Whom Shall I Marry... an Earl or a Duke? Read online

  Chapter Five

  “Now you, my friend, are the distracted one, not I.”

  “Sorry, Phee,” Rory mumbled as his gaze searched among the other riders in the park.

  “Are you searching for anybody in particular?”

  “Mmm ...”

  “Rory Beckwith, hasn’t your mother ever told you it is bad manners to ignore the lady you are with?” Phee laughed as she teased him.

  Sophia stared as a blush spread across Rory’s cheeks. Which made her laugh harder. The big brute blushed like a maiden. She couldn’t wait to tell Sidney about this, so they could tease him unmercifully. It was not, however, a very becoming shade on him, what with his red hair. It was amusing to watch.

  Rory sighed as he remembered he'd brought Phee on the ride to cheer her spirits. Not to ignore her while she felt lonely with Sidney away on her honeymoon. He reined in the horses and stopped them near a tree. His search was over. The lady he sought would have to wait. He needed to be a friend, not a desperate suitor. It didn’t matter anyway. The girl he wanted was far out of his league. But he could hope and fool himself with his dreams. He reached to help Phee from the cart. They strolled along the promenade, nodding to their other fellow walkers. He guided her closer to the pond where they sat upon a bench. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a wrapped package and put it on Phee’s lap. She bestowed him with a smile as she unwrapped the paper with glee. Soon a string of ducks waylaid them as they clamored for the bread that Phee tossed onto the grass. Rory relaxed against the bench and enjoyed the scene.

  “Hush, you will all get a bite,” she scolded the ducklings.

  Rory laughed. “I didn’t bring that much bread.”

  Sophia released a tinkling of laughter. “You should have filled both of your pockets.”

  They watched the ducks finish their treat and waddle back to the pond. Each of them falling into a line between their parents, the mama duck leading them into the water, as the papa duck stood behind to make sure they didn’t lose any kids along the way.

  “Who is she?”

  Rory realized he would have to admit his infatuation, or Sophia would never let up. “Dallis MacPherson.”

  “Oh, but ...”

  “Yes, I know.”

  Rory understood his impossible dilemma. Nobody comprehended it better than he, how desperate his financial standings stood. Also, he was aware of how Dallis’s grandfather wouldn’t let her marry anybody but a gentleman of wealth. Not only that, but the gentleman must hold one of the highest positions in the realm to further their holdings. And he, Rory Beckwith, was not that man. But the Duke of Sheffield was. However, Lady Dallis had made it more than clear that she wasn’t interested in the duke. Maybe by some luck Rory had a chance?

  Sophia slipped her arm through Rory’s and offered him a hug. She laid her head against his shoulder as they watched the water. It was windy, so little white caps appeared on the surface bouncing up and down as the gusts blew. They were attracted to the wrong people. Sophia to a man who showed her no ounce of respect, and Rory to a woman above his means. They were a sorry sight.

  “Perhaps, we should marry, Phee? I like you and you like me. Then we wouldn’t have to muster through these silly functions that the ton insists on making a union.”

  “We would kill each other with kindness on the first day, Rory. I love you too much as a friend to burden you with my mother for a mother-in-law.”

  Rory cringed, he forgot about her mother. “Ahh, you might have a point.” He quickly rescinded the offer.

  Sophia laughed. Her mother was the main cause why no gentleman offered for her hand. Every season they would court her, and her mother would always ruin her options. No man wanted Lady Turlington for a mother-in-law. Her mother meant well, but it remained the reason Sophia was on her fourth season. In truth, Sophia used her mother as a buffer, for there had yet to be a gentleman who interested Sophia enough to marry. Yes, they all had money, power, and treated her with respect. Unlike a certain gentleman who consumed her thoughts this season. But she didn't love them. She wanted love when she married. To be loved and cherished forever by the man of her dreams. And none of these gentlemen provided her with that. Maybe she should accept Rory’s offer and move on with her life? If she married another man, her need for Sheffield’s kisses would surely vanish. Oh, who did she fool? That desire would surface. She was doomed until she removed Sheffield from her thoughts. If only he would stop kissing her. Going forward, she must make sure nobody leaves her alone with him under any circumstances.

