Sophia jumped up. “Oh, don’t tell Elinor. Please.”
“Of course not.” Dory hugged her. “We shall just come for a visit and discuss gowns for the Fallon ball.”
Sophia wanted to hug her new friend and never let go. She couldn’t have dreamed anyone would take her part, let alone fight on her behalf. “I’m glad you’re my friend, Dorothea Flammel.”
Dory smiled. “I am as well.”
Once Dory left, Sophia called for a bath and Marie helped her undress. She closed her eyes and sank deeper into the warm water. Perhaps everything would be all right. The idea of a small house, either here or in Philadelphia, crept into the back of her mind. She would like to be in the country, where she might grow a garden and no one would gossip about her lack of husband. That would be perfect. No husband meant, no children to ever call her mother and in turn, none of the grandchildren her mother coveted so desperately.
Perhaps not perfect.
* * * *
The dress glimmered in the color of rich butter and gave her skin a golden glow. Marie had outdone herself styling Sophia’s hair, entwining crimson ribbons and crystals through her dark tresses. The same color ribbons flowed down from just below her breasts, which mounded above the scooped neckline. But the cleverly made dress would keep her safe from embarrassment.
The Fallon’s London home was larger than Collington house. Upon entering, there were two grand staircases that curved around an oval foyer. The wood gleamed and a tasteful chandelier hung in the center. Its crystals polished to a miraculous shine illuminated the entry. To the right, the ballroom took Sophia’s breath away.
Aunt Daphne joined the dowagers where they clustered together like hens.
Sophia found herself standing alone watching the dancers and staring in wonder at the beauty of the house. His presence warmed her even before he spoke and her spine stiffened. Her stomach did a little flip in spite of her resolve to be unaffected by him.
“Do you like it?” He spoke softly just behind her left ear.
The ceiling had to be forty feet tall, with golden arches and a fresco of kings and queens enjoying a picnic in the park. Tall glass doors lined one entire wall and silk curtains gleamed in the candlelight.
The sound of his voice gave her a quiver inside. It took her several beats before she found her voice. “It’s a lovely house. Do you live here?”
“No. I have a home not far from here. My stepmother and sister live here.”
Her interest piqued. “Was that part of your father’s wishes?”
He shrugged and his broad shoulders creased the crisp lines of his black jacket before everything settled into place as if ordered to do so. It was as if he commanded his clothing to obey and the cloth wouldn’t dare defy. “I really have no idea. My mother enjoys living here when she is in town and I like for her to be happy.”
“You get along well with your stepmother, then?”
His smile warmed his face and sent a quiver through her belly. “My own mother died giving birth to me and my father remarried when I was five. Janette is the only mother I have ever known. She raised me as her own and gave me a wonderful little sister, whom I adore. Why should we not get along?”
She constantly said the wrong thing. “I did not mean to imply anything, my lord. It is only that you have no legal obligation to keep them housed and many men in your position would not bother to care for a stepmother and half-sister.”
With a shrug, he met her gaze. “I suppose that is true of many.”
“But not you.” She wished she could find a cruel streak in him, walk away and not think of him again. It would be much easier to ignore a man who would put the women who depended on him out in the street. But he obviously loved his family and that fact made him even more endearing. She forbade herself to like him.
“Would you like to meet my mother and sister?” he asked.
Before she could stop herself, she nodded. For some reason, she wanted to meet his family. Though, for the life of her, she couldn’t imagine why. He was nothing to her.
He walked only a few steps before stopping suddenly.
She stumbled and gripped his arm tighter to keep her feet. Looking up, she found him staring down at her.
His eyes shone with intensity making her heart pound.
The music changed to a waltz and he bent his head an inch from hers. “Perhaps a dance first, Miss Braighton? I hate to let an opportunity to hold you in my arms slip away.”
“I wish you would not say such things.”
“Is that a yes, or a no, to the dance?” His eyes filled with mirth.
She nodded and they circled the dance floor. In his arms, it was difficult to think of anything she decided before the ball. She planned to avoid him and, if she did run into him, she would be cool and polite. However, now that his hands were on her and his heat radiated through the flimsy material of her gown, she longed to be close to him. There was safety in Daniel’s embrace. A word she never thought to apply to any man besides her father.
“Why do you wish I would not say such things to you, Sophia?” He whispered closer to her ear than was appropriate.
Running was her best option, but she stood her ground. “You should not call me Sophia. It is not right and I have not given you permission to do so.”
“It seems impossible for me to behave correctly with you, Sophia. I promised myself I would avoid you, but as soon as you entered the ballroom I was aware of your presence and I could not keep away. I do not know what draws me to you and believe me, I would prefer to be indifferent to your allure. I felt this way once before and it ended quite badly.” He shook his head and his posture stiffened, not at all like his flirtatious manner of a moment before.
Her heart raced and she was certain he could hear her heart pounding, but she couldn’t think of a thing to say in response to his personal admission.
He smiled. “You must think me a fool.”
“No.”
