Wilde watched as Sheffield kept drinking from the bottle. Something besides Violet troubled his friend.
“Talk, Sheffield.”
“Talk about what, my friend? How you stole my one chance at happiness? She was to be my redemption for the past sins of my family.”
“How so?”
“A scandal will unfold once Lord Hartridge’s research is complete. I needed to secure myself a duchess of the highest standings before someone exposes the information.”
“How was Sidney of the highest standing? Her family holds no resources of power.”
“You are correct. However, the Crown values her father. I wouldn’t be scorned with her family's influence. Now I am forced to search for another duchess whose family will back me in the face of a scandal. Lady Dallis is my only option available.”
“Then explain your anger toward Lady Sophia.”
“She kept me from winning Sidney’s heart. She encouraged your pursuit. It angered me. Also, there is a spark when I am around her that sets me on edge. This evening we seemed to have reached an unspoken agreement to put the past behind us, before Beckwith landed a planter on my face.”
“Is that also the reason why you never pursued Lady Sophia?”
“Her father is the person responsible for disclosing the secret paper that will destroy me. If Lord Hartridge finds any truth to the document, Lord Turlington will strip me of my power in Parliament, and take my title and lands. I suppose that is part of the reason why I have shown only disrespect toward Lady Sophia.”
“Who else knows?”
“Nobody else. I trust Lord Hartridge to keep this to himself. Even with his anger at my treatment of his daughter, he will not reveal my secret.”
“I think until you learn the truth, you need to keep your distance from Lady Sophia. I will pass your sentiments to her and my wife. Continue your pursuit with Lady Dallis, although I fear you will not come to a marriage contract with her either.”
“Why not?”
Wilde laughed. “When she looks at you it is with hatred.”
“I am taking her for a walk in the park tomorrow.”
“Good luck, my friend.”
“Go home to your bride, Wilde.”
Wilde chuckled as he left Sheffield to his bottle of whiskey. He'd warned him away, hoping it would be the draw for him seeking Sophia's attention. Now, he needed to arrange for Sophia to be at the park tomorrow at the same time as Sheffield and Lady Dallis. He thought of the perfect gentleman for the job. He whistled a tune as he walked to the carriage. When he climbed inside, excited to return home to his wife, she surprised him by being there in the cab, waiting for him and wearing his coat with nothing underneath.
“You took long enough, Lord Wildeburg.”
“I was only helping your research project along, Lady Wildeburg.”
“Mmm,” she murmured against his lips as the carriage took them for a ride.
Chapter Sixteen
Sidney persuaded Sophia to allow Rory to accompany her for a walk through the park. When he arrived to apologize for his behavior the previous evening, Sophia refused to see him. With gentle encouragement from Sidney she relented. She was too soft. Sophia knew in her heart, there was a deeper reason for Rory’s anger toward Sheffield than defending her honor. Sophia didn’t like the rift in their friendship and if he was a gentleman enough to fix the problem, then she could listen to him.
Also, taking a walk with Rory was preferable to moping in her room for a man out of her reach. Even after Wilde assured her this morning that Sheffield’s condition was no worse for wear and the beating probably did him good, Sophia still held concern for his welfare. Rory was known for his fighting; his hands were brutal from the boxing matches he engaged in for fun. Well, not fun, Sophia suspected they were more for earning a dime. His family’s coffers were empty, and he earned money on the side in the underground world to support his mother and sister. The ton forbade talk of such things, however Sidney kept Sophia informed of the seedier side of society. Sidney’s parents were big supporters of the underprivileged and fought for equality. Sophia’s parents were too upper-crust to meddle with the unfortunate. It was surprising their mothers were best friends. The two women were complete opposites.
They were silent as they walked. Each step took them closer to the pond and further away in their own thoughts. As they settled on the bench, they watched the ducks waddle out of the water. Sophia wished she'd remembered to bring some bread. A bag landed in her lap. She glanced toward Rory, who shrugged and attempted a grin.
“Did you think I would forget?”
Sophia smiled her reply as she ripped the bag open, tossing the crumbs toward the ducks. Before long, the birds attacked them quacking for their share. Sophia’s mood lifted, her heart feeling lighter. She threw more pieces at the ducks that weren't getting any, laughing as they followed the trail. When her bag was empty, she laid her head on Rory’s shoulders, accepting his apology with her unspoken forgiveness. He wrapped his arm around her and relaxed against the bench. There were no visitors in the park, so the closeness of their bodies went unnoticed. It was a private garden near the Wildeburg’s and only the nearby residences had access.
She lifted Rory’s hand into her lap, her fingers trailing across the open wounds, touching gently. These were the same hands that struck the man she loved. Each man held a special place in her heart. One of love, the other of friendship. Her feelings were torn between the two gentlemen. One she could be with, the other never to be again unless she revealed her secret.
“Do they hurt?”
“Nah.”
“Why?”
“I saw red. My frustration had already reached a boiling point when he danced with Lady Dallis. I understood why she had to dance with him. It was her reaction to him that spurred my agitation.”
“How did she react?”
