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‘Is that a promise, sister, dear?’
‘It most definitely is.’
‘Good, but do not let them know that. Keep them hovering, as you so inelegantly put it.’
‘Why?’
‘Because it amuses me to see them squirm.’ He turned towards the door as a newcomer entered. ‘Ah, here is Viscount Kimberley. Now, you may encourage him as much as you like.’
‘Teddy, what are you up to?’
‘Nothing at all. I only have your happiness at heart.’ He turned to Adam. ‘Good afternoon, my lord. I believe I owe you my thanks for looking after my sister so well yesterday.’
‘It was a privilege and a pleasure. Good afternoon, my lady, Miss Cavenhurst. I hope I see you well.’
‘Very well, my lord,’ Sophie said. ‘My brother decided not to ride back to Richmond after missing me on the road.’
‘No reason to,’ Teddy said. ‘She had so many admirers vying for her favours, I was de trop.’
‘I would have expected you to be extravigilant under the circumstances,’ Adam said.
‘Why? I have known Reggie and Richard since boyhood. They would not harm a hair of her head.’
‘They were prepared to subject her to gossip.’
‘Stop it!’ Sophie cried. ‘Please do not fall out over it. I came to no harm and I do not blame Teddy for not wanting to make that ride twice in the heat. It is over and done with and he will be escorting me to Ranelagh tonight.’
‘Do you go?’ Teddy asked Adam.
‘I have not made up my mind.’
‘Oh, please do,’ Sophie said, knowing how disappointed Cassie would be if he did not go, and would no doubt blame her for frightening him off. She would have to do something helpful to bring them together, and then Cassie would realise she had no designs on the gentleman and be her friend again. She had no idea she was being manipulative and would have denied it hotly if anyone had suggested it.
‘We are to meet at the Rotunda at eight o’clock for supper,’ Lady Cartrose told him. ‘Please join us.’
‘Yes, do,’ Teddy added. ‘It is a fireworks night. They are quite spectacular, you know, and these are to be especially fine to honour the new princess.’
‘Very well. I will be there.’ Adam bowed and left, and after that everyone left one by one.
‘I am going to rest,’ her ladyship said, rising. ‘I suggest you do the same, Sophie. And as for you, Edward, stay at home today if you please. I want you here when the carriage comes round.’
He laughed and bowed and held out his arm to escort her upstairs, then he returned to Sophie, who was looking out of the window at the carriages, carts, horse riders and pedestrians that thronged the road. She turned when he entered. ‘Teddy, what is going on? What are you up to?’
‘Nothing, sis. What can I be up to? I have been remiss and been scolded and am penitent. What more do you want?’
‘I want to know why Sir Reginald and Mr Fanshawe are in town and buzzing round me. I have turned them down and they know I will not change my mind.’
‘Perhaps they don’t.’
‘Teddy, have you encouraged them to think otherwise?’
‘Certainly not. It is not my fault you are so comely.’
‘Fustian! And I hear Lord Gorange is here, too. It cannot be coincidence.’
‘I don’t know what else it is.’
‘And why did you say I may encourage Viscount Kimberley?’
‘Well, my dear, he is obviously a better bet than Reggie and Dick.’
‘A better bet!’ Her voice rose. ‘Another of your gambling terms. I am not a prize to be won or lost in a game of cards, Teddy.’
‘Sorry, I meant he is richer and a member of the nobility—quite a catch, in fact.’
‘He is also a widower who adored his wife and is determined not to marry again.’
‘How do you know that?’
‘He told me so.’
‘A rather intimate conversation for so slight an acquaintance, don’t you think?’
‘Not at all. He makes no secret of it.’
‘I fancy you could make him change his mind.’
‘I am not even going to try. As I told Cassie and Lucy, I have no intention of playing second fiddle to a dead wife.’
He simply laughed, chucked her under the chin and wandered from the room. Sophie decided she might as well follow her aunt and rest, ready for the evening to come.
* * *
Determined to put an end to rumours of being a hoyden and a flirt, she dressed demurely in white muslin trimmed with blue ribbon for the evening excursion. Teddy, as contrite as it was possible for someone so devoid of remorse to be, was in attendance as he had promised. When they sat down to a light supper, she sat between her aunt and brother, much to the chagrin of Sir Reginald and Mr Fanshawe. She smiled across the table at Cassie, who was sitting next to Viscount Kimberley, but Cassie ignored her and began talking very fast to Adam. He appeared very attentive and spoke quietly to her, making her blush.
