Sheffield took Sophia’s advice and contacted Violet. He awaited her response. He needed to see if his feelings for her remained strong. If not, he decided he would court Lady Sophia. If he won her over before her father returned home, then the man couldn’t ruin him. Sheffield knew he abused their newfound friendship with a devious agenda, but he was a desperate man. Desperate men took desperate measures. Either way he would walk away victorious. Both women held agreeable charms in their own right.
Chapter Eighteen
Sophia sipped her tea as Sidney chatted warmly with Lady Ratcliff. Sidney’s newfound love for romance novels sparked a conversation with the elderly woman. At one time, Sidney only ridiculed the novels Sophia loved. However, her husband wooed her with a romance novel, and now Sidney openly discussed them as if they were works of Shakespeare. Sophia wished her conversation with Lady Dallis was going as smoothly. Instead, they sat in awkward silence. Sophia knew Lady Dallis was no longer a threat to winning Sheffield’s attentions. However, the look she kept receiving was lethal. Sophia thought she would attempt again to draw Dallis out, and that perhaps she was shy.
“Did you enjoy your walk with the Duke of Sheffield?”
“Yes, he was a perfect gentleman.”
“Pfft, yet she wants to throw him over for a penniless earl,” her grandmother muttered.
“Nanna,” Dallis hissed.
“You don’t wish for Sheffield to court you?” Sidney asked Dallis.
“Why so surprised? You didn’t.”
“Dallis, your manners. These ladies are guests in our home, treat them with the respect they are due.”
Dallis pursed her lips at her grandmother’s reprimand. It was difficult to sit across from Lady Sophia with her gorgeous blonde hair and amazing color of eyes. They were the most unusual shade of purple. Violet? Was she Sheffield’s mystery woman? Impossible, a lady with such a high esteem would never dally in private with a duke. Would she? Perhaps under her warm facade, she was a harlot. Lord Beckwith was enamored with her, and they displayed an affectionate embrace in the open.
Dallis's eyes narrowed more as Sophia’s face expressed glee from her grandmother’s comment.
Sophia sat forward in her seat. “Would the penniless earl be Lord Roderick Beckwith?”
“Yes, that is the bounder who has entranced my gel. He has her dreaming silly thoughts of them together. I’ve informed Dallis that he is only after her money, but she insists he is a perfect gentleman. Huh, no such thing exists. In my days men like him were scoundrels of the worst order.”
“You are mistaken, Lady Ratcliff. Rory is a good man.” Sophia said.
“Are you taken with him yourself, my lady?” Dallis asked.
Sidney and Sophia laughed at the absurd question. If only Dallis knew how silly her inquiry was. Sophia’s heart was so entangled with Sheffield, no man could ever compare to him.
“Only as a dear friend. Rory is like a brother to me.”
“I do not understand. I witnessed your affections for one another in the park yesterday.”
“He was comforting me. I only laid my head on his shoulder.”
“And he wrapped his arm around you.”
“In a brotherly gesture. We are only friends, I assure you. His attention is drawn elsewhere.”
“Oh.” Although Lady Sophia had cleared the air concerning her relationship with Lord Beckwith, still, another lady held Rory's interest.
“To you, Lady Dallis,” Sophia added.
“Me?”
“Yes, he is infatuated with you.”
“Oh.”
After they cleared her confusion, Dallis looked closer at Lady Sophia, who smiled wistfully in her direction. Dallis searched her eyes. Yes, they were definitely violet. A rare eye color. She must be Sheffield’s Violet. The more she stared into her eyes, Dallis noticed the sadness lurking underneath. The mystery of their relationship was intriguing. As Sheffield’s newest friend Dallis respected their privacy and would not inquire. It took all her effort to tame her curiosity.
Sidney said, “I am aware of the lateness of the invitation, but I hoped you and your granddaughter can join us for a small dinner party tomorrow evening at my home.”
“Who is attending?”
“Grandmother, now you are the one displaying poor manners.”
