by HELEN HARDT
“God, Sophie.” Zach gripped her hand on his shaft more tightly and slowed her down a bit. “This will be over all too soon if you go any faster.”
A wave of empowerment settled over Sophie. She had control over him—this large and dominant man. She could bring him to his knees with one thrusting stroke.
She smiled. As much power as he had over her, she held the same power over him. She had never imagined such. And she liked it. Yes, she liked it very much.
But something stopped her. She ceased stroking and looked up into his bronze eyes.
“Zach, are you serious about talking to my stepfather about courting me?”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Zach jerked, the loss of Sophie’s hand on his shaft tormenting him. What had she said? Something about speaking to her stepfather about courting her? Of course he was serious. How could she think he wasn’t?
“Sophie, sweet, of course I want to speak to your stepfather. I just haven’t had the chance yet, with getting the new production underway.”
Her beautiful cheeks reddened to that radiant raspberry he knew so well. “Of course. I didn’t mean to imply that—”
“I understand perfectly, my love. You don’t want to go any further until we are officially courting, do you?”
“Well, that’s not exactly true. I do want to go further. I mean, we’ve already gone further than I ever anticipated I would without the sanctity of marriage. I just thought…if you are serious about our courtship…well, we should at least wait…”
Zach smiled. She was just so damned captivating. He wasn’t used to waiting for a woman, but he had a feeling Sophie would be worth it.
“I’ll tell you what. Why don’t I escort you home. You can work on your music as instructed. And I will talk to your stepfather.”
“Oh… Well, of course that would be lovely, but I don’t actually know if he’s at home this afternoon.”
“Not to worry. I shall escort you home anyway, and if he is not able to receive me, I’ll leave a message with the butler, and the earl can let me know when he is available to receive my call.”
“I suppose that will be acceptable,” Sophie said. “I do hope he is home.”
“As do I.” Zach winked at her. “I don’t fancy waiting any longer to have you.”
Sophie’s blush deepened. Clearly she didn’t fancy waiting longer either.
* * *
“Thank you for seeing me, my lord.” Zach faced the Earl of Brighton, who sat in a supple leather chair behind a large cherry desk. The walls were papered with velvet-edged burgundy, the molding a darker cherry.
“Not at all, Mr. Newland.” Brighton cleared his throat. “Do have a seat.”
Zach nodded.
“It’s good you stopped by. I’ve been meaning to thank you for the kindness you’ve shown my stepdaughter, Lady Sophie. We are all excited about her singing debut in your production come midsummer.”
“She is quite a talent. In fact, it is because of Sophie that I need to speak to you.”
“I assure you that her mother and I support her performance inclinations. She is a lady of the peerage, but we feel that her talent for singing is paramount, and if she chooses to perform on stage, she should.”
Zach cleared his throat. “I’m very glad to hear you say that, my lord. All of us at the theatre are very happy to have Sophie join us.”
“Now, what is it that you want to speak with me about?”
“Well…first of all, how is Lady Alexandra doing?”
“It’s good of you to ask, Newland. She’s recovering nicely, though slowly. She did lose quite a bit of blood, but the doctor assures us at this point that she will make a full recovery as long as she goes slowly and doesn’t overexert herself.”
Zach nodded. That was good news. It would make Sophie extremely happy, and he wanted Sophie’s happiness above anything. “I’m very glad to hear that, my lord.”
“As are we all, Newland.”
Zach fidgeted a bit with his hands and then spoke. “I would like your permission to court Lady Sophie.”
The earl’s eyebrows shot skyward. “I say, you wish to court Sophie?”
I thought I just said that. “Yes, my lord. I have grown quite fond of her, and she has indicated that she would be amenable to my suit.”
“I see. Mr. Newland, you are a man of the theatre, not a gentleman of the peerage. We had hoped for a titled man for Sophie.”
“If I may be so bold, my lord,” Zach said. “Sophie’s sister, Alexandra, married your own son, and he does not possess a title.”