  Someone covered her eyes. “Guess who?”

  Sophia released a sound of glee as she jumped off the bench. She turned to see her friend wearing a smile of contentment. Sidney’s new husband stood by her side bestowing her with a smile of amusement. Sophia ran around the bench and enclosed her friend in a hug.

  “Sid,” Sophia exclaimed.

  “Oh, Phee, I missed you so much. I told Noah we had to come find you. Your mother said Rory took you for a ride in the park. I knew you would be feeding the ducks.”

  “I have missed you too. Rory took pity on me today, but I am afraid we have not raised our spirits any.”

  Sidney tugged Phee away from the men. She could tell that whatever troubled her friend before she left on her honeymoon still bothered her today. When they were near the trees, she turned Phee to face her and stared at her for a while. Yes, something was weighing on her mind. While Sidney wanted to share her happiness with Phee, she understood it was the wrong time.

  “What troubles you?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Nothing my arse, spill it, friend. I know you better than yourself.”

  “Wow, what language spews out of your mouth now that you are a marchioness.”

  “Sophia Turlington!”

  “Very well. Where do I begin?”

  “Usually from the beginning helps.”

  Sophia started to walk along the bank and Sidney followed her. Sophia stopped and turned around.

  “I am only going to say one name and it should explain all. I will not go into further detail, for the moments are private. Those that I wish to keep to myself. I think you understand, since you kept certain details of your intimate relationship with Wilde to yourself.”

  Sidney wanted to hear more, but Sophia had a point. She did keep a lot of moments shared with Wilde private. Sidney would make a promise now and hope over time she could persuade Sophia into revealing more. She nodded in agreement. She waited for Sophia to mention Rory, because when Wilde and she walked behind them, they seemed to be sharing a special moment. She understood Sophia would be troubled that she was changing the dynamics of her relationship with a friend. However, when Sophia revealed the name of her troubles, the only thing Sidney could do was stand in shock.

  “Sheffield.” With the one name mentioned Sophia turned from Sid and rushed back to the two gentlemen. Sophia knew if she could reach them before Sid caught her, she would be safe. Sophia stood next to Rory, and Sidney arrived a few moments later glaring at her—we will talk soon. They had been friends for so long that the other could interpret each stare, or glare for that matter. A quick shake of Sophia's head refuted the look. Sidney returned the gesture with narrowed eyes and a cock of her head, portraying we shall see about that. Sophia knew Sid would be tenacious about learning more. She needed to convince Rory to leave before Sidney withdrew her promise.

  “Rory, the hour is growing late. I do not want to worry mother. Would you mind taking me home?”

  Rory winced to think of the lecture he was sure to hear from Lady Turlington if he kept Sophia from her other engagements. He also felt relief. Wildeburg was the last chap he wanted to talk with. Rory held anger at the marquess for seducing his friend and involving Sidney's family in a scandal. While he felt happiness for Sidney, he harbored resentment toward her husband.

  Rory himself tried to capture Sidney’s heart but failed. He was a sore loser.

  “Yes, we must bid you goodb
ye. So glad you are home, Sidney, I shall see you at your parents’.”

  “Yes, I am eager to return to helping Papa with his research. Is he still working on that secret project?”

  “Yes, he is, but he has not confided in me yet.”

  “Mmm, perhaps we can help each other with that.”

  “Yes, I believe we might be able to. Some new information has come to light that I think you will find interesting.”

  “Excellent, please visit me for tea tomorrow and we can discuss the matter.”

  Sophia watched their exchange, curious about this secret research. Why was Rory so eager to help Sidney now? Lord Hartridge only kept a project private to protect the individual that asked for the research. Rory would always keep Sidney from prying. Now he wanted to help her locate the research and divulge the information. Whose research was it?