“At first, I could tell she held him in contempt. By the time the dance concluded she regarded him in a different light. They were smiling and even laughing. Plainly, she forgave him.”
“They were laughing?”
“Yes, her face was alight with smiles. Even a blush graced her cheeks. Then I overheard her grandmother telling my mother the duke had asked Dallis for a walk today.”
“A walk?” Sophia kept repeating questions he'd already answered.
“It is hopeless.”
“Do you care for her?”
“Do you believe in love at first sight?”
Sophia smiled, raising her head to look at him. “Yes.”
“Would you believe me, if I told you the first time that I noticed Dallis across the ballroom floor, my heart stopped? Then once it started beating again, it was a different rhythm than before. Every time I see her it reacts that way.”
Sophia held joy for Rory. She knew exactly what he explained, for that was how Alex made her feel. She couldn’t explain any of this to him, but she encouraged him to pursue Dallis. An idea began to form that would require Sidney’s help—which was right up her friend’s alley. It would seem another love experiment would be in play. Only this time it would be aimed at Rory. It could intermingle with the plan involved for Sheffield and her. It was perfect.
“Never fear, my friend. You shall have your heart’s desire. I only ask for you to display some patience and keep your fists held to your side. Can you control your anger?”
Rory sighed. Controlling his anger had always been an issue. He was usually one to punch first, and then ask questions later. Last night held proof of that. But for the sake of his friendship with Sophia he would try. Also, he already promised Sidney he would. Or else he wouldn’t be allowed to visit them.
“For you I will.”
“Excellent, I shall have Sidney add Lady Dallis and her grandmother to her guest list for her dinner party.”
“Do you think she will come?”
“Yes. Sidney and I shall pay a visit to her and Lady Ratcliff to welcome her to society and offer our friendship.
”
“You would do this after I have been such a terrible friend?”
“Yes, Rory. I must warn you though, Sidney invited Sheffield too, and he has accepted.”
“I figured as much, since Wildeburg and he are close friends.”
“Walk me back to Sidney’s. We have much to accomplish.”
Rory chuckled as he rose and offered Phee his arm. His mood lighter after their time together. Sophia always had the knack of making somebody feel happier. Any man who won her heart would be a lucky bastard.
When they started to walk away, they noticed they weren't alone in the park. Another couple rested on a bench near the gazebo. Not just anybody, but the two people who were never far from their thoughts. Alexander Langley and Lady Dallis. Sophia squeezed Rory’s arm in a warning. Instead of speaking to them, they nodded their acknowledgements and strolled out of the gates. Neither one of them thought of the close affection they'd displayed earlier.
However, the other two sat wondering with conflicted emotions.
SHEFFIELD WANTED TO rise the minute he saw them. With Beckwith, he wanted to gift him with the same bruises he sported. With Lady Sophia he ... hell, he didn’t know what he wanted. Throughout the evening his dreams consumed him, waking him in a cold sweat. Her tender touch invoked images of Violet making love with him, only when Sheffield lifted her mask it was Lady Sophia. As he'd watched them share an affectionate embrace, jealousy stirred in his gut.
“Is Lord Rory Beckwith courting Lady Sophia Turlington?” Lady Dallis asked.
“Not that I am aware of. They are close friends.”
“Mmm, their intimate actions display more than friendship.”
“Perhaps you are correct.”
The thought didn’t sit well with him, if it were the truth. Nonetheless, she was not his, nor did he hold any interest in Sophia other than as an acquaintance. He was here to pursue a courtship with Lady Dallis which would lead her to becoming his duchess. Sheffield turned his attention to his companion. She stared at him with her eyes narrowing, taking in the bruises covering his face.
“What happened to your face?”
“I was set upon by thieves.”
She arched her eyebrow. “Did the so-called thieves steal your prized possession?”
Her double innuendo didn't go unnoticed. “The prized possession was never mine to begin with. I only admired it.”
“Enough to own it?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“It does not hold my interest as much as you do.”
“Bollocks,” she muttered under her breath.
“I will pretend to ignore your vulgar language.”
“If ye mean to court me, ye will need to get used to it.” Dallis emphasized her Scottish brogue to offend him.
“You will allow me to court you?”
“My grandmother insists.”
“And your desire?”
“It does not matter anymore after this morning.”
“May I inquire as to why?”
“I guess it would not hurt to inform you. My heart lay with another, but from what my eyes can tell, he has already been taken.”
Sheffield laughed at the irony of his situation. Once again, he courted a lady who loved another. Did he want to continue to pursue Dallis? It would only lead to him losing another bride. If so, no father would allow him to court their daughters, a duke or not. He would have shown an inability to keep a bride. Once would be overlooked, twice would make him a fool among the ton.
No, as much as it pained him, he would not court Lady Dallis further.
“Rory Beckwith?”
“’Tis afraid so.”
“I can understand the feeling of lost love. I myself have recently suffered. However, you should not give up hope so easily.”
“But I thought ...”
“I relinquish my courtship.”
Lady Dallis scrutinized the Duke of Sheffield as he released her from his pursuit. Why? She decided to dig deeper. Her nanna said she was always too curious for her own good.