“You make a good point, Newland, but remember, my son is still a gentleman of impeccable lineage.”
Impeccable lineage? The man obviously thought highly of himself. Impeccable lineage Zach certainly did not have. A father he never even knew and a mother who died when he was very young… What could he say? “I may not come from the type of lineage you wish for Sophie, but I assure you I care very much for her, and I would be able to support her.”
“You no doubt know about her dowry, do you not?”
Zach shook his head. “I did not know she had a dowry. It was my understanding that her father left her, her mother, and her sister penniless.”
“Yes, he did. However, I have given Sophie a substantial dowry of twenty-five thousand pounds.”
Zach forced himself not to jerk in the chair. Twenty-five thousand pounds? What magnificent things he could do with that amount of money. He had no idea that Sophie came with such an amount.
“That is generous indeed, my lord. I had no idea Sophie even had a dowry.”
“You’re a smart man, Newland. Surely you don’t expect me to believe that you didn’t know about the dowry.”
“I assure you, I did not know. This is the first I’ve heard of it.”
The earl rose, walked from behind his desk, and stood next to Zach’s chair. Lord Brighton was a substantial man and stood a few inches taller than Zach himself did. “I’m afraid I cannot accept your suit for Lady Sophie, Mr. Newland.”
Zach’s heart fell. He had never imagined that Brighton would say no. “Please, my lord. Sophie and I are quite fond of each other, and I truly would like to get to know her better.”
“You’ll have ample chance to get to know her while you’re working together at the theatre. I know all about you, Newland. I know you have a girl in every port and you’ve had many mistresses.”
“That’s absolutely not true!” Zach pounded his hand on the cherry desk. “I’ll not deny that I’ve had my share of women in the past, but what young man hasn’t? I’ve never kept any of them. I promise you that. I am serious about Lady Sophie, and I will again reiterate that I did not know about the dowry. I am asking only for courtship at this time, my lord, not for her hand in marriage. We must find out whether we suit together.”
Brighton shook his head. “I can discuss it with my wife. However, I’m not holding out much hope for you, Newland. We both want a better match for Sophie. Theatre management is by no means a sure thing these days. Your venture is still new, less than a year old at this point. What if we have an economic downturn? The first thing people will do is look for expenses they no longer need to have. Theatre tickets will be at the top of that list.”
“My lord, I have been in the theatre since I was nineteen years old. I’m now over thirty, and I not only manage my own theatre, I own it. I’ll not deny that I’ve had benefactors in the past, but at this point, I am making it on my own. I have a good name in the theatre, and that is not going anywhere. We run only top-quality productions, and we have steered clear of the burlesque-type shows, even though they would be an easy way to bring in money to the theatre. I run a fine business, Lord Brighton, and I don’t appreciate you alluding otherwise.”
Who did this man think he was? Zach was a perfect match for Sophie. He wanted to do this the correct way, but her stepfather wasn’t letting him.
“I am making no such allusions, Mr. Newland. I am simply stating
facts. Operation of a theatre is by no means a reliable income.”
Zach drew in a breath and paused for a few seconds, getting his bearing. “What will it take to get you to agree to let me court Lady Sophie?”
“As I said, I will discuss it with her mother.” Brighton held out his hand.
Zach reluctantly shook hands with the earl and then left the room somberly. What could he say to Sophie? She had been relying on him, and he had no doubt that she would refuse to see him after this. She wanted to do everything properly. She was a lady, and he didn’t blame her.
Of course, they had done many things already…
He stole down the hall to the conservatory, where Sophie was practicing her music. She was bent over the pianoforte, her lips in a tense line, her forehead beaded with tiny balls of perspiration. She was plunking out notes on the piano and singing them, working through her pieces. Zach hated to disturb her and hated even more to give her bad news.
He gently cleared his throat.
Sophie looked up and smiled. “I didn’t realize you were still here.”
“I was talking to your stepfather. He says your sister is on the mend.”