  Rory was already guiding the horses from the park. She needed to find out from him before he delivered her home.

  “May I ask, whom is Lord Hartridge protecting?”

  “Sheffield,” Rory snarled.

  His dislike for the duke was no secret. While before he tolerated Sheffield’s presence at the Hartridge’s, it turned to hatred when he discovered Sheffield tried blackmailing Sidney into marriage. It all made sense. With Sheffield’s interest in Lady Dallis, and Sophia confiding in Sidney the name of her distress, it prompted Rory and Sidney into discovering the duke’s secrets. Oh, what a mess. How could Sophia prevent them from uncovering his secret? If Sidney continued down a path to destroy Sheffield, nobody could stop her. Once Sidney’s mind was set, the mess usually began. Only this time, Sophia’s own secrets involved the duke. If Sophia’s involvement with Sheffield were discovered, it would ruin her. Sophia must ask a favor from her new friend Wilde. Sophia would need his help to distract Sidney from her newest agenda. While Sheffield might deserve whatever Sidney had in plan for him, Sophia must protect herself.

  Rory walked Sophia to her door. “I am sorry I was not the best of company for our ride.”

  “I understand, we are both distracted with our own problems. Can I ask you a small favor, though?”

  “Anything for you, my dear.”

  “Please reconsider helping Sidney find the missing document concerning Sheffield. I would hate for you to lose the trust of Lord Hartridge.”

  “I am surprised you would protect the duke. Your hatred of him while he courted Sidney was well known. Also, considering his recent actions toward you, it is one of the main reasons I am agreeing to Sidney’s plans.”

  “What actions?”

  “The ones where he accosted you in the garden and on the balcony. I am ashamed of myself for not coming to your honor. It was my selfishness that has kept me silent. I cannot afford to have Sheffield ruin me; I must care for my mother and sister.”

  “You knew?”

  “Yes, please forgive me.”

  “How much did you see?” Sophia turned red in embarrassment, ashamed that Rory knew her secrets.

  “I only saw your appearance from both times after he left you, nothing more. I drew my own conclusions. Am I wrong in what I assume?”

  Sophia stayed silent. He didn’t realize the full scope of her involvement with Sheffield.

  He said, “That is what I thought. Your secrets are safe with me. I cannot promise the favor you are asking. This is the only way I can defend your honor. However, you must promise me to never allow yourself to be alone with him. Promise me, Phee.”

  “Both times would never have happened if my friends had not abandoned me. Do not play me false, Rory Beckwith, with your words on defending my honor. You are only out for Sheffield because of his courtship with Lady Dallis. Jealousy rules your mind at the moment. You are not trying to honor your friend. So, since you cannot promise me, I cannot promise you. Good day.”

  Sophia stormed into the house, slamming the door behind her.

  Sophia continued to her room, furious with her friends. As she walked into her bedroom, she removed her bonnet and gloves, throwing them on the bed. She paced back and forth across the rug, her mind whirling with thoughts on her situation. Her emotions were in a tumble and she needed to sort them out before she moved forward. Usually a very calm person, she felt like a whirlwind blowing here and there. All her emotions needed to be grounded. Her erratic behavior even bothered herself.

  A note on her desk caught her eye. Unlike anything she had ever seen before. It was pink vellum with decorative handwriting. When she turned it over, it was stamped with a B. No crest adorned the stamp. As she brought the letter to her face, she smelled the musky perfume from the parchment. The fragrance was heavy. Sophia only had one word to describe it. Sexy. Intrigued, she unfolded the paper.

  Lady Sophia,

  I understand this would be highly regarded as a scandal for you to receive an invitation from a Madame. However, I am in need of your assistance in a matter of great importance. I am reaching out because when we met, I felt a kindred spirit as I glanced in your eyes. If you would please join me for tea today at three o’clock I would greatly appreciate your generosity. When the hour arrives and you are not present, I will understand. It is only under the duress of scandal falling at your feet. If you come to tea, I will share with you my request. There will be no pressure for you to agree, for I have only promised that I would ask you. However, you choosing to decide on what I will ask will be entirely at your discretion.

