''In what way ruined?''
''I am not very sure, but I have heard that he is demanding and jealous. I heard, when one lady's husband became suspicious of their affair, and she wanted to end it, he threatened to tell her husband. She didn't believe him and called his bluff. But he did tell her husband, and he had it printed in the newspaper. She was cast out by society. I hear tell that she had to work in a factory after that.''
''He is most handsome, though.” Sophia paused. “A philanderer you say? Just the kind of man I have been looking for. A man who has affairs professionally, so to speak. He will know what to do and he will be discreet, I am sure.''
''But Sophia, haven't you been listening to a word I have been telling you? He is dangerous.''
''All the more exciting. I don't want a lover to be boring. He should excite me. There should be an element of danger to the affair.''
''But suppose you tire of him and want to end your liaison? Suppose also he doesn't let you, and threatens to tell your husband. What would you do?''
''In the first instance, how could one ever tire of a man like that? My husband is of no use to me in bed, why would I ever want to end an affair with such a man?''
''I am not sure about it. Please, there are a lot of other men here this evening. Look, over there. Three men who would worship you, and be far less dangerous.''
''I am not looking for boring, I want excitement. Thank you, Alice you have whetted my appetite no end,'' Sophia said as she walked towards the tall man.
Alice looked on, aghast, as Sophia began to speak to the dangerous man.
''Sir, I don't believe we are acquainted.''
''Jeremy Beaufort. Duke thereof,'' he replied.
''And do you know who I am?''
''I do not, you have me at a disadvantage.''
''I am the person who sent out the invitations to this ball and I do not recollect sending you one, my Lord.''
''Ah. You've caught me.''
''Indeed, Sir. How did you get in?''
''I am well known in these parts. I own half of the buildings in this street. I just nodded at the doorman, and he let me in.''
Before he said anymore, Sophia wanted to look more closely at him. He was wearing a blue tailcoat, white shirt and a blue cravat. He was at least six inches taller than she, slender and dark haired. His face was angular and his nose fine. When he looked back at her, she noticed what an extraordinary color his eyes were. A blue of such clarity they could have been made of ice. She estimated his age to be thirty.
''You own half of the buildings in this street? You must be wealthy, this is an expensive part of London.''
''I suppose one could call me wealthy. I don't count my money. It seems to accumulate without me doing much about it.''
''Tell me, my Lord, why did you come into my ball, uninvited?''
''I have a good friend, Charles Needham. I believe you are friendly with his sister, Charlotte. He brought me. He told me you were very beautiful and I wanted to see for myself. ''
''Really? And what do you say now you have seen me?''
''Quite the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.''
''Thank you.''
''Are you lonely, madam?''
''I am married, why would I be lonely?''
''Your husband is away in France. Charles told me you were, perhaps, looking for a companion for a short time.''
''I really must talk to Charlotte. It is obvious she has been indiscreet.''
''I would very much like to be your companion for the times when you feel lonely.''
''Indeed. Are you a discreet man?''
''You insult my position in society by asking that question.''
''Forgive me.''
''What is your answer? Will you befriend me?''
''I am a married woman. Any slip of the tongue will have me cast into exile and poverty. In addition, any meeting between us for the purpose of intimacy will be just that. You can never claim me or come into my life in any other capacity. Do you understand?''
''Perfectly madam.''
Sophia glanced around. ''We can never meet at my house. You should provide a place.''
''I will, indeed. 12 Greys Inn. I will wait for you.''
''I will not be early. I have guests to say goodnight to.''
''No matter, I will wait.''
*****
It was well past midnight when Sophia knocked on the door at number 12 Greys Inn. As she looked at the building, she knew what it was. It was a place where the Duke brought his conquests. A small love nest, away from prying eyes.
He opened the door and gestured for her to come in. “Let me take your mantel.''
As she took off her mantel, Sophia looked at the place she found herself in. It was a simple town house. There was no entrance hall, and she was standing in a corridor. To the right, there was a door to the lounge, and straight in front of her were the stairs. She presumed the corridor to the right of the staircase led to a kitchen. The house was decorated tastefully.
''Would you care for a drink,'' he asked.