The rest of the morning Sophia sat there rocking as she tucked the memories of their time together away. She needed to move on with life. She loved a man out of her reach.
SHEFFIELD WALKED INTO his study to find that Wildeburg had made himself at home. The marquess rested in Sheffield’s favorite chair and drank his best scotch. Sheffield scowled at his friend and motioned for him to move. When Wilde held up his hand, Sheffield nodded. Wilde poured him a drink and toasted him.
“You are a hard man to locate,” Wilde drawled.
Sheffield lifted his eyebrow arrogantly, indicating that he didn’t have to explain himself to anyone. His absence from the social scene would not go unnoticed. His grandmother had already made demands for his attendance. He was sure gossip spread among the ton. All false, but rumors, nonetheless. As long as none tied him to Violet. If any involved her, Sheffield would damage whoever spread the lies.
Wilde sighed. “I am here at the request of my bride. She wishes to invite you to our home for a dinner party. I have laid the invitation on your desk.”
“I thought your wife hated me.”
“She does, but she has agreed to overlook her hatred for the sake of our friendship. If you attend, it is with the order to avoid Lady Sophia. Sidney does not wish the occasion ruined by your overbearing attitude toward her friend.”
During the time he spent with Violet, Sheffield had acknowledged his bad behavior. He was a brute to Lady Sophia and also to Lady Sidney. For Violet’s sake, he would offer apologies to both women. She encouraged him to be a better man.
“I will apologize to your wife and to Lady Sophia. Your wife is correct with her opinion of me. I will attempt to be a more honorable duke. Please thank your wife for the invitation and give her my acceptance. I would be delighted to attend your dinner party.”
Wilde sat in shock. This was not Sheffield. Who was this stranger? As he lounged across from him, he noted slight changes to his friend’s demeanor. Was this a result of his time spent with Sophia as Violet? Did she hold an impact on his behavior?
“I won’t question your change of attitude. Instead, I will enjoy it while it lasts.”
“I owe you an apology too, Wilde. I have been an ass for most of our friendship. Especially when I realized how much you loved Sidney. I blackmailed her into accepting my marriage proposal, just so I could declare myself the victor. So, please accept my forgiveness.” Sheffield rose and held out his hand to Wilde.
Wilde shook his hand, becoming more surprised. “I forgive you.”
The moment turned awkward, Wilde still overwhelmed by this new behavior. Sheffield was lost in his thoughts of Violet. He wanted to be alone with his heartache. He thought about pouring his soul into drinking from his bar, but it wouldn’t bring her back. It was time he entered society again.
“What function is the rage for this evening?” he asked Wilde.
“The Dancaster Soiree. Will you be attending?”
“Yes, I believe I shall. Will you and your lovely wife be in attendance?”
“Yes, and I believe Lady Sophia will be joining us.”
“Perfect, I can begin to make amends.”
“We shall see you tonight.”
“’Til this evening, Wildeburg.”
SOPHIA SETTLED INTO a suite in the Wildeburg’s townhome. Sidney rested on a chaise across from her, watching as Sophia wandered around the room, not saying a word. Sophia had promised Sidney she would confide in her at the end of the week. The time had come to confess her sins.
With a heavy heart Sophia laid on the chaise too putting her head on Sidney’s lap. Sidney’s hand ran over her hair, comforting her. She didn’t need to speak around Sidney. Their ever-lasting friendship through the years conveyed her heartache. More tears leaked, her pain consuming her. How was she to attend entertainments with Alex present and pretend they were not lovers? She must. He wouldn’t be Alex anymore; he would once again be Sheffield. The duke who was a thorn in her side, making her life unbearable. Except she no longer viewed him in those terms, which brought forth a fresh batch of tears.
“Shh, Phee. It will all be well soon.”
“How? My life is in ruins and my heart bleeds.”
