The Husband Season by Mary Nichols

Author:Mary Nichols [Nichols, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2015-04-01T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Teddy’s disappearance was so much on her mind that Sophie could not pay attention to the opera. When the interval came, their box was invaded by Reggie and Richard, followed soon afterwards by Lord Gorange, all vying for her favour, but she could not give her attention to any of them. And when Lord and Lady Martindale also arrived with Lucy, she felt she wanted to scream and run away.

‘Where is your brother?’ Lucy asked her. ‘I felt sure he would be here tonight and join us for supper afterwards. He promised to speak to Papa.’

‘Some business cropped up he had to deal with,’ Sophie said. ‘Perhaps he will join us later.’

‘Did he tell you...?’

‘That he had proposed, yes, he did.’

‘I am so happy. I did not need to come to London to find the man of my dreams, did I?’

‘So it would seem. I felicitate you.’ She tried to sound sincere and in any other circumstances she would have been pleased for them both, but at that moment all she could think of was that her brother had disappeared and very soon Lucy would have to be told.

‘What about you, Sophie?’ Lucy queried in a whisper. ‘Will you accept Sir Reginald or Mr Fanshawe? I cannot think you will entertain Lord Gorange, even though he is the richest.’

‘Is he? I didn’t know that.’

‘So Papa says.’

They were interrupted by the arrival of Mrs Malthouse and Cassandra and the box became very crowded. The Martindales took their leave and returned to their own seats to make room for the newcomers.

Cassie dragged Sophie into a corner. ‘What have you done with Viscount Kimberley?’ she demanded.

‘Done with him, Cassie? Whatever do you mean?’

‘You are scheming to take him away from me. You said you had no interest in him and yet you go riding with him for all the world to see. And without a chaperon. It isn’t fair, Sophie.’

Sophie did not see why she should justify herself, but Cassie was obviously furious. ‘He wanted my opinion about a horse he was thinking of buying.’

Cassie laughed harshly. ‘What do you know about horses that he does not?’

‘Nothing, but he wanted to know if I thought it would suit a lady.’

‘What lady?’

‘He didn’t say.’

‘Oh.’

Sophie watched her friend digesting this information and saw her expression change from anger and jealousy to bright expectation. She could only hope that his lordship really did intend the mare for Cassie, otherwise there would be tears. ‘What was the horse like?’

‘A beautiful brown mare. I envy the lady.’

‘Not you?’

‘Of course not me. Cassie, I have told you...’

‘I know. I’m sorry I doubted you. We are still friends, are we not?’

‘Of course.’

‘Where is the viscount tonight?’

‘I have no idea. Were you expecting to see him?’

‘I hoped he would join us in our box and have supper with us afterwards.’

‘No doubt he has business to attend to. I believe his visit to London is not all pleasure.’

‘You are doubtless right,’ Cassandra said after a little thought. ‘Everyone is returning to their seats.

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