Page 59 of The Redemption of the Shrew

“And intelligent and hardworking,” Eric offered.

“She’s also headstrong and completely irrational,” Philippe retorted.

“At least she is avoiding Lord Hythwick now,” Sophie said.

“It is unlike her to remain at home like a reasonable woman,” Philippe said. “She will do something rash.”

Sophie tucked her hand in his arm. “Come, mon frère. Let us get you a glass of wine. À bientôt, Mr. Alexander.” She steered her brother out of the garden, and behind them, Eric set to work again.

“He is your lover,” Philippe said the minute they were out of earshot.

She gasped, her heart beating too fast. How did he know?

“You need not deny it, Sophie. It was obvious in the way you stood talking to one another, more so when he spat in your presence, and plain as the day by the glances you gave him just now. Did you think I would object?”

No! That was exactly the problem. “He is a man of the people,” she said, but only for something to say.

“So was Yves, and I did not object to him.”

“He was saving my life,” she huffed. “It was not a permanent arrangement.”

“I have made enquiries about Mr. Alexander. Although he has a reputation, it is nothing of concern.”

“You enquired about him? Why?” Immediately, she knew. “Because of Gloriana.”

“And also because of you, chérie. I did not wish to see either of you in close company with a rake—but it seems he is merely a man of ordinary desires who was maligned by a jealous woman.” He eyed her narrowly. “Why so unhappy, Sophie? Do you not love him?”

She didn’t want to admit it—but he wouldn’t believe her if she said no.

“Does he not wish to marry you?”

She shook her head. “He does, but you know I cannot.”

He tsked. “We will soon learn whether Jean-Esprit is dead—but you should marry your lover anyway. Think of the effect on the school if your liaison becomes public.”

“I cannot make holy vows when I am already married! Nor can I become a bigamist. It is against the law.”

“I doubt if Mr. Alexander would care about any of that.”

“Perhaps not, but I do. And what will happen if Jean-Esprit comes to England and finds us? You are not allowed to kill him.”

“You make life difficult for no reason, Sophie. He is an old man and may already be dead.”

She hoped so, but he’d still been living a few years ago, during the brief period of peace when Philippe had traveled to France.

“And if he is alive, I will not permit him to touch you or the children.” He spread his hands. “Voilà! That is that. You cannot prevent me from doing what I must to protect you. I am certain your lover will agree with me about that.”

She nodded. Her Eric would defend her to the death.

“Have you told him that you do not know whether Jean-Esprit is alive?”

She shook her head.

“If you love him, you owe him an explanation.”

That was too much. She stormed into the house. “Just as you owe one to Gloriana!”

That took care of him. But as for her darling Eric . . . what was she going to do?