Suddenly, she pulled both her hands away and rose. “I should return to my room.” She took a step back.
“No.” He stood, but at her wide eyes, he softened his tone. “Please.”
What began as fear in her gaze changed to a far more knowing look. “I know what you would like, but I can’t allow it.” She shook her head before taking another step away. Then, as if she were at a safe distance, she ran her gaze over him from the top of his head down to his booted feet and back to his face. “No matter how much I would like to.”
He sucked in his breath at the desire in her gaze before she spun and ran from the room.
His breath came out in a whoosh as he remembered to breathe. It wasn’t just shock at her look, but at the knowing in her eyes. The pure need to have her in his arms hit him hard. “Damn.” He rolled his shoulders, feeling as if he’d stood as a statue for hours instead of just moments. What the deuce was happening?
Picking up his wine glass, he threw back the rest of the dark liquid then set it on the table. He may not understand why he was attracted to Lady Sophie, but one thing he did know—he would have to stay far away from her…for both their sakes.
Chapter Twelve
Two days later
“There you are.”
At Lady Sommerset’s voice, Sophie turned from the bookcase she studied. She’d been quite sure she’d seen the newest Waverley novel somewhere and thought it was on a shelf in this section. The duke enjoyed the man’s works and had a standing order for new releases to be sent immediately to Silver Meadows. She’d hoped to take her mind off Tam. “Did you need me?” She started down the long row of books to where the countess stood waiting.
“Indeed, I did. Harrison couldn’t find you, though I told him to search the library.”
Sophie smiled. “Well, it is a rather large library.” She’d even dreamed of living among the many bookcases like a church mouse lived among the pews.
Lady Sommerset waved away the obvious. “It’s just as well. I wished to speak to you anyway.”
“Me?” Immediately Sophie thought back to her actions over the last few days, and except for her time in the kitchen with Tam, she didn’t think she’d made a misstep. Could someone have seen her there with him? She was most certain Mrs. Boyd wouldn’t reveal anything about that night. They shared secrets but never revealed them to anyone. Maybe one of her classmates had noticed her on the library balcony watching Tam skate in the early mornings because she justneeded to see him even if she couldn’t be with him?
“My dear Sophie. You need not look as if you fear being beaten for trampling the roses. I’m not unhappy with you, but I may not be pleased with your mother.”
She stopped before the countess. “My mother? I assure you, she would never deliberately do anything improper.”
Lady Sommerset rolled her eyes. “Truly, Sophie, it is not so bad as that. I merely came away with the impression that your mother is here to take you home.”
“My mother is here?” That was unusual in and of itself, since the only times her mother visited the school was the first day and last day of each term, and this term, since Sophie had come straight from Ellie’s, she had yet to see her mother in the new year.
“Yes, she’s here. I must have forgotten to mention that. She awaits you in the parlor. I will say that Joanna would not be happy were she to return and find one of her favorite students gone.”
A rush of warmth ran through Sophie at the idea that she might be a favorite student of the duchess. Lady Northwick was very wise, genuinely kind, and very protective of her students. Sophie wished she could be more like the duchess.
“I wanted to speak to you because I hope to convince you to stay…if she requests that you leave.”
“Oh, I don’t want to leave. If I could live here forever, I would.”
Lady Sommerset gave her one of the elfish smiles she was known for. “Then let us see what we can do to help you stay as long as possible.”
Silently, Sophie followed Lady Sommerset out of the library, into the corridor to the entry, where the lady halted. She leaned close to whisper. “Remember, I’m not sure that is your mother’s intention, but if taking you home is her goal, we shall thwart it together.”
Sophie nodded, pleased that Lady Sommerset would be so motivated, and followed the woman into the parlor.
“Lady Dowling, I apologize for the delay. We found Lady Sophie among the books. I’m sure you are not surprised by that.”
Lady Dowling nodded politely but didn’t respond.
Sophie walked to her mother, who wore a muted green traveling dress, and they clasped hands, before both sat upon the settee.
Sophie studied her mother to gauge her demeanor. At first, she appeared as usual, her caramel-colored hair, much like Sophie’s, refusing to stay in its bun, and her back absolutely straight. But as Lady Sommerset poured the tea, Sophie noticed her mother fidgeting, and that was highly unusual. That usually portended that something either terrible or wonderful was to come…but which?
Lady Sommerset sat opposite them on the settee Mrs. Kingman usually sat in during their literary talks. But Lady Sommerset, in her bright-blue gown, appeared as if a queen holding court. “What brings you to the Belinda School in the middle of a term, Lady Dowling? I do hope nothing untoward has occurred.”