“Are ye bruises from Lord Beckwith?”
“Yes.”
“Was Lady Sophia who you admired?”
“Yes.”
“Do you love her?”
“Nay, I love another. Lady Sophia reminds me of her.”
“If you love another, then why are you courting me?”
“Because I don’t know her true identity.”
“I am confused.”
“It is a long story.”
“Then as your newfound friend, perhaps you would like to share your long story.”
“It is a highly improper story and very personal.”
“I understand. What is her name?”
“I call her Violet.”
“Why?”
“Because she has the most unusual shade of purple for an eye color.”
“Now I am really intrigued.”
Sheffield laughed. “Friends?”
“Friends.”
“Then as your friend I must return you home before the rain falls upon our heads.”
Dallis looked up and saw the impending rain clouds. He walked her back and even came inside for tea with her grandmother. He could be a very charming gentleman when he chose to be. Whoever Violet was, she was a fool.
Chapter Seventeen
Dear Lady Sophia,
I wished to convey my regrets on the conclusion to the previous evening events. Wildeburg has suggested that I refrain from visiting, due to your delicate nature toward violence. Thank you for your tender care while I was knocked unconscious. Your gentle touch held the cure to my recovery.
I hope you enjoyed your walk in the park with Lord Beckwith. I would have approached but did not want to subject Lady Dallis or you to the horror of my interaction toward your companion.
I wish you well. Until the next time we meet, and may it be uneventful.
Alexander Langley
Duke of Sheffield
DEAR SHEFFIELD,
It warms my heart on your speedy recovery. I have worried your injuries wear painful. ‘Tis not your fault on how the Dancaster Soiree ended. Only one man ruined the entire evening. There are times that I am ashamed to call him my friend.
I too hoped your walk with Lady Dallis was pleasurable. I did not mean to be discourteous, but only wished to prevent another altercation. Lady Dallis is a lovely girl. I wish you luck in your courtship.
As for my delicate nature toward violence, all I can say is posh. While I do not condone violence of any kind, the fault did not lie with you. Please do not listen to Lord Wildeburg. I feel your past engagement to Sidney brings out the jealousy in him.
Uneventful? That is no fun.
Your new friend,
Sophia Turlington
DEAR SOPHIA,
Are we friends?
Sheffield
DEAR SHEFFIELD,
Yes, we are. In fact, call me Phee, all my friends do.
Phee
DEAR Phee Sophia,
Sorry, my friend. I cannot ruin the beauty of your name in that form. To me you will only be Sophia.
Sadly, Lady Dallis is in love with somebody else. I won’t subject her to my courting. Why does every lady I court love another? The worst luck follows me as I try to find a bride. While I do not care for the gentleman; I wish her well. I wish you the same luck with Lord Beckwith. I only say that, because I watched your close affections with each other at the park.
Your Friend,
Alex
DEAR ALEX,
I hope I can call you Alex while we correspond. You signed your last letter with your name, so I assumed I could. If not, please correct me.
I am sorry to hear of your loss in courting Lady Dallis. If I may be so bold to ask, have you found your next lady to court? You are mistaken, Rory and I are only friends, his heart lies with another. I guess you could say we are two lost souls.
Do you believe in love?
Your Fri
end
Phee
DEAR SOPHIA,
You are Sophia to me, not Phee. Sign your letters accordingly.
Love? A heavy word. Do friends discuss such intimate subjects? I find this highly unorthodox, but I feel a trust with you that I don’t share with others. So, to answer your question, yes, love is real. I am in love now, but I fear I have lost her. I never declared my affections to her. Now, I suffer regret on letting her walk out of my life.
Do you hold the same faith in love?
Alex
DEAR Alex, Alexander
I prefer Alexander to Alex. Please, sign your letters accordingly. (Do you see how I requested, not demanded?)
I trust you too. Yes, I believe in love. For I gave my heart to a man who holds no clue I even exist. I sense he loves me too, but not who I truly am.
You should find your true love and never let her go.
Yours Sophia
DEAR SOPHIA,
I am forever apologizing to you. Please forgive me once again for being demanding. You may sign your letters however you wish.
I have taken your advice and sent a request asking for permission to visit with her. Wish me luck.
I also have a desire to call on you. Perhaps, I can accompany you on a walk tomorrow in the park. That is if Wildeburg will allow it.
A man hoping you will agree.
Alexander
P.S. Is Wilde still jealous?
P.S.S. The man who stole your heart is a fool.
DEAR ALEXANDER,
A risk you will have to take. I shall be ready tomorrow afternoon for our walk.
I am excited to hear your news.
Sophia
P.S. Don’t forget the bread crumbs for the ducks.
P.S.S. No, he isn’t. I gave it to him freely.
SHEFFIELD CHUCKLED as he read her latest note. She was a delight. He never noticed this playful side to Lady Sophia before. The lady held many facets he wished to explore. Were his feelings for Violet fading for Lady Sophia? Lady Sophia struck a chord in his lost soul filling it with humor and laughter. She also discussed intimate thoughts he would never broach with the likes of Wildeburg.
Whom Shall I Marry... an Earl or a Duke? Page 13
