Page 78 of A Stranger’s Gamble

Lady Fleming? The woman who had stolen Adam’s fortune and contributed to his father’s suicide? The woman Adam had intended to marry? The woman he had loved? No wonder Adam had been so discomfited after seeing her that night.

Lady Fleming straightened and frowned. “Is something wrong, my lady?”

Sophie lifted her chin. “Nothing that cannot be remedied by you leaving.”

She blinked. “I beg your pardon?”

“This party is a wedding celebration for Lord Monthemer and me. The woman who betrayed him by stealing his father’s fortune is not welcome.”

Surprise flickered across her face, then she narrowed her eyes. “I was invited by Mr. Balfour.”

Sophie motioned to the footman standing near the doorway. He hurried over.

“Please escort this woman from the party,” Sophie ordered.

The footman’s eyes widened, and he glanced from Lady Fleming back to her. “I beg your pardon, my lady?”

“You heard me,” Sophie said. “See her out.” She shifted her gaze onto Lady Fleming. “And feel free to use any means necessary to ensure she leaves.”

Lady Fleming’s eyes flashed.

The footman stepped up to her and said, “If you will, my lady.”

She didn’t move, and he grasped her arm. She yanked free.

“I would advise against making a scene,” Sophie said. “I will not be the one everyone is talking about tomorrow, if you do.”

Lady Fleming shot her a dagger-filled look, then spun and walked at a leisurely pace from the room.

Three women suddenly surrounded Sophie.

“Well done, Sophie,” cried Lady Ella.

Sophie jerked her gaze to the right as Lady Ella clutched her arm.

“I wanted forever to tell that woman off,” Ella said with a laugh.

Sophie realized her heart pounded, and she suddenly wished she could sit down.

Ella grasped Sophie’s shoulders and kissed her cheek. “Why didn’t you tell us you were to marry Adam?” she demanded.

“What?” Sophie’s mind still spun, then she recognized Ella’s question. “Oh, it was all rather sudden.”

Lady Ella’s eyes sparkled. “So we heard.”

“Have you seen Adam?” Sophie asked. At Ella’s sharpened gaze, Sophie waved her hand. “We lost one another in the crush. I came up here for a better view of the ballroom.”

Ella nodded. “I haven’t seen him. But I’m sure we can find him. Oh, where are my manners? Sophie—Lady Monthemer—may I introduce Lady Ann and Mrs. Perkins?” Ella indicated the two women with her.

The women curtsied.

Sophie grimaced. “That is not necessary.”

“But it is necessary,” Lady Ella said. “Remember, Lady Monthemer, this is not a private house party.” She lifted her brows.

Sophie nodded, then shifted her gaze to the two women. “It is a pleasure to meet you both.”

They beamed.