Conflicting emotions surged up in his chest.
“I did help save your life, you know.” Her voice was bolder than before. “One might say you owe me a favor.”
Isaac stared at her determined expression, his heart in his throat. “Percy may not be the most respectable man, but I have no wish to ruin him,” he began in a slow voice. “Exposing his faults to a viscount would damage his connections for good.”
Sophia’s eyes flickered down. “Very well. I should not have asked.”
Isaac’s heart lurched. How could he leave her so downtrodden?
He tried to remind himself of how she had left him in Cornwall in a much worse state than this, but his memory was foggy behind the dejection in her features.
She dropped into a quick curtsy, her jaw tight. “Good day, Mr. Ellington.” She turned away.
Without thinking, Isaac took one large stride forward, stopping her by the arm. “Sophia—wait.”
She whirled around, a clear look of surprise on her brow. It could have been from his abrupt touch, or from his use of her Christian name. Both had been entirely accidental.
He lowered his hand as quickly as possible, brushing it on the side of his trousers awkwardly. His heart raced as he tried to formulate his thoughts. “You must know that I do not support Percy’s actions. Prudence deserves to be loved, not hunted for her belongings. I will do all I can to persuade him against the courtship.”
She raised an eyebrow. “And if that is unsuccessful?”
Isaac searched his mind for an idea. “Then I will help you sabotage it.”
“Sabotage? How is that easier on your conscience than warning my stepfather?”
“It would be pointless…and rather ruthless for me to say something that might have my cousin dismissed from Blackstone’s. Perhaps we can help Prudence see Percy’s true character for herself. We might be able to drive them apart without any obvious interference.”
Sophia wore a business-like scowl on her forehead. “She will be heartbroken. But it is the only way to ensure her future happiness. As you said, she deserves to be loved for more than her belongings.” She met his gaze, and there was a hint of fire behind it—a pointed look that seemed as if it were meant to disarm him. Was it…accusation?
Within seconds, her features shifted back to a thoughtful expression. “How do you suggest we begin our sabotage?”
Isaac grimaced. “Perhaps we shouldn’t call it that.”
“Is there a more delicate word you wish to use?”
He tapped his chin with one finger. “Disruption? Impairment, perhaps?”
A hint of a smile touched her lips. “Very well. How do you suggest we begindisruptingthe courtship?”
“Keep me informed with the details of their next outing. Perhaps you and I can accompany them to…gather information. Then we can make our plan according to what we observe.”
She gave a swift nod. “That sounds reasonable.”
Isaac paused to gather his wisdom, because it seemed to have flown straight out the window of Lord Blackstone’s townhouse. He had been determinednotto spend time with Sophia. It was easy to forget that she was just as dangerous as Percy.
She could break Isaac’s heart a second time if she tried.
She was here in London, doing what she had always wanted to do—courting a rich and titled man who could give her more than Isaac could. Did he really want to plant himself in a positionto witness the progression of her courtship with Lord Finchley? It sounded miserable. But he couldn’t leave Prudence helpless. He had to do something.
“I’ll speak with Percy first,” Isaac said after a long moment. “Perhaps I can change his mind without all this…interference.”
He doubted the conversation would be successful, but he had no choice but to try. Beingacquaintanceswith Sophia was bad enough.
Being allies could be disastrous.
Chapter Eight
Prudence looped her arm tightly through Sophia’s as they walked against the wind in Hyde Park. Sophia brushed at the loose bits of hair escaping the front of her bonnet.