Sidney stroked Phee’s hair as her crying soaked her dress. Sophia arrived at her home for a place to stay while her parents were away at their estate. They opened their door to her for as long as she needed. Belle had sent word earlier to inform her that Sophia and Sheffield’s time had ended. Her friend ached, and Sidney planned everything for the oncoming week to bring her to Sheffield’s attention. If she convinced Sheffield of Sophia’s worth over Dallis MacPherson, then they could overcome their differences and enjoy a happily ever after.
“Your heart will heal.”
“Never. I love him too deeply, there will be no other.”
“Of course not, dear. I only imply there is no need for your heartache.”
“You do not understand, you have Wilde.”
“And you shall have Sheffield, if he is the one your heart desires. Why, I have no clue. The man is a complete ass.”
“No, you don’t know him as I do.”
“Thank God.”
Sophia rose and stood over Sidney, pointing a finger. “Do not ever speak ill of him again.”
“He draws the spitfire out in you. I approve and I will grant him this.”
Sophia glared at her.
“I always wondered if it simmered beneath your sweet everybody is wonderful persona. It is very becoming on your nature.”
Sophia's glare intensified.
“But as I continue to regard you, a glow shimmers off your aura.”
“What nonsense you speak.”
“Do I, Phee?”
Sophia rolled her eyes as she opened the wardrobe to decide on a dress for the evening. Sidney still hadn’t questioned her whereabouts for the week, or her relationship with Sheffield. Sophia sighed and turned around.
“You already know.”
“Yes, I am aware of your intimacy with the duke.”
“Then you realize the scandal that could be uncovered?”
“None will. Nobody but Wilde, Belle, and I hold knowledge of your arrangement.”
“Too many people.”
“No, only those who love you and wish for your happiness.”
“Was this how you felt with Wilde? Did you feel this hopelessness suffocating your happiness?”
“Yes, when he didn’t appear at the Steadhampton Musical. Then it became more painful when he never arrived to ask for my hand after we made love at Belle’s.”
“But he did eventually show and profess his love to you. Sheffield never will. He is clueless that I am the same person as Violet.”
“Yes, Wilde did. Sheffield will soon fall at your feet too. Now, on to our plans for this evening. I have asked Rory to be your escort for the Dancaster Soiree.”
Sophia nodded. Sweet Rory, he would cheer her spirits. Also, she needed to apologize for her fit of anger the last time they met.
“Do you love him?”
“Yes.”
“Do you want to fight for him?”
“Yes.”
“I hoped so.”
“Sidney, please tell me you haven’t planned anything?”
“Perhaps a bit of an experiment. Only if you are game.”
“I thought you wanted to destroy him?”
“That was before my best friend fell hopelessly in love with him.”
“Can I ask what your plans are?”
“I think it would be best if you were innocent of any elements that I’ve made to bring your courtship to par.”
“Sidney?”
“Trust me, my dear. Everything will go smoothly, for I have planned to the last detail.”
“That is what I am afraid of.”
“No need to worry. Now, what do you plan to wear this evening?”
Sophia knew she should question Sidney further on her meddling, but her friend would not utter a word of
her plans. Her life was in Sidney’s hands now. She trusted Sidney with her happiness. It couldn’t go too horribly wrong. Sidney had landed a marquess and fallen madly in love. Maybe Sidney could bring Sheffield around to notice her charms, not Violet’s? Her fingers clutched the pendant hanging from her neck, praying she was right.
Chapter Fourteen
Sheffield stood against the pillar as he watched the ton scrutinize him from under their eyelashes. His presence tonight caused quite a stir. He heard the whispered gossip floating in the air around him. He regarded his peers in a different light. Violet spoke of them during their time together. She explained the reasons why they behaved as they did. She described the wallflowers to him, the drunken rogues, the lonely widows, and also the shameful brides. As he watched the people mingling, he saw them through her eyes. Her sweet and gentle nature never spoke a bad word against a soul.