“Yes, the doctor thinks she will make a full recovery.”
“I’m very glad for all of you.” Zach fidgeted with his fingers, making a steeple of them and then lacing them together.
“I’ve been working through this music, Zach, and it’s quite difficult. I hope your faith in me is founded.”
“I assure you I have complete faith in you, Sophie. You were born to play this role.”
“So are we formally courting now?” she asked, her eyes bright.
Zach sighed. “I’m afraid that…your stepfather has refused my suit.”
Sophie’s lips formed an O. “He what? Why would he do such a thing?”
Because apparently I’m not good enough for you. But Zach didn’t say those words. “He feels we are too…different. That you, a lady of the peerage, would never be satisfied with a working man like myself. He feels the theatre is not a reliable income and that I would not be able to support you.”
“But it’s what I want.”
“It’s what I want too, Sophie, more than I ever thought I’d want anything. In fact, I didn’t know exactly how much I wanted it until he told me I couldn’t have it. You’re unlike any woman I’ve ever known.” He’d never known any woman so beautiful who had no idea how beautiful she was. So talented and had no idea how talented she was.
Sophie’s cheeks turned rosy, and she bit on her soft pink lips, turning them into a luscious raspberry color.
“I still would like to see you, Sophie, but if you say no, I will understand.”
“This doesn’t change how I feel about you, Zach. You’ve shown me such… Oh, I can’t even say the words.”
Zach lifted his lips into a small smile.
“Honestly, no man has ever paid me a lick of attention. Why my stepfather thinks that some gentleman of the peerage will come by and snatch me up, I couldn’t tell you.”
“Then no gentleman has bothered to look beneath the surface and find the real you, Sophie. I feel I’ve scratched the surface, and I want to know you deeper, more intimately. I think I’m… I think we could have something special, beautiful.”
Her dazzling mouth dropped into an O shape again.
He could hold back no longer. He took her hands and pulled her up from the piano bench, wrapped his arms around her, held her close, and kissed her sweet pink lips.
Already, he was hurting inside his trousers. This woman affected him like no other ever had. So alluring and so naïve, yet open to exploring her sexuality. Clearly she’d never let another man take liberties with her. For some reason, she had allowed Zach to do so. He had no idea why, but he wasn’t going to question it. He needed her. Whether her stepfather agreed or not, he was going to have her.
He dipped his tongue into her soft, warm mouth, drinking of her essence, partaking of her sweet honey goodness. When he needed a breath, he broke the kiss and nibbled across her cheek to her neck, down to the soft skin of her shoulder.
“Zach,” she said against his shoulder, “we mustn’t do this here. Especially after my stepfather…”
“Please, Sophie,” he whispered against her earlobe. “Please say you’ll agree to see me, even without your stepfather’s approval.”
His heart was beating so wildly he felt sure she could feel it against her breast. What would he do if she refused? He couldn’t even imagine it. She had become so important to him in so short a time. He still wasn’t sure he understood why, but did it matter? She had something that drew him, that spoke to the very innermost chambers of the soul. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing her.
“Please, Sophie. Please don’t leave me.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Sophie pushed backward slowly until her knees hit the piano bench, and she sat down with a plop. “What is it, Zach?”
“Please don’t leave me, Sophie.”
The need in his voice shattered her defenses. She had every intention of continuing to see him at rehearsal. “Zach, I’ve made a commitment to the production. I will not leave it.”
“Damn it, Sophie, that’s not what I meant.” Zach let out a heavy sigh. “For the love of God, never mind.” He turned and then looked over his shoulder. “I’ll see you at rehearsal tomorrow, bright and early.” He left the conservatory, his boots thudding on the marble flooring.
Sophie stood, mouth agape. Since when had Zach Newland become so emotional? She didn’t want to stop seeing him, but could she go against her stepfather’s wishes?
