Lady Sophia's Rescue by Cheryl Bolen

Author:Cheryl Bolen [Bolen, Cheryl]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Historical Romance, Erotic, Adult
Barnesnoble:
Goodreads: 12459512
Publisher: Cheryl Bolen
Published: 2011-08-23T00:00:00+00:00

1Chapter 4

Sophia actually availed herself of two feasts that night at dinner. Since she had not eaten since the morning’s toast, the food was most welcome. But even more welcome was the vision of Mr. Birmingham seated at the head of the table impeccably dressed in black with crisp white shirt and cravat. Though his manner was courteous, there was a seriousness about him that had not been in his demeanor earlier. And that seriousness was directed at her. Every time she looked up, he was staring at her. As she sipped her soup, she felt his eyes upon her.

Later, she caught herself watching him bring the wine glass to his lips and wondering what it would be like to feel those lips upon hers. Nothing like Finkie and his kippers, she was certain.

This Supreme Creature had the most maddening effect upon her. Usually a lively conversationalist, she could do nothing but answer his queries in monosyllables. He was sure to think her an idiot.

As the footmen removed the cloth and brought out the sweetmeats, she decided she really must convince him that she was not going to turn mute like her sister. Unsteady hands folded in her lap, she turned to him and bestowed one of her alluring (so she had often been told) smiles upon him.

The green in his eyes sparkled like shimmering seas.

Then she completely embarrassed herself over the stupidity of her question. “Tell me, Mr. Birmingham, is your father a wealthy man, or did he earn his money?”

“Both, actually. He was born quite poor but was clever about earning money. He is dead.”

“Was he a . . . gentleman?”

His expression went cold. “No, he was not. It was his fondest wish that his children be groomed to take places in society that were denied him.”

Until this moment she had never seen a more confident man than Mr. Birmingham. Her memory flashed back to that morning’s dangerous confrontation, to the way Mr. Birmingham had easily bested the armed man who had several advantages over him, not the least of which was his loaded weapon. With deep admiration, she remembered the cocky way Mr. Birmingham had refused her assistance. Even his home bespoke a man of easy elegance and fine breeding. Yet she had discovered the one area where he lacked confidence. Handsome, wealthy, gentlemanly Mr. Birmingham was embarrassed over his origins.

In all aspects save one — his mysterious illegal activities — Mr. Birmingham had certainly fulfilled his father’s hopes.

As she had done at every dinner since she’d left the school room, Sophia unconsciously slipped into French. “Were your father alive, I believe he would be proud of the man you’ve become.”

Mr. Birmingham laughed. “And I believe you confuse gratitude with admiration.”

“I cannot deny that I’m profoundly grateful that you risked your life to save mine this morning, but I assure you my admiration is based on a solid foundation of noble — and gentlemanly — actions on your part.”

It only then occurred to her that her host had spoken to her in flawless French.

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