He glanced over to the wallflowers and decided to offer one of the young ladies a dance. His next conquest sat in a chair beside her grandmother, Lady Ratcliff. Sheffield approached them, asking for a dance on her card. The chit glared her hatred at him. However, she couldn't deny him, for if she gave him the cut direct, it would ruin her season. No gentleman would ever court her. She passed him her card, where he signed for the first dance of the evening, a waltz. Excellent, he could spend the dance repairing the damage of his overbearing attitude from the past few weeks. He would apologize, then proceed to invite her for a ride in the park tomorrow. He offered a few kind words to Lady Ratcliff hoping to charm his way into a courtship. After he secured his dance, he wandered onto the balcony.
Sophia watched him from afar. When Sheffield asked Lady Dallis for a dance, her heart tore a little more. She didn’t know if she could bear to watch the beauty dancing in the arms of the man she loved. She wanted to follow him outside. After her first step, a hand gripped her arm, halting her. Sidney softly restrained her with a shake of her head. Sidney was correct. Sophia stopped and sighed.
“Trust me,” Sidney whispered.
Her trust lay in an idea that would only end in disaster, but it was Sophia's only option. She decided as she dressed for this evening that she would fight for him. Sheffield didn’t know who she was, but she wanted him to love Sophia as well as Violet. For him to love Sophia, he must see her for who she was. If she won him as Violet, then she could conquer him as Sophia. She turned her head and flashed Sidney a wavering smile as she squeezed the hand lying on her arm.
Soon, Sheffield re-entered the ballroom and saw Wilde and his bride standing with a small group of people. Within their circle were Lady Sophia and Lord Rory Beckwith. He scowled as the earl stood close to Lady Sophia, whispering in her ear. When her face lighted with laughter and her hand playfully slapped him on the arm, Sheffield was overcome with jealousy. Why would he be possessive over her? She was an opinionated chit who always angered him. It must be the long blonde hair, for it reminded him of Violet. His footsteps led him closer, stopping near. He didn’t understand why he was drawn to Sophia.
Rory noticed Sheffield’s nearness to Sophia, and he moved closer. His protectiveness was for a reason. He was aware of the duke’s fascination with Sophia and disagreed with his actions. He couldn’t defend her honor, but he could prevent it from happening again. Sophia trembled underneath his touch, and her eyes darted to the duke. A blush spread over her face as Sheffield’s stare became noticeable to everybody in the small group. Rory heard Wilde clear his throat. Still Sheffield wouldn't break his stare from Sophia. Anger consumed Rory, and he wanted to call the duke out. He stepped forward, but Sidney stopped him too.
Sidney wondered if she was to restrain everybody this evening. Why didn’t the subjects in this experiment follow the guidelines of proper etiquette? What made this worse was that she acted more proper than everybody else. Whereas before Sidney’s two friends usually had to correct her. Now she held them back from causing a scene. Thankfully, her husband read the message she silently sent and intervened.
“Sheffield, how are you this fine evening?”
Sheffield drew his gaze away from Lady Sophia. “Very well, Wilde. May I say how enchanting you ladies are?”
Sophia blushed at his comment and spoke softly. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
“Ahh, now he displays the charm,” Sidney teased.
Sheffield laughed at her joke as it broke the tension. “If I may be so bold as to request a dance from both of you lovely ladies.”
“Sorry old chap, my wife’s dance card is full.” Wilde said, wrapping his arm around Sidney’s waist, drawing her to his side.
“Of course, how indecent of me to ask a new bride. Lady Sophia, do you have a dance open to share with me?”
Everybody knew she must answer yes; she fell in the same trap as Lady Dallis if she refused. “I do.” She handed him her dance card.
Sheffield signed his name and then made his excuses as he wandered to mingle with the other guests. He would make his apologies during their dance. He'd requested the second waltz of the ball. It would appear the waltzes of the evening would be full of requests for forgiveness. He hoped both women would excuse his boorish behavior from the start of the season. As he walked the room, his gaze kept straying to Lady Sophia. Her poise and open personality drew every member of the ton to their circle. Her smile would light up the atmosphere. He followed none of the conversations flowing around him, because she caught his attention. Sheffield excused himself and leaned against the wall, nursing his drink as he stared at her.
