“He will not.” Sophia resumed walking, pulling Alice along. “He is not the sort to stir scandal. He wants this matter handled quietly, and so do I.”
“But the Duke is one of the most eligible bachelors in England.” Alice clutched her arm. “Every ambitious mama in London has her sights on him. If they see you speaking with him, they will tear you apart.”
“Which is why I intend to be discreet.” Sophia squeezed her friend’s hand. “But I may need your help. If anyone becomes suspicious, I will require a distraction.”
Alice sighed. “Of course. Whatever you need. However, I still think this is reckless.”
“Probably.” Sophia managed a small smile. “But Oliver needs me. And that matters more than caution.”
A ripple of excitement passed through the garden. Heads turned toward the entrance. Sophia followed the collective gaze and felt her breath catch.
The Duke of Heatherwell had arrived.
He stood at the garden’s edge, tall and broad-shouldered in a dark blue coat that emphasized the gold of his hair. Beside him, the Duke of Thornwaite lounged with aristocratic ease, making some comment that drew a reluctant half-smile from his companion.
Even from this distance, Sophia could feel the intensity of Heatherwell’s presence, the coiled energy beneath that controlled exterior.
He greeted Lord and Lady Bancroft with perfect courtesy. Then his gaze swept the garden, searching, until it landed on her.
A jolt ran through Sophia’s body.
Nerves, she told herself.Nothing more than nerves.
He held her eyes for a heartbeat. Then he gave an almost imperceptible nod and moved toward the beverage table at the far corner of the lawn.
“Go.” Alice nudged her. “I will keep watch.”
Sophia made her way through the crowd, pausing to exchange pleasantries with acquaintances, and appearing to move without purpose. When she reached the beverage table, she poured herself a glass of lemonade, keeping her back to the duke.
“You took your time.” His voice came from behind her, low enough that only she could hear.
“I cannot simply stride across a garden without drawing attention.” She sipped her lemonade, her gaze fixed on the roses. “In which direction would you like to move? I assume you have candidates in mind.”
“I have just arrived. Shouldn’t I enjoy myself first?”
Sophia blinked. Was he joking? “Do you want to enjoy yourself?”
“No. I am here for business.”
“Business.” She set down her glass and refilled it, using the motion to mask their conversation. “You truly see finding a wife as a business matter.”
“Marriage is a contract.” His voice held no emotion. “An exchange of assets. Political alliances. The continuation of bloodlines. Sentiment has no place in such calculations.”
“How remarkably cynical.” Sophia shook her head. “And how remarkably sad. Do you not believe in affection? In companionship? In love?”
“I believe in duty.” A pause. “You made me a promise, Lady Sophia. I expect you to honor it, regardless of your romantic notions.”
She sighed. “Very well. There are several ladies here who might suit your requirements. Lady Georgiana Huxley, near the fountain, possesses excellent breeding and a reputation for charitable work. Miss Amelia Stanton, by the rose arbor, is well-educated and accomplished in music and languages. And—” She hesitated. “—Miss Prudence Chetwood is approaching from your left with her mother.”
“The one in yellow?”
“Yes. And I would advise against engaging with her. She cares nothing for love or companionship. Only wealth and status. Her mother is worse.”
She moved to leave. His hand brushed her wrist, so briefly she might have imagined it.
“Stay nearby.”
Sophia drifted toward a nearby cluster of guests, close enough to observe while appearing occupied with her own conversation.
