A Lady of Expectations and Other Stories by Stephanie Laurens

Author:Stephanie Laurens [Laurens, Stephanie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HQN
Published: 2012-11-12T13:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

SHE BARELY HAD TIME to scramble into an evening gown and brush out her curls before the dinner gong sounded, echoing hollowly through the long corridors. The meal had already been put back twice to accommodate the travellers and their recuperation.

With a last distracted glance at her mirror, Sophie hurried out. The corridor was dark and gloomy, the ubiquitous wood panelling deepening the shadows cast by the candles in the wall sconces. Feet flying over the worn carpet, Sophie turned a corner only to find a cordon, formed by two determined figures, across her path.

Jeremy frowned, threatening sulky. “We can come down to dinner, can’t we, Sophie?”

Sophie blinked.

“It’s not as if we’d cause any ruckus,” George assured her.

“It’s boring here, Sophie. Having dinner with Amy and the twins—well, it’s just not fair.” Jeremy’s jaw jutted pugnaciously.

“It’s not as if we’re children.” George fixed his blue eyes on her face and dared her to contradict him.

Sophie swallowed a groan. With all the trials of the afternoon, and those yet to come, she had precious little patience left to deal with the boys’ prickly pride. But she loved them too well to fob them off. Draping an arm about each, she gave them a quick hug. “Yes, I know, loves—but, you see, we’re a bit rushed this evening, and although the party’s informal, I don’t really think it’s quite the same as when we’re at Webb Park.”

They both turned accusing eyes on her. “I don’t see why not,” Jeremy stated.

“Ah—but if you don’t get an early night, you won’t be up in time to go shooting tomorrow.”

Sophie jumped. The deep, drawling voice brought goose-bumps to her skin. But both boys turned eagerly as Jack strolled out from the shadows.

“Shooting?”

“You mean you’ll take us?”

Jack raised a brow. “I don’t see why not. I was discussing the outing with your father earlier. If the rain eases, we should have tolerable sport.” Jack’s blue gaze flicked to Sophie, then returned to the boys’ glowing faces. “But you’d have to get an early night—and that, I fear, means dining in the nursery. Of course, if that’s beneath you…”

“Oh, no,” Jeremy assured him. “Not if we’re to go shooting tomorrow.”

George tugged his brother’s sleeve. “Come on. We’d better let Jack and Sophie get to dinner and go find ours before the twins scoff all the buns.”

Restored to good humour, the boys hurried off.

Sophie breathed a sigh of relief, then glanced up at Jack. “Thank you, Mr. Lester.”

For a moment, Jack’s gaze rested on her face, his expression impassive. Then he inclined his head. “Think nothing of it, my dear. Shall we?”

He gestured towards the stairs. With a nod, Sophie started forward. As they strolled the short distance in silence, she was excruciatingly aware of him, large and strong beside her, her skirts occasionally brushing his boots. He made no move to offer her his arm.

They descended the stairs and turned towards the drawing-room. Minton was hovering in the hall. “Could I have a word with you, miss?”

Sophie’s heart sank.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.