“I believe I used to, but now…” She shook her head and stared in the direction they were headed.
Curling his fingers more securely around her arm, Jack held onto her as though she were his life-line. It was vital he change her opinion of him. For the first time ever, he sensed his entire existence might be at stake if he failed to do so. “Lady Preston is five-and-thirty years of age.”
“I do not wish to know the sordid details of your debauchery.” Sophia yanked on her arm, but Jack held her in place.
“When she was but eighteen years old, her parents married her off to Viscount Preston, a lecherous man forty-five years her senior with whom she has since been forced to share her bed.” Noting the wide-eyed look of shock in Sophia’s eyes, Jack continued. “As for Lady Laxonberry, her husband is a notorious brute. As someone who has seen her unclothed, I can vouch for that. Her body is always marked with bruises.”
“Good lord.”
“Both women sought comfort in my arms. I’ll not apologize for offering them a moment’s escape from an otherwise horrid life. My only regret is getting found out. Both women suffered because of it, especially Lady Laxonberry.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“No, but you were very keen to make assumptions and think the worst. Weren’t you?”
“Forgive me, Jack.”
He loosened his grip on her arm, then released her so she could recommence walking. A frown pulled at his forehead as he fell into step beside her. “I wish you had confronted me sooner. Instead, you try to avoid me.”
He saw her cheeks flame even as she said, “I already told you. I’m just in a hurry, that’s all. My leaving the Richmonds’ with haste had nothing to do with you in the least.”
He didn’t believe her. She’d been on the attack since he’d caught up with her fifteen minutes ago, pushing and prodding, provoking a fight as if he were a threat and words were her weapons.
He lost his chance to say as much when they arrived at the Scotts’ front door.
Sophia knocked and when Mrs. Scott arrived, she offered her the basket.
“Thank you, Miss Fenmore.” Perpetual sadness clung to Mrs. Scott’s eyes. The deep grooves set in her face a stark reminder of all she’d lost. “Won’t you come in?”
Jack’s heart clenched in memory of the frozen lake her boys had succumbed to. The youngest lad had fallen through and the oldest had tried to save his brother. Both had eventually perished.
“I’m afraid we can’t stay,” Sophia said. She offered a smile and placed one had on Mrs. Scott’s arm. “Please give our regards to your husband.”
“Yes,” Mrs. Scott said. She pressed her lips together and nodded. “We’ll see you at church on Sunday.”
“Come,” Jack said once he and Sophia had finished taking their leave of Mrs. Scott. “I don’t like the way the wind’s picking up now and those clouds look mighty threatening.”
She glanced at the sky and frowned. “Do you think it will start to snow before we get back to Town?”
“It might, which is why I suggest we hurry.” He led Star onto the road and steadied him. “Allow me to help you up.”
She stared at him. “If I ride, then what will you do?”
“We’ll ride together.” When she drew back, he waved with increased impatience. “Time is of the essence, Sophia, so please put aside whatever grudge you’re still holding toward me and get on the horse.”
“I really don’t think this is a good idea.” She seemed to consider the road. “I’m perfectly fine walking. It won’t take more than forty-five minutes for me to reach home.”
Something wet landed on Jack’s forehead. “During which you may catch your death.”
“I’ve never been sick in my life,” she argued, and promptly set off at a brisk pace.
Jack muttered a curse and followed. Lord, how he wanted to strangle her right now. Tempering himself, he did his best to convey calm and reason as he said, “Edward will never forgive me if I don’t see you home safely.”
“And so you shall,” she quipped. “On foot.”
“Stubborn chit,” he grumbled, and suddenly grinned when he noticed her smile. Unable to resist, he drew a bit closer to her and gave her shoulder a nudge. “Impossible female.”
“Impudent rogue,” she countered, all seriousness in spite of her twinkling eyes.