“Well?”
Sidney laughed. “Let me see, for starters, the Duke of Sheffield, Lord Beckwith, Lady Sophia, and a few other individuals.”
“Humph, so you want Dallis to be the bait between the duke and the earl?”
“That is not my intention, Lady Ratcliff. I require two more ladies and I know Lady Dallis is new to society. We wish to befriend her. However, if I have offended your sensibilities with the invitation, then I will rescind.”
“You didn’t offend me. We will be there.”
“Excellent, we shall enjoy your company. Thank you for the tea, it has been most informative.”
Sidney and Sophia rose and left the Ratcliff’s townhome. Their plan was falling into place. They collapsed into a fit of giggles in the carriage. Now that they had their answers regarding Lady Dallis, Sophia needed one more thing.
To meet Sheffield one last time as Violet.
SHEFFIELD PACED THE room, constantly looking out the window for any sign of her arrival. She was late. After his walk with Lady Sophia he was nervous to see Violet again. Would he feel the instant attraction toward her? Was he in love or was it only lust? His feelings were conflicted, while he knew Violet owned his heart, he'd started to develop tenderness toward Sophia. He tried to remember Violet’s husky laughter and her purple eyes, but all he thought about was Sophia’s giggles at the ducks and her teasing. She teased him—a duke. Her behavior should have appalled him, instead it endeared her to him. The two women played havoc with his mind.
Throughout the walk, Sophia encouraged him to pour his soul out to Violet. To declare his true intentions. If Violet refused, then she wasn’t the lady who should have possession of his heart. If Violet agreed, then he must be open to her identity and not be furious at her betrayal. Was their love strong enough to endure the secrets they kept from each other?
When he heard the door open, he turned. Violet stood inside the bedroom with a mask adorning her face as usual. Her unbound hair lay in waves down her back. She wore a simple lavender day-dress with white lace sewn into the cuffs of her sleeves. His necklace hung between her bosom. His heart stopped and had yet to begin again. He missed her. All his questions on the depth of his feelings were answered when she gifted him with a smile. Finally, he felt the familiar beat of his heart as he was drawn to Violet's side. Her mask would not discourage him.
Sophia waited for Sheffield to respond to her appearance. The longer he stood across the room, the more nervous she became. Did he love her? Was his love enough to bare her soul to him? While she had only just seen him yesterday on their walk, she couldn’t look away. Yesterday, he'd visited with his friend Sophia, today he waited for Violet. The passion flaming in his eyes drew her to him. She took a step, but before Sophia could take another, he wrapped her in an embrace.
His arms swept her to him as his lips brushed across hers. With a groan, he devoured her mouth in a passionate kiss. They clung to each other as their passion exploded, their tongues dancing. He tasted of his usual whiskey. A flavor Sophia craved. She pulled his head closer wanting more. During the last couple of days, she had fallen deeper in love with Alex. She ached for him.
God, he ached for her. She was heaven and hell in his arms. He wanted to strip her naked and make love to her for hours, but he couldn’t. First, he needed to earn her trust by revealing her identity. He didn’t care who she was, only that he loved her, and they could work through their problems together. Before he made love to her again, he would know her name. Even though she would always be Violet to him.
She needed to touch him. Sophia started to undo his cravat, but his hand reached out to stop her. Her confused gaze met his. The desire in hi
s eyes matched what she felt; however, a determination overshadowed his need. His need to discover who was behind the mask. Sophia hoped to make love before she took off her disguise. He brought her hand to his lips and placed soft kisses on her trembling fingers.
“Violet, we must talk.”
She pulled away, walking over to the window. Sophia tried to calm her beating heart.
She said, “I swore, when I left you, to walk away. But when your letter arrived, the need to see you caused my doubts to vanish.”
“You have never left my mind or my heart.”
“I am in your heart?”
“You have my heart, love.”
“Love?”
“Yes, I love you, Violet.”
Sophia wrapped her arms around herself. He loved Violet. But would he ever love Sophia? She wanted to try a small experiment.
