Sophie skated by Lord and Lady Edgerton, who sat on the embankment. She waved. They nodded in acknowledgment. Once past them, she found open space and lifted one leg again, loving the feel of her self-made breeze in her face. Setting her foot back to the ice, she skated past Rose and Georgie before spinning around and around.
“Oh, look. More skaters.”
At Georgie’s announcement, Sophie slowed to look toward the house. It appeared to be another six or seven people, though from so far away, she couldn’t tell who it was. She sincerely hoped that Lord Tamworth was not among the newcomers. She was loath to leave off skating so soon. Just in case she would have to end her second favorite pastime, she made another circle around the pond before coming to a quick stop to once again view the progress of those approaching. It was a mix of men and women, but it was impossible to see who they were yet. Maybe just one more skate about.
Once again, she skated the length of the pond then balanced on one leg, moving in tighter and tighter circles before widening and skating backward to a spot where she could clearly see who approached.
Her heart sank as she recognized Lord Tamworth among the men. Unfortunately, if she skated to the tables now, there would be no wayto avoid him. She’d have to wait until he was upon the ice before she could take off her skates and return to the house. Her instinct was to remain completely still, as she often did at social gatherings, but on the pond with people moving so much, it might draw his attention.
Forcing herself to move, she skated around her end of the pond, meandering along the edge and cutting across while the newcomers donned their skates. One older couple clearly planned to watch, but the other five people took to the ice one at a time, with Lord Tamworth leading the way.
He skated backward, talking to the others, teasing them about how slow they were. Much laughter came from the chairs before more people joined him. Sophie made sure to know where he was even as Lords Manning, Durham, and Wellsley joined him. Lord Ashfield didn’t have skates and crossed his legs as if settling in to enjoy a play in Drury Lane. Sophie’s old classmate, Lissa and her husband hooked arms and skated onto the ice together, urging the men to show off their skills. Much conversation ensued that Sophie couldn’t quite hear, so she skated another small circle to position herself in a better spot to watch the activity.
While Georgie skated over to talk to her parents, who were sitting next to Lord Ashfield, Rose joined the new group. Movement to Sophie’s right had her turning, just in time to see another group of people approaching, including Ellie, though her husband was not with her. How freeing to not need a chaperone at all times.
Sophie had once hoped to find a contemplative man for a husband to have a family with. Her dearest wish was to share her love of literature with children. She didn’t need a peer. She’d be happy with a vicar or a gentleman of means—or her true dream, a scholar. But she was resigned, even relieved, that there appeared no such man in her future. She could be very content sharing her stories with her older brother’s children.
“Go!”
At Rose’s shout, Sophie snapped her attention back to Lord Tamworth, who was headed her way, flanked by his friends. It was obviously a race, and she quickly skated to the side of the pond. Seeing the perfect opportunity to leave, she started toward the racers’ starting line, but far off to the side so as not to interfere. Even as she skated sedately across the ice so as to not attract attention, she couldn’t help admiring Lord Tamworth. He glided across the ice effortlessly, his strong legs clearly made for such activity. He’d doffed his top hat, and his speed sent his light-brown locks to waving as he leaned forward, his greatcoat tails fluttering behind him. Though he appeared determined to win, he smiled as if he enjoyed the race thoroughly.
She found herself coasting to a stop as the racers came closer. Lord Manning was but a foot behind, while Lord Durham seemed to struggle to keep up. Suddenly, Lord Durham put on a burst of speed and, just as he drew even with Lord Tamworth, shoved his friend.
Shocked by such ungentlemanly conduct, she remained frozen to the spot until she realized Lord Tamworth had lost his balance and was careening directly toward her. Too late, she turned to push off the ice.
He slammed into her.
She turned her head and closed her eyes as they fell, expecting to land on her stomach with him on top of her. But as they hit the ice, she found herself safely padded and opened her eyes to discover herself atop Lord Tamworth, his arms wrapped around her as she stared at the ice. Her gratefulness for his actions quickly turned to embarrassment.
“Are you hurt, my lady?”
She lifted her head to look at him.
His light-brown eyes scanned her face as worry etched furrows in his large forehead.
She scrambled off him, falling on her behind in her attempt to get away, but already others converged upon them.
“Sophie, are you hurt?” Rose immediately dropped down next to her and took her hand.
Georgina skated up behind Rose. “Oh, Sophie. How awful. I hope you aren’t injured.”
“Nicely done, brother.”
At the sound of Lord Sommerset’s voice, Sophie looked to see him offering his hand to Lord Tamworth.
Lord Tamworth immediately turned to her. “My lady, we have not been introduced, but I hope you would do me the honor of helping you to your feet, if you think yourself capable.”
She didn’t dare look at all the faces surrounding her, knowing everyone would talk about how she’d been in the arms of a man she didn’t even know.
“Chris, you haven’t met Lady Sophie? Allow me.” Lord Sommerset made the introduction. “Lord Tamworth, this is Lady Sophie. Lady Sophie, may I introduce my energetic younger brother, Lord Tamworth.”
She wanted to tell him that she would not accept such an introduction, but there were far too many people present, and she was not so bold as Rosalind. Finally, she moved her gaze back to Lord Tamworth, who continued to hold his hand out to her, his brow furrowed, appearing worried.
With no choice, she set her gloved hand in his and he helped her to stand.
“Please tell me you are unhurt.”
She gave him a nod.