His eyes devoured her. She lifted her head and their gazes met. Her look devoured him. For endless moments they were lost in each other. What color were her eyes? Violet? He was dismayed at what he was doing—how could he forget Violet so easily for another? The ladies shared similarities, nothing more. Violet held his heart, didn’t she? Before he pulled his gaze away, he glimpsed at the hurt in her eyes. When he glanced back, she continued to stare at him. He smiled and lifted his drink. She sent him a smile filled with sadness. Soon the conversation was flowing around Sophia again.
The orchestra played a few notes, drawing the dancers to the ballroom floor. He rested his drink on a platter a servant carried. He approached Lady Dallis and escorted her onto the dance floor. Sheffield also saw Beckwith leading Lady Sophia through the steps. He needed to focus on the woman in his arms, she was his only hope for the future. He required Lady Dallis to help ease the scandal of his family document. If he couldn’t charm her into becoming his duchess, then the Sheffield line would be in disgrace. With one last glance at the possessiveness of Beckwith’s hold, and the smooth glide of Lady Sophia’s body as she moved to the music, he turned his focus toward Lady Dallis.
“Thank you for agreeing to dance with me.” He attempted civility with the chit.
“Well, your rank guaranteed that I would respond with a yes.”
He sensed her hatred, so he tried again. “I would like to offer my apologies for my boorish behavior toward you from earlier in the season. I understand I came off strong and assumed you would fall at my feet in gratitude. It has come to my attention how disrespectful it was of me to treat you in that nature.”
Dallis didn’t want to dance with the duke. His conceited attitude during the previous occasions they'd met infuriated her to no ends. When she gave him a put-down at the last ball, her odds of finding a husband this season ended. But when the duke disappeared from social functions for over a week and nobody turned their back on Dallis or her grandmother, she considered herself safe. When he requested a dance this evening, Dallis became on guard waiting for their dance. At any moment Sheffield could embarrass her.
When he started talking again, she lost her concentration. Her gaze caught Lord Rory Beckwith dancing with the known beauty of the ton, Lady Sophia Turlington. She had not met the blonde, but everybody spoke of how her loveliness was not only on the outside, but it filled her soul. Never a mean word passed from her lips about another person. They say she would find something special about ever
yone and make them believe in it too. Her eyes had stayed glued on the couple once they walked into the soiree together with Lord and Lady Wildeburg. The earl never left Lady Sophia’s side. When Sheffield approached their group, Lord Beckwith became possessive over Sophia. Were they a couple? No gossip spread of him courting her. Was she mistaken? Disappointment settled as Dallis viewed their familiarity with each other and he swept Sophia across the dance floor. Dallis thought she'd grabbed the earl’s eye at the Caulfield Ball, when he rescued her from Sheffield. But he'd never paid a visit to her grandmother’s or asked for a dance since then. She sighed. When Sheffield swung her in a circle, Dallis lost view of them. She returned her attention to Sheffield. He was in the middle of explaining his past actions and apologizing for his indecent behavior. What?
“I am sorry, Your Grace. What were you saying?”
“I am offering my sincere apology for assuming you should be grateful for my regard. It was wrong of me to be so callous.”
Dallis searched his gaze, listening to his wholehearted words, and saw his sincerity. Her stare took in the sadness lurking in his depths. Something had recently happened to cause him this despair.
“Thank you for your apology, Your Grace.”
“If I may continue to be so bold. Can I escort you with a ride through the park on the morrow?”
“I have a fear of horses, but we can walk if that is agreeable with you.”
“Yes, that is agreeable with me.”
The waltz ended with Sheffield returning her to Lady Ratcliff and the promise of seeing her tomorrow for their outing. His eyes searched for Lady Sophia again. He couldn’t find her, but he did see Beckwith walking inside alone. They had been dancing. Was she now on the terrace? If so, this was the perfect moment to offer his apology instead of when they danced. He didn't understand why, but when they were to dance, he only wanted to hold her and not to grovel at her feet.
Whom Shall I Marry... an Earl or a Duke? Page 11