“Do you believe a man can love two different women who are the same?”
“Why are you talking in riddles? Did you not hear me declare my love for you?”
“You love Violet. But will you love me?”
“I love all of you. No matter who you are.”
“Tell me Sheffield, how is your courtship with Lady Dallis coming along?”
“There is no courtship with Lady Dallis. We have both agreed we are not compatible.”
“A shame. Who will be your next conquest? The lovely Lady Sophia?”
“Who are you?” he snarled.
Sheffield’s anger grew toward Violet. She knew too much about him, and he knew nothing about her. How was she aware of his time with Sophia? They spent most of their relationship through correspondence. His eyes narrowed—she'd never mentioned if she loved him. Was he only a pawn in her game of seduction? Did she mean to trap him all along? There was an edge to her voice he never heard before. When she still didn’t answer, he asked the question that weighed on his mind.
“Do you love me?”
Before she could answer, Belle rushed into the bedroom. She went to Violet’s side and abruptly ushered her from the room. Belle’s flustered behavior held a look of fear. He started to follow them when Ned stopped him and blocked his exit. He scowled and tried to push past the bodyguard, only to be shoved back inside. Ned slammed the door in his face. When he tried to push it back open, it wouldn’t budge. Sheffield pounded his fist on the door, yelling for Violet.
He swung around and stalked to the window where he saw Violet running along the path in the garden to the carriage waiting in the alleyway. Where the hell was she going? They were not finished here. As the carriage rode past the window, he noticed the coat of arms. They were the arms belonging to Wildeburg. Wilde? Why would Violet rush away in Wilde’s carriage? Unless ...
Violet was Lady Sophia Turlington. His new friend was his lover. The similarities in their personalities, their resemblance, and the taste of her kiss were obvious now. It had stared him in the face the entire time. He recalled a letter she wrote encouraging him to find his love. She signed the letter Yours Sophia. He was a fool. How? Why? Only questions she could answer, and she would. Tonight. The Wildeburgs were hosting a dinner this evening, and he was to be their guest. He would continue to play along with her deceit. Tonight, he would cause a scandal even Sophia could not escape.
“YOU MUST LEAVE. WILDE is waiting for you in his carriage.”
“I cannot leave Alex now.”
“There is no time, Wilde will explain.”
Sophia didn’t argue with Belle. The woman was in distress, and Sophia didn’t wish to cause her any harm by remaining. She would have only interrupted them if it was important. Belle risked her business by allowing Sheffield and Violet their time together. Sophia didn’t want to be the reason for any trouble.
“I understand. Thank you, Belle, for everything you have done. I will no longer ask you to risk your home again.”
“You can return later; you must leave now. Sheffield can wait, and I will try to explain your reason for leaving.”
“No, please do not say a word to him. Only inform him that Violet no longer exists. Tonight, I will confess who I am.”
“Good luck, Sophia.”
Sophia hugged Belle and undid her mask. “Give him this as a reminder of our time together.”
She ran to the carriage and they swiftly departed. Wildeburg sat across from her wearing a stern expression. She'd abused his friendship and endangered their reputations. She apologized to him.
“You think I give two figs on gossip, Phee? My concern lies with the scandal you have involved yourself in.”
“Why have you called me away from Belle’s?”
“Your parents have returned home, and your mother is livid that you are not residing at Lord and Lady Hartridge’s as per their instructions. Did you forget to inform my wife of where you were to stay? Your mother is accusing my wife and I of leading you down our path of ruination. By a thin thread I am holding my anger at the words your mother spoke degrading my wife. Sidney as usual is laughing it off and is now more than ever encouraged to continue this madness. I, on the other hand, am not. This ends this evening after dinner.”
“I agree, Wilde.”
“You also agreed you would not see him anymore. Sidney told me about your walk in the park and now I am gathering you from Belle’s. What were you thinking?”
Sophia shrugged. “I am in love.”
