“Yes, my lady, that is very much what I wish to do.”
“Then we shall see it done, Sophie.” A warm hand settled on top of hers. “I have daughters of my own and was once young myself. There are times when we merely need a little assistance, and I assure you, this interlude will be our secret.”
Looking up into the twinkling blue eyes, Sophie saw the humor and kindness that her son had.
“I like you, Sophie, and more importantly, I like that you have managed to get under Patrick’s skin.”
She had no idea what to say to that, so she kept silent.
“He’s had things his own way for far too long, dear. Not good for a man, all that cowering and simpering. He needs to be stood on his head occasionally, and it’s my belief you’re just the girl for the job.”
“Oh, no, you have that all wrong.”
“I’m quite sure I don’t,” she said, leading Sophie to a gate she’d not noticed before. “Patrick had a tough upbringing with parents who I hope are residing in the pits of hell. I remember the solemn-eyed boy who I met all those years ago. His first words to me were that my son had terrible manners, which was true, but you don’t expect to hear that from a child.”
“What did you say to him?”
“I agreed. He visited us occasionally after that, and his eyes nearly broke my heart. While some of that has changed, Sophie, much of that boy is still inside him.”
Sophie wasn’t sure why she was being told this, as she would do her best to avoid Lord Coulter from this day onward. But her heart did ache a little for the boy he had been, even if he’d done nothing but make her life uncomfortable.He’d also kissed the sense right out of you.
“Now that is enough for today. Let us get you away from prying eyes.”
“I would be grateful.” Sophie allowed the woman to lead her from where most of the guests now milled in the tents and back to the house. Once there, they skirted around the side and down to where the carriages were all lined up, waiting. Reaching one, Lady Sumner opened the door.
“Now, in you get, and I will speak to Letty at once.”
“Thank you.” Sophie held back the tears she knew were threatening.
“Off you go now and have a nice cup of tea before you make any rash decisions, dear.”
She looked down into the lovely face of Lady Sumner. “Your children are very lucky to have you as their m-mother,” she whispered.
“I’m quite sure sometimes they don’t believe that, but thank you, my dear,” she said. “Now, I want you to remember something for me, Sophie.”
“What?”
“Patrick is one of the most honorable men I know. He’s a little too lofty and pompous at times, but never doubt he is a good man. Can you remember that for me?”
She managed a nod, as she didn’t want to commit to anything to do with that man right now.
“We will take tea soon, Countess,” Lady Sumner said. She then closed the door softly, and Sophie heard her speaking to the driver. Seconds later, she was rolling away from the house party, and finally she let the first tears fall.
CHAPTER 20
Sophie had pretended to be sick for four days after the house party because she was not ready to talk to Letty or leave the house. She’d coughed and wheezed, put her head under the covers so she came out looking flushed. In short, she’d done everything she could to avoid reentering society and seeing him.
She spent the time wondering what her next move should be. When would the blackmailer strike again? Sophie worked through many scenarios that included going back to Monmouth and telling Letty the truth. She wanted to run and hide from Lord Coulter because now that he knew Timmy wasn’t her son, he would want to know why she was living a lie.
On day five—today—Sophie had known if she didn’t get better, Letty would call in the doctor. So she’d dragged herself out of her bed, washed and dressed, and spent the day in the garden with Timmy and Letty. Thankfully, they’d not discussed anything too taxing. However, tomorrow night was the Lupton ball, and Sophie knew she would have to attend, and he would be there.
After a quiet night reading, she’d gone to bed early on the pretense she was still tired. Sophie woke a few hours later to the sound of Doddy whimpering.
He wasn’t on her bed, and she got up when she heard voices in the street below her window. Drawing the curtains, she pressed her forehead to the chilled glass and looked down. A carriage had pulled up outside Letty’s house. Using both hands to pull the sash hard, she lifted the window high enough to push her head outside. Gasping as a blast of cold night air hit her in the face, Sophie studied the carriage.
She heard a faint cry, and then it was gone.Had that come from inside the carriage?
A shiver of unease crept up her spine as she closed the window. Something felt off. Doddy whimpered again. She ran barefoot down the hall. The noise was coming from the empty bedroom next to hers. Opening the door, Doddy ran out and headed straight for Timmy’s room. Sophie followed, reaching the bed where the dog now sat, still whimpering.
