“Would you care for refreshment?” Edward asked once the set had concluded and they’d moved toward the periphery of the room. “I am personally out of breath and parched.”
“A glass of lemonade would be welcome,” Sophia said. “If such is available.”
“I’m sure it is.” He steered her along, halting now and then to offer greetings to friends.
“There you are!” Felicity’s familiar voice prompted Sophia and Edward to turn as one.
“We just arrived five minutes ago,” Kaitlin said as she sidled up next to her sister. “What a crush.”
Behind them stood Jack, handsome as ever in his evening attire. His dark eyes seemed to pin Sophia in place. “Miss Fenmore. It’s a pleasure to see you again. You too, Mr. Fenmore.”
Heat filled Sophia’s cheeks before bathing her completely. Captivated by the intensity of Jack’s stare, she gazed at him while blood rushed through her veins. She forced herself to acknowledge his sisters and smile as if all was as it should be – as if she and Jack had not recently worn nothing but blankets while sharing a scandalous kiss.
“I’m so pleased to see all of you again,” she said. “We scarcely had a chance to chat after Sunday service.” Sophia had gotten caught up in conversation with Mrs. Scott immediately after the service. When the lady had finished thanking her for the wonderful contents of the basket Sophia delivered, Felicity, Kaitlin, Jack, and Edward had all been gone.
“We are rather busy these days with our gentlemen suitors,” Kaitlin explained. “In fact, I’m afraid you must excuse me since I promised Lord Cumberland the next dance.”
“I would be honored if you would partner with me for it,” Jack told Sophia once Kaitlin had left.
Fearful of how she might respond to even his most innocent touch, Sophia moved closer to Edward. “I’m not sure…um…that is to say, I—”
“Go on, Sophia. Dance with Jack.” Edward collected two glasses of lemonade from a passing server and handed one to Sophia, the other to Felicity. “I’ll dance with Miss Lancaster in the meantime.”
Sophia frowned as she sipped her drink. Was she imagining things, or did Felicity look as though she were about to be tortured? Her expression – the hope and yearning mixed with painful resignation – was so familiar it took Sophia no more than a second to place it. And when she did, she nearly gasped, then promptly drank some more lemonade to hide her reaction.
Dear Lord. Was it possible the man her friend pined for was Edward? If so, was Edward aware? And if so, did he return Felicity’s affection?
The chance he did but that he might not think he was fit to court an earl’s daughter pierced Sophia’s heart with such shattering force she almost winced. She glanced at him – at the man who’d been like a brother to her for most of her life – and noted the hint of sadness about his eyes.
“Miss Fenmore?”
Jack’s voice, firm and sure, pulled her out of her reverie. She set her glass aside and accepted the arm he offered. Before he could lead her off, she told Felicity and Edward, “Enjoy your dance.”
Edward’s lips parted as if he meant to respond, but then the moment passed, and Sophia was whisked away by Jack while Edward gave his attention to the woman Sophie believed he truly loved. Heavens, what a tangle.
“I’ve missed you,” Jack murmured close to her ear. He’d guided her to the spot where she was meant to stand in preparation for the next country dance. His hand slid discreetly along her arm, his fingertips grazing her waist right before he withdrew them. “And I’ve every intention of making you mine. Don’t marry Edward.”
He’d stepped away before she could register what he had said, leaving her body reeling in the wake of his touch. The implication of his words, spoken in this crowded place where anyone might overhear, was more than scandalous. It was ruinous.
She narrowed her gaze on him. He merely smirked, his eyes burning bright with devilish mischief. It wasn’t until the dance was underway and she stepped toward him that she had a chance to respond. “You can’t be serious.”
He held her gaze while he wrapped one arm around her waist, turning her about in time to the music. There was nothing abnormal in his movements. He followed the steps with faultless fluidity. And yet the heat from his hand burned through her dress to warm her back, the press of his palm more insistent than what was proper, yet too unobtrusive for anyone else to notice.
One of his black eyebrows rose in challenge. “I’ve never been more so.”
She wanted to argue, to shout at him for being unfair. He could not do this to her. Not now after she’d spent years adjusting to the idea of having to marry another, to the painful reality of Jack not wanting her, and to the fact that even if he did she’d never be good enough for him. But the dance prevented her from saying any of this as she was forced to take a few turns with other gentlemen.
Sophia did her best to smile and to look as though she enjoyed herself even though she’d never been more on edge in her life. It felt like an avalanche barreled toward her, and she stood no chance of outrunning it.
The gentleman with whom she’d been dancing released her to another, prompting her to blink as she gazed up into Edward’s familiar eyes. His lips quirked. “You look extremely put out, Sophia. Is Jack provoking you?”
“Yes. I mean, no. I mean…” She wasn’t sure of anything anymore. Her thoughts were in chaos.
Edward guided her between two other couples. “He cares for you. More than you know.”
Her heart started pounding. She needed to know where he stood in all of this. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him. “As you care for Felicity?”
His eyes dimmed. A swift nod was all it took for him to confide his deepest secret before he spun her back toward Jack.