He laughed. “There is that word again. If you were English, you would elaborate.”
“Yes, you are a long-winded bunch. However, my father is English and my Mother Italian and I’m American, so, ‘no’ will often do.” She missed her family and the wonderful differences that made them unique.
“I suppose it shall have to.” He whirled her around one last time before the music ended. He bowed.
She curtsied.
The crowd watched with avid interest.
He escorted her back across the crowded ballroom.
One fact about his admission nagged at her. “Why did it end?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You said you felt this way once before and it ended badly. I wondered why it ended.”
“Would it be rude of me to say that I would rather not say?” He towered over her and stared into her eyes. His closeness filled her head with vanilla, spice and another scent uniquely his.
She breathed deeply to commit the scent of him to memory. “Not if it is to protect the lady.”
Without a word, he led her across the ballroom.
Elegant and petite, with chestnut hair, and bright eyes, Janette Fallon beamed luminously at her stepson. She didn’t look old enough to have been Daniel’s mother for over twenty years.
He bowed and kissed her cheek. Adoration shone in his eyes.
If she never married, she would never have a son who would look at her that way. Her blood chilled and she closed her eyes against the wave of sorrow. She swallowed, took a breath and pushed those thoughts aside.
“Mother, I would like you to meet Miss Sophia Braighton. Miss Braighton, this is my mother, Lady Janette Fallon.” His smile warmed and his gaze softened as he made the introductions.
Lady Marlton stared so long that Sophia braced herself against the urge to fidget. Her gaze was not unkind and a small smile remained on her lips as she assessed Sophia from head to toe. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Braighton.”
Janette’s eyes widened. “You are American. Have you just arrived in London?”
It was Daniel who answered. “Miss Braighton is Lady Collington’s great niece, Mother.”
“I see.” Janette’s smile brightened. “I seem to remember that your aunt had a nephew who left for America the year I made my debut. He was married to a lovely Italian girl. I also recall that Charles Braighton made quite a good deal of money in shipping. Is that your father, Miss Braighton?”
She loved that someone knew of her parents. It was almost like they were there. “Yes, my lady. My parents and my brother are still in Philadelphia.”
“You have a brother? How marvelous.” Now her eyes were bright, the marriage market mamma coming to the surface. “Is he older or younger than you, my dear?”
“Mother, Cissy is only making her debut tonight. Don’t go sending her off to America just yet.”
Sophia giggled. “Anthony is older but only by one year. I’m afraid he’s not quite ready for marriage.”
Still grinning Janette shrugged. “Perhaps a bit too young for Cissy, but one never knows.”
“Mother, you are incorrigible.”
She frowned, but her eyes were still twinkling with humor. “I’m a mother with two unmarried children. It is completely normal to try to find them suitable mates. In fact, it would be remiss of me if I did not.”
He beamed at her. “Perhaps, but it is the unabashed way you go about it that is tiresome, dear mother.”
“Why should I not be shameless? If I’m not, then what will become of my daughter?” The lament was met with a chuckle from Daniel.
He tipped his head to one side. “Here is the wastrel now. I’m sure Miss Braighton can see why you are so worried. How will we ever get her married off?”
The girl who approached was as petite as Janette with the same hair and eyes. Her skin was fair and unmarred and she had a pert little nose and a strong chin. For a girl of perhaps sixteen, she walked with decided confidence. She saw Daniel and her eyes lit up. Her joy made her even more stunning as she hugged and kissed him. “You came. I’m so glad.”
“I would not miss your debut, sweetheart.”
Sophia thought about her own brother’s expression when he learned of her plans never to marry. He’d been upset with her and disappointed that she refused to do her duty. She couldn’t tell him the reasons. She was too afraid of what he would think of her, or worse, he might decide to do something rash and get himself in trouble. No, it was better he didn’t know, even if it meant he thought she was disobedient and willful.
The Fallon’s affection made her long to see her own brother and beg his forgiveness.
Daniel made introductions, but Sophia was miles away in her own thoughts and snapped out of it when she heard her name repeated. “I’m so sorry. It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Fallon.”
Lady Marlton stared her head tipped to the side. “You must miss your own family very much, Miss Braighton.”
Daniel’s mother’s intuitiveness surprised her. It was either that or everyone could read her thoughts as Thomas had said. “I do, but my aunt has been wonderful and I’m enjoying London immensely.”
“I wonder if you and your aunt would come to tea tomorrow?” Lady Marlton asked.
Sophia tried to hide her shock at the invitation, taking deep even breaths and relaxing her face. “I’ll have to check with Lady Collington, but I don’t think we are otherwise engaged. We would be delighted. Thank you.”
“Until tomorrow then, Miss Braighton. Cecilia, I would like to introduce you to Lord Hadlington.” With that, Daniel’s mother turned to walk away with Cecilia in tow.
“Yes, mother.” Cissy followed, rolling her eyes, but her smile never wavered.
“They are very nice,” Sophia said.
“I agree. Shall I return you to your aunt, Miss Braighton, or would you be willing to walk in the gardens with me?”