  Until three o’clock, my lady.

  Madame Bellerose

  Chapter Six

  Sophia held the note to her chest as she took deep breaths trying to slow down her heartbeat. She glanced around the room, expecting her maid to be lurking. When nobody burst through her bedroom door, demanding answers as to why she received a letter from a brothel, Sophia brought the note before her eyes again. She scanned the letter, hoping she could decipher the hidden meaning between the lines. When she was unable to understand why Madame Bellerose requested her presence at tea, her curiosity got the better of her.

  On her previous visit to the brothel, the Madame fascinated her. She portrayed herself as a woman of the highest esteem, even though she wasn’t. The woman displayed kindness by concealing Sophia's identity from any customers. If she had been compromised, Sophia didn’t think Belle would have issued an invitation for tea. No, there must be another reason for the invite. Sheffield? Did he request her? Sophia's heart quickened at the thought. The temptation to be held in his arms prompted her to change her clothing.

  She needed to sneak away from her mother.

  Sophia changed into a new dress without the help of her maid. She pulled her hair into a simple bun, placing a bonnet with a veil over her face. The hat concealed her identity. As she walked downstairs, she heard no whisper of a sound in the house. When she passed a footman, he handed her a note. She stepped into the parlor to read the message. Her mother ordered her to pack her bags and reside at Lord and Lady Hartridge’s for the duration of their absence. They were called away on a matter that required their attention at their estate in the country. They would return within two weeks. Her mother also left a note for Lady Hartridge explaining Sophia’s need to stay with them. She didn't have enough time to contact Sidney’s parents before they departed and needed Sophia to deliver the note for her.

  This couldn’t be going any more her way with this bit of news. Not only could she sneak out to Madame Belle’s, Sophia could indulge in her love of reading romance novels without her mother badgering Sophia to accompany her to one function after another. The only downfall, it would be harder to avoid Sidney if she stayed at her parent’s home. Sophia decided to ignore her mother’s directions and stay at home. She knew of the consequences of her actions, but didn’t care. The pull of Madame Belle’s letter tempted her into throwing caution to the wind.

  Sophia directed the footman to call her a hackney. When he suggested the family’s carriage, she declined stating charity work as her designated stop. He did her bidding with the understanding that
she didn’t like to display her wealth to the less fortunate. As she settled in the hackney, the footman declared her need for a chaperone. As he returned to the house to have a maid attend her, Sophia gave directions for the driver to deliver her to Madame Belles’ with due haste.

  The hackney flew down the road, passing one carriage after another. As they rounded the corner, Sophia swore it was done on two wheels. The vehicle hung on one side longer than the other. She held on to the strap and prayed for her dear life. But not once throughout the wild ride did she doubt her decision to visit the brothel. When they came to a skidding stop outside the alley to Madame Belle’s, Sophia offered a small thank you on arriving at her destination in one piece.

  The hackney driver released a pelting whistle drawing attention their way. Sophia lowered her head, rushing to the house. The door opened and Ned, Belle’s doorman, ushered her inside. Sophia remembered his name from her previous visit. He was a startling man, covered in scars and had a rough exterior. However, it was his kindness to her security that she remembered the most. He sent a scowl to the driver ordering him to leave the property immediately.

  “Welcome, my lady. Belle has been expecting you. Please follow me,” he urged her in a soft voice. Another strange aspect about the man. His quiet voice didn't match his physical appearance.

  “Thank you, Ned.”

  He turned his head in surprise that she remembered his name. A look of respect lit his eyes before turning and opening the door to Belle’s parlor. After Sophia walked into the room, the door closed and Sophia could hear the lock click. Nobody would interrupt her visit. Sophia felt a fresh sense of calm that while she was here, her presence would be protected.