“How can I thank you for what you did for me tonight?” Sophie whispered, suddenly feeling awkward around the man who knew so much about her and knew her intimately. “I came to you, and you did not hesitate to help, even after I’d told you my lies.”
“I would always rather know the truth, Sophie,” he said solemnly. “But I understand why you and Lady Carstairs did what you must to survive.”
Now that they had Timmy back, she wondered what he really thought about what she’d done. The distance between them was not great, yet neither of them breached it. Now that the danger had passed, there was a tension between them she didn’t know how to ease or if she should.
“If ever you need anything from me, my lord, you have only to ask.”
“I am my lord again?”
“I don’t know what you are,” she said honestly.
“And now is not the time to work through that either. You’re exhausted. Go to your bed, and we will talk more soon.”
“Thank you,” Sophie whispered.
He closed the distance between them, cupping her face in his big, warm hands. “You have thanked me enough.” His kiss was soft and gentle. A kiss to soothe, not fill her body with passion. “Go to bed, my sweet Sophie, and I will call on you soon. Show caution—don’t leave the house without two footmen and a maid.”
“I know, but we must live our lives, as Letty has said, Patrick.”
He exhaled slowly. “I know, but I want you safe.” Their eyes held for long seconds. “Do you understand what I’m saying, Sophie?”
“I do, and I want you to promise me you will not do anything rash and end up in danger also.”
His smile was gentle, and then he was kissing her again. Before she could stop him, he’d turned and walked out of the house. He hadn’t reassured her he wouldn’t walk into danger, and that thought alone was the one that sat heavily on her shoulders as she climbed the stairs.
Checking on Timmy, she found his door open and Leonard, the footman, sleeping in a bundle of blankets beside his bed with Doddy. Both were snoring softly, and Timmy was snuffling. The sounds had Sophie smiling for the first time that night.
In her room, she stripped off her clothes and washed in cold water. She then climbed into bed. Her last thought was for the man who had rescued her brother and Mary tonight. The man that now knew about her past. The man she was now sure she loved.
CHAPTER 28
One week after Timmy and Mary’s abduction, Sophie stepped from the carriage with Letty. Tonight they were to attend the Shelton ball. Their first big social event.
They’d had small day trips out and attended a musical and an intimate dinner party, but the rest of the time had been spent at Monmouth town house while two men stood outside, keeping them safe.
“You look lovely tonight,” Letty said as she slid her arm through Sophie’s.
“As do you.” And she did, Sophie thought. Letty was stunning in deep gray velvet with diamonds sparkling in a choker around her neck.
“Remember to always stay in the ballroom, and do not walk anywhere alone, Sophie. We will then be escorted to our carriage, where Robbie and a new footman will drive us home.”
“I will,” she said as they entered the enormous house blazing with lights behind the other elegantly clad guests.
Sophie hadn’t seen or heard from Patrick since the night of the abduction, and it worried her that in the clear light of day, he’d woken and realized he wanted nothing more to do with her. That she’d lied and had no right to live the life she was.
“Stop frowning,” Letty said.
“Sorry.” There had also been no note from Jack Spode, and that was making her even more nervous. The man wasn’t the type to give up, so what was he planning? Timmy was safe, but she had no doubt he’d strike again. But when?
After greeting the hosts, they entered the ballroom.
“Good Lord,” Sophie said, looking around the room. One entire corner had the largest display of flowers and greenery she’d ever seen. There was silk draped on one wall in different shades of violet and yet another in greens.
“It’s lovely, isn’t it?” Letty said.
“Very much so.”
They walked, and Sophie noticed all eyes were on her.
