Lord Collingsworth appeared at his elbow, followed by Lord Reuben.
Business matters. Railway investments. Things Edward should care about.
He allowed himself to be drawn into conversation, but his mind remained elsewhere. Fixed on a woman in green silk who had no business occupying so much of his attention.
Sophia had taken three steps from the dance floor when they descended upon her.
“Lady Sophia!” Lady Blackwell’s voice carried a particular sweetness that promised only cruelty. “What a surprise to see you dancing with the Duke of Thornwaite. However did you manage it?”
Miss Stanton’s younger sister, Catherine, giggled behind her fan. “Perhaps she has developed new talents. Ones we are not aware of.”
Sophia kept her voice even. “I was simply fortunate. The Duke was being kind.”
“Kind.” Lady Blackwell exchanged a glance with Miss Catherine. “Yes, I suppose he would have to be. Dancing with a woman of your…” She paused. “…circumstances.”
“My circumstances?”
“Your age, dear. Your situation.” Lady Blackwell’s smile sharpened. “It must be so difficult, watching younger women secure the attention you never managed to attract. But then, not everyone is destined for matrimony. Some women are simply meant to remain…” Another pause. “…useful in other ways.”
The barb landed where it was intended. Sophia felt it sink into her chest.
She lifted her chin. “If you will excuse me, I see friends I must greet.”
She walked away before they could respond, her spine straight, her head high. She would not give them the satisfaction of seeing her falter.
Alice and Thomas stood near the refreshment table. Alice’s face lit up when she saw Sophia approach.
“There you are! I saw you dancing with Thornwaite. What was that about?”
Sophia accepted a glass of champagne from a passing footman. “He was being kind. Apparently, I looked tragic standing alone.”
“You did not look tragic.” Alice frowned. “You looked pensive. There is a difference.”
“That is what I told him.”
Thomas chuckled. “Thornwaite does enjoy stirring trouble. Did you see Heatherwell’s face when Thornwaite kissed your hand? I thought he might challenge him to a duel on the spot.”
Alice shot him a warning look. “Thomas.”
“What? It’s true. The man looked murderous.” Thomas shrugged. “I am merely observing.”
Sophia sipped her champagne and said nothing. Her eyes drifted across the ballroom, searching for a tall figure with golden hair.
She found him in conversation with Lord Collingsworth and Sir Edmund. As if sensing her gaze, he looked up. Their eyes met across the crowded room.
Sophia looked away first.
The musicians struck up a new dance. Alice tapped her foot in time with the music, her gaze longing.
“Go.” Sophia nudged her. “Dance with your husband. I will be fine here.”
Alice hesitated. “Are you certain? I don’t want to leave you alone.”
“I am surrounded by people. Go. Enjoy yourselves.”
Thomas offered his hand to his wife with a gallant bow. “My lady? Shall we?”
Alice laughed and took his hand. They moved toward the dance floor, and Sophia watched them go with a bittersweet ache.
