to the refreshment table.”
Sophie had no time to pull free when Lord Coulter took her arm as he moved past. His grip, though not painful, was unrelenting when she tried to tug free. Almost running to keep pace with him, she forced herself to smile at the guests who caught her eye.
“My lord, release me at once.”