Wilde growled wanting to say more, but the carriage arrived at the Hartridge’s townhome. When they entered the house, it was to find it in an uproar. Her mother declaring scandal, while her father rested in a chair shaking his head at her mother’s rant. When his eyes met Sophia's, her father saw that his wife wasn’t far off her remarks. He sighed and reached for her hand. Sophia ran and knelt at his side, laying her head on his lap.
“Do you love him?” he whispered.
“Yes, Papa.” She looked up into his eyes.
“Very well. Who is he?”
“I cannot tell you yet.”
“Your mother will not relent, my dear.”
“Give me this evening, then I will confess all.”
“Very well, I am tired from our journey. I will convince your mother to return home. You will gather your belongings from Sidney’s and come home too. In the morning we will talk.”
“Yes, Papa.”
“Cora, stop your harping. Henry and Franny, I am sorry for the interruption and the miscommunication. It appears Sophia has resided with Sidney because of missing her friend. We are returning home. Come, my dear.”
Sophia's mother said, “Sophia, express your apologies for the worry and say your farewells.”
Her father quickly explained, “She will return with the Wildeburg’s to attend their dinner party and will come home after breakfast tomorrow. At that time, she will explain herself.”
Lord Turlington ushered his wife to their carriage. The rest of the occupants in the room breathed a sigh of relief from the drama. Sophia winced at the abuse they must have suffered because of her secrets. Her mother could be a dragon when she suspected any sign of a scandal. Sidney’s parents left the parlor, and Wilde gave Sidney a kiss and told her he would await them in the carriage.
“Sorry, Sid.”
Sidney laughed. “I haven’t had that much fun in ages. Your mama was breathing fire. The house was in a panic until I explained you had been staying with us the entire time. Still, she wouldn’t calm down. Your mother demanded to know why you were not with me. I sent Wilde for you immediately and pacified them with half-truths until you arrived.”
“Thank you.”
“Well ...?”
Sophia shook her head. “No, Belle interrupted us.”
“Then on to plan B.”
“Which is?”
Sid laughed. “You shall see.”
It didn’t matter what Sidney planned. For by the end of the evening she would confess her secrets to Alex. He either loved her as Sophia or not at all.
Chapter Nineteen
The guests mingled in the li
brary, laughing at the twist in this evening’s plans. When they'd arrived, the servants handed out masks and informed them it would be a masquerade dinner. Most of the gentlemen groaned, but the ladies loved the mystery. Each of them adopted the disguises and entered the library which was filled with decorations involving characters from novels.
Sheffield leaned on the fireplace mantle as he nursed his drink. Waiting. She had yet to make her appearance, but she would. When she did, he would expose Sophia for the liar she was. Her innocent acts of wanting to avoid scandal, he now saw as ploys to trap him. When he returned home, he'd reread her letters and found the hidden lies between the lines.
He knew the moment she arrived. He felt her presence deep inside his soul. Sheffield fought the pull to glance her way. He wouldn’t give her the attention she sought. He walked over to Lady Dallis and raised her hand to his mouth placing a kiss. He expected his new friend to greet him with more enthusiasm. Instead, she tried to draw her hand away and glanced around the room, but he held on.
“Sheffield,” she hissed.
“Yes, my dear.” He spoke loud enough for the other guests to notice.
She tugged until he released her hand. “Stop, this instant.”
“Stop admiring how lovely you look this evening? Never.”
Dallis didn’t want to be in the middle of Sheffield and Lady’s Sophia’s weird courtship, no matter how much her curiosity wanted to be satisfied. Sheffield’s charm delivered the wrong message to the man she truly wished to be with. Dallis noticed Lord Beckwith as soon as she entered the room. No mask could disguise him. Her eyes never strayed from him and his from hers. Now he glared in their direction. Sheffield was ruining any chance she might have with Lord Beckwith. She must make Sheffield see reason and move away from her. She needed to guide him toward Lady Sophia.
Whom Shall I Marry... an Earl or a Duke? Page 14