She smiled to herself. Yes. For Zach, she would defy her stepfather. She hated to do it, after all the earl had done for her, Ally, and their mother. He absolutely adored their mother, and he treated Ally and Sophie like his own daughters. Why wouldn’t he allow Zach to court her? After all, gentlemen weren’t exactly lining up for favors. They never had been.
She had already gone further with Zach than she ever imagined, especially outside the bonds of matrimony. Perhaps she should talk to Ally, or maybe her mother. If she told her mother how much fun she had with Zach, how fond she was of him, perhaps her mother would talk to the earl and get him to change his mind. She truly wanted to be courted by Zach out in the open. This sneaking around was very difficult for her. Sophie obeyed the rules. She was not Ally.
Yes, Ally. Ally would know what to do. Sophie left the conservatory and went up the two back staircases to Ally’s suite of rooms on the third level. She knocked lightly. The door opened, and Evan stood there. “Evan, how is Ally doing? I’d like to see her.”
Evan shook his head. “I’m sorry, Sophie. Ally is sleeping, and I don’t want her disturbed.”
Sophie understood. Days or even weeks would pass before Ally was back to her usual energetic self. “All right, Evan. Thank you.”
“I’ll be happy to come find you if she wakes up.”
“Yes, please. I would appreciate that.”
Sophie walked quietly to the door of the nursery and peeked in. The new baby nurse, Mrs. Oakes, was feeding baby Sophie. Maureen was asleep in her bassinet.
“Do you mind?” Sophie asked.
Mrs. Oakes smiled and handed her little Sophie. The baby was warm in Sophie’s arms, and happiness engulfed her. Only a week ago, Sophie had resigned herself to doting on her cousins’ and sister’s babies. Now, for the first time, a man was interested in her.
Sophie didn’t delude herself that Zach’s interest would definitely lead to marriage, but without the courtship, there was no chance of marriage or her own babies. Why had the earl refused Zach’s request? Sophie had lived on the earl’s estate for a year now, and other than Van Arden, no man had come calling for her.
She knew what Ally would advise her to do—the same thing Ally would do if she were in her place. Defy authority and continue to see Zach on the sly. They couldn’t be seen in public, but that hadn’t been a problem so far. They’d taken a few
walks around the estate. That was it. The rest of their interactions had taken place behind closed doors.
Sophie handed the baby back to Mrs. Oakes. She would like nothing better than to stay with the babies all afternoon, but she did have music practice. She headed down the stairs.
Graves met her at the bottom of the stairs with a parchment. “This message was just delivered for you, my lady.”
“Thank you, Graves.” Sophie took the parchment and opened it. Another ominous note in the same handwriting. You are closer to being mine all the time. I will eliminate all obstacles.
Sophie’s skin chilled. This one was bothersome. It seemed almost…threatening.
If only Ally were awake. Sophie desperately needed to discuss these notes with her. She had been assuming they were from Zach—however, Zach had just left her an hour ago. Would he have sent a note in that short of time? Perhaps he left a note with Graves or left a note for Graves to find. But could Zach have written this one? The tone was…odd. Frightening, even.
Sophie ascended the stairs once again to Ally’s room and knocked gently. Evan opened the door.
“I’m so sorry, Evan. I just thought I would check and see if Ally had awakened. I do need to speak to her.”
“Actually, you’re in luck,” Evan said. “She is awake, and she has asked me to go get the babies for her. While I am getting Mrs. Oakes to bring them into her, you may have a few moments. Just don’t upset her or wear her out.”
“Thank you. I would never do anything to upset her.”
Sophie entered the bedchamber. Ally lay on her bed, her head and shoulders propped up slightly by a pillow. She smiled when Sophie entered.
“Sophie, what a lovely surprise.”
“How are you feeling, Ally? You’re looking better.”
“Oh, please, spare me the untruths. Evan brought me a looking glass, and I look simply ghastly. But I am feeling a bit better.”
“I’m so glad to hear that,” Sophie hedged a bit. How could she bring this up? “Evan gave me a few minutes to talk to you. I got another note from my secret person.” She handed the note to Ally.
