My Charming Earl by James Regina

Author:James, Regina [James, Regina]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, mobi, epub
Published: 2019-04-29T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Nerves swirled through Sophia’s stomach, pushing themselves through her veins. Unable to form words, she clung to Lord Roderick’s arm as they walked towards the doors, hardly able to believe that she was about to do this.

“A waltz has begun,” he murmured as they stepped into the ballroom. “Shall we?”

“It might help calm your nerves,” he continued softly. “Come now, Lady Sophia. Courage!”

Sophia lifted her chin and allowed him to sweep her onto the floor. Within moments, they were amidst the rest of the dancing couples, and she was held tightly in his arms. Thankfully for her, Lord Roderick appeared to be a wonderful dancer, not putting a foot wrong as he glided across the dance floor.

“Relax,” he whispered, giving her a bright smile. “We are meant to look wonderfully happy! Remember, we have only just become engaged.”

She managed to slightly loosen her grip on his shoulder, holding his hand a little more gently.

“There you go,” he chuckled, his chest rumbling as his eyes sparkled with mirth. “Now you look much happier.”

Sophia drew in one long breath after another, aware that she would have to face her parents soon after this dance ended. They would be surprised to see her on the floor, of course, in a gentleman’s arms, and even more astonished to discover she was engaged!

The music ended all too soon, and Sophia found herself being escorted from the floor on Lord Roderick’s arm.

“Your parents or mine?” he asked with a quick grin.

“Mine, I think,” Sophia said, dampening down her anxiety. “I believe they are upon us.”

“As is the Duke of Langley,” Lord Roderick growled, evidently spotting the large gentleman following her parents.

Pasting a wide smile on her face, Sophia stepped forward and greeted her parents in an excited tone.

“Sophia,” her father began, attempting to draw the Duke of Langley forward. “I—”

“Father,” Sophia interrupted, her hand now on Lord Roderick’s arm. “Let me introduce you to Lord Roderick.”

She looked up at him with what she hoped was an adoring expression.

“Lord Roderick, this is my father, Lord Astor, and my mother, Lady Astor.”

“How wonderful to meet you both at last,” Lord Roderick murmured, bowing heavily.

She saw the astonishment in her mother’s eyes, though she immediately covered it with a deep curtsy.

“How wonderful to meet you, my lord,” she murmured, her eyes drifting towards Sophia. “I saw both of you on the dance floor. How delightful that my daughter has managed to acquaint herself with such a fine dancer.”

“Not just acquaint, Lady Astor,” Lord Roderick said carefully. “I know this is very hasty, and I must apologize for not seeking you out first, Lord Astor, but I simply could not wait a day longer to ask for your daughter’s hand.”

“Her hand?” Lord Astor repeated, staring at him. “You mean—”

“We are engaged!” Sophia interrupted, flashing a bright smile at them both.

There was a stunned silence as both of her parents gazed at her as though she had quite lost her senses. Lord Roderick pressed her hand gently with his, as if asking her to bide her time before speaking again.

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