~~*
The mill was vastly entertaining. Hudson was the favorite, but Frank happened to know the challenger, Somers, from Jackson’s. He knew the favorite outweighed Somers, but he also knew that Somers had excellent technique. His wager was on Somers, against the odds. Lord Donald decided to follow suit and laid a hefty bet on the challenger.
The match was a close one, and Frank watched with amusement as his companion’s spirits went from elation to agony. Not a young man who did things by halves, evidently. However, in the eighth round, Somers finally delivered the knock-out punch and raised his glove in victory.
As they collected their winnings, Lord Donald was jubilant. “This will cover my run of bad luck. I can’t thank you enough for the tip, my lord.”
Frank was pleased that Lady Melissa’s brother had done so well. On the carriage ride back into town, he said, “You know I think your sister a fine lady.”
“But not your fine lady. To tell the truth, Sophie is by way of being a diamond of the first water.”
“Your sister is lovely, too.”
“But not classically beautiful like Sophie. Believe me, I understand your dilemma.”
“I have known many beautiful women. My attraction to Sophie is rather because of her character. Have you known her long?”
“All her life. Our estate borders on hers. Has she mentioned Lady Hatchet?”
“Lady who?”
“That’s Sophie’s mother’s nickname. Should be Lady Banshee. Dreadful woman. Made Sophie’s life a living hell. The girl was with us as much as possible. That’s why Melissa and Sophie are so close. And that’s why my sister’s so miserable now. She doesn’t want to be the one that takes away Sophie’s chance at happiness.”
Frank said, “One would think that between two downy gentlemen such as ourselves, a solution could be found. Your father and I have not yet talked settlements. I gather, however, that her dowry is a good one?”
“M’sister’s worth thirty thousand pounds,” Lord Donald pronounced.
Frank nearly choked. “And no one has shown the least interest in such a beautiful lady with such a handsome dowry?”
“Well there was one chap she was keen on before you were in the picture. Met him at her come-out. Thought he was a bang-up cove. Can’t remember his name precisely. Oak … something, but not Oakley.”
The name teased at Frank. Somewhere he had heard it mentioned. “I will look into it. Thank you, Young Donald.”
~~*
In order to jog his memory, Frank attended the Westhavens’ rout that evening. As he should have expected, Lila was the first person to greet him after he moved beyond the receiving line.
“I understand you are engaged, my lord. But not to Miss Lame Gel. However did you come to compromise the Aldridge chit? And since when have you taken to running after green girls?”
“Lila, you outdo yourself in rudeness,” he replied. “Lady Melissa and I are the victims of a misunderstanding. I would appreciate it greatly if you would refrain from mentioning it.”
“Ah, so you are not marrying for love!” she said, drawing her arm through his. She crushed herself against his arm. “You will yet have need of me, I don’t doubt.”
Frank, ignoring her as they walked about the outer reaches of the room, was looking among the guests, hopeful of locating ‘Oak. ’”
“You were missed at my Salon on Sunday,” Lila continued.
“I have been uncommonly busy,” he said.
“That is unlike you, darling Frank. You are usually the most leisured man I know.”
“Make that ‘bored man. ’ I assure you, I am no longer bored.”
At that moment, he spotted Lord Oaksey, and his memory of the name returned. Sophie had asked about him during their ride in the park. He had taken offense. Was it possible she had merely asked about the man on Lady Melissa’s behalf? It seemed probable.
Well, now he knew who the fellow was. What action was he going to take?
{ 29 }
SOPHIE FOUND OXFORD FASCINATING and beautiful beyond words. The many golden stone quadrangles and their interior greenswards and flower gardens, together with the history of the colleges going back to medieval times, were awe inspiring. A cacophony of bells rang from college chapels as her party climbed the steps to Magdelen College’s tower for the best view. Lord Shrewsbury held her elbow as she ascended slowly and painfully. When they reached the top, Sophie surveyed the breathtaking view of the golden colleges, the circular, brick-domed Radcliffe Camera, the ancient Bodelian Library, and the Isis River with its pole punting students in their boats beneath the overhanging willows. It had been worth the climb.
“This is glorious!” she pronounced. “I think this is what a view of heaven will be like.”