His voice was so soft and imploring, she nearly said yes to his invitation.
Dory and Elinor ran across the ballroom skirts fully flowing like two ship’s sails in pale pink and sky blue.
“What a marvelous ball. Your mother has outdone herself, my lord.” Elinor bubbled with enthusiasm.
He bowed to the two young ladies. “I shall tell her you said so, Miss Burkenstock. If you ladies will excuse me? Perhaps another time, Miss Braighton.” He bowed again, took her hand and kissed it.
Her heart thundered so violently, she might need to take a seat. Then he was gone.
“What was that about?” Dory demanded.
Sophia shook her head. “Nothing. He just introduced me to his mother and sister. They are lovely. Miss Fallon is so pretty she took my breath away.”
Dory’s eyes narrowed. “Indeed.”
“Have you seen Sir Michael? I thought perhaps he would be here, since he and Lord Fallon are such good friends.” Elinor’s words came in a rush.
“I have never seen him, so I would not know him if he was here in this crowd,” Sophia said.
Elinor perked up and her blond curls bounced. “Yes, that is true. He could be here and I just have not seen him yet. Perhaps I’ll take a turn around the room and see if I can spot him. Will the two of you join me?”
With no way out of it, both girls agreed to walk the perimeter of the ballroom in search of Sir Michael. They were not successful in their quest, but they did manage to fill up their dance cards.
An hour later, Sophia danced with Thomas Wheel. “What happened to Lord Fallon’s fiancée?”
Thomas’s brows drew together. “Perhaps that is a question for his lordship.”
“He didn’t wish to tell me,” she admitted.
“Then I shall not tell you either.”
Sophia knew she should drop the subject. Yet it nagged at her. “How long were they engaged?”
He sighed. “Nearly six months. The wedding was only two weeks away.”
“That’s awful. Who broke it off?” She stopped dancing.
Thomas pulled her along. “Do not lose your step, Miss Braighton.”
She liked Thomas. He was real and honest when most people pretended. “Mr. Wheel, would it be terribly inappropriate for us to call each other by our given names? I do so like you and I think we shall really be good friends.”
“But nothing more.” His voice was sad but he kept the crooked smile in place.
“I’m afraid, while I’m fond of you, I shall never have those kinds of feelings for you, Mr. Wheel.”
“A shame to be sure. Addressing each other by our Christian names is completely inappropriate and therefore, I insist you call me Thomas or Tom and I shall always call you Sophia when we are out of earshot of the ton.”
“Excellent!”
The dance ended and they walked to the side of the room, where he obtained two glasses of lemonade.
“It was him, wasn’t it? He broke off the engagement, didn’t he, Tom?”
He nodded.
“Why?” Her voice was soft, so as not to have anyone overhear their conversation. The noise level of the party was such, that it was unlikely anyone over a foot away could hear a word. Hundreds of people talked, argued and laughed. The band played and the pounding of dancers’ feet made it quite difficult to have a private conversation.
Thomas shrugged. “The lady’s honor came in question.”
Sophia stiffened. “I see.”
“Do you?” His crooked smile had returned.
She looked him in the eye. “Of course. Someone claimed the young lady did something and everyone believed it. Thus, her reputation was ruined and his lordship ended the engagement to save his own reputation. It is very clear to me.”
His eyes widened and he took a step forward. “Sophia, you are mistaken. I cannot go into the details, but your friend, Dory, was out at the time. I think if you ask her, she can tell you more.”
She’d heard enough about Daniel Fallon to last a lifetime. She stood straight. It was a relief to find his flaw. Her heart sank. “I’m sure that won’t be necessary.”
The next dance started and she was swept away by another gentleman.
Chapter 5
The garden was cool and quiet. Sophia had talked Elinor into joining her for a walk. She needed to get away from the crowds and noise to think. The idea that Daniel had ended the engagement because he questioned his fiancée’s honor continued to roll through her mind. How could Daniel not stand beside her when she’d needed him most? He was no better than every other man. It was almost a relief to know his true character, so she would no longer have trouble dispelling her feelings for him.
“I was not out yet when the earl was engaged. I only know the rumors,” Elinor said.
“And, what was the rumor?” Sophia’s anger burned higher.
Elinor cringed.
Sophia sympathized. “Never mind, Elinor, you need not tell me.”
“I hate rumors.” Elinor’s weepy tone sounded much more a little girl’s than a young lady’s. “They often get exaggerated and none of us really know the truth. Well, except those involved.”
“Yes, of course you’re right.”
The bushes rustled to their right. A young man watched them.
Her heart skipped a beat and she grab Elinor’s arm ready to pull her into a run toward the house.
He stepped into view as soon as their gazes met. He bowed and the firelight shone in his dark hair and bright blue eyes. His fine clothing was rumpled and a leaf stuck to the shoulder of his jacket. “Forgive me, ladies.”
“Michael,” Elinor said.
Sophia’s nerves settled down. At least this was not some kind of attack.
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