Sophie fell in love with the warmth and richness of Hanford House. It appeared to have been recently refurbished, as the rooms were painted in the pastel shades popular in modern design. Though their tour was only of the ground floor, she found she could imagine living there very well. She let forth a sigh when she thought of the complications she and Frank faced.
As the tour progressed, both she and Shrewsbury hung back from the others a bit. While Elise and Peter were examining the books in the library, the baron leaned down and, in a low voice, said to Sophie, “Frank does quite a bit of entertaining. He is very fond of society. I do not think you should underestimate that fondness in any way.”
Startled, she looked up into his face. “What on earth do you mean?”
“Not being familiar with the ton, you might not understand what would happen were Frank to break his engagement to Lady Melissa, especially as she is considered compromised.”
“I know it is not the done thing,” Sophie said.
“He would be completely barred from polite society, as would his family. He could not take part in politics, he would be thrown out of his club, living out his life in lonely obscurity. I do not think you can count on our Frank to give up Society for you.”
Sophie’s reply was out in a flash. “I do not expect it. I never have. Though I could live retired and have in the past, I know that it would not do for Frank.”
“The only way out of this engagement is for Lady Melissa to cry off.”
His words caused a sickening lump to form in her abdomen, as she recalled the odds against her happiness. This place that seemed so like home and the man she seemed to have known forever would most likely never be hers.
After a dinner Sophie only picked at, they adjourned to the drawing room where Elise entertained them on the piano. Sophie read while the men played cards. Every once in a while, she raised her head to look at the room. As in his London home, there were landscape paintings covering these periwinkle walls. The parquet flooring was covered with jewel-colored Oriental carpets. Fresh roses filled the many Chinese vases that stood throughout the room. Outside, there was a thunderstorm, making the candlelit room seem like a refuge. Despite her uncertain future, the coziness of the room enveloped her, soothing Sophie with thoughts that all would be right, that many future evenings would be spent in this lovely room with Gorgeous Frank. And possibly a dog. A Great Dane would be perfect.
{ 28 }
LORD DONALD SHOWED UP ONLY SLIGHTLY LATE for his dinner with Frank at Brook’s. He had reserved a table out of the way, where their conversation could be private. He did not know what he hoped to learn from Lady Melissa’s brother, but the connection was a desirable one, no matter what the future held.
The young man was a miniature of his bombastic father, rather short with dark auburn hair and light brown eyes. Dressed as a dandy, he wore exaggerated collar points that made it difficult for him to turn his head. His waistcoat was a florid purple and pink paisley, worn with a purple coat and matching breeches.
“So you are interested in sport?” Frank asked after they had ordered their dinner.
“Rather! Would you consider taking me up when next you run a curricle race?”
“Would you like to hold the yard of tin?”
“Rather!”
“Well, it might be arranged. I have no plans to race in the near future, however. How did you leave your sister?”
“Blue-deviled. You’d think she would be happy that she is going to be married to an out-and- outer such as you, but she is Sophie’s best friend, and I gather that you and Sophie, uh, well, it’s hearts and roses with the two of you.”
“Maybe we should stay off that topic, Lord Donald.”
“Sorry, my lord. Of course.”
Pouring his guest a glass of claret, he asked, “Do you box?”
“Rather! Of course, I’ve only boxed at Oxford. It’s my particular sport. Mother doesn’t know.”
“You’ll have to join me at Gentleman Jackson’s Saloon someday.” Frank leaned forward and said in a low voice, “I have heard there is to be a mill.”
“I say!” Donald’s eyes lit with pleasure. “When?”
“Tomorrow. These things are held outside London, you know. This one is to be at Redbridge Crossing. Would you like to attend?”
“Above all things!”
“You may come with me, young Donald. I’ll even pass along a tip. Make yourself a bit of the ready.”
“My guv’nor wouldn’t approve. What shall I tell him?”
“You will think of something. What other varieties of sport do you enjoy?”
“I shoot and fence, actually,” Lord Donald said as the waiter brought their soup.
“Perhaps you are going to watch a fencing match tomorrow. Outside London. At some great house. I’ll leave that to you.”
When Frank and his new friend later parted ways, he was very pleased to have made some inroads into the young man’s confidence. They were to meet the following afternoon at Brook’s for the drive to Redbridge Corners.