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The voice caught her attention at once, and, hastily wiping her eyes, Sophia glanced up at the tall figure in front of her. It was Lord Roderick.
“Oh, no, it is quite all right,” Sophia murmured.
“I do apologize for the intrusion,” Lord Roderick said. “But I have noticed that you seem to be in some distress. Can I assist you in any way?”
“Not unless you can prevent my father’s dictates from being enforced, no,” Sophia replied before she could stop herself. “Please, do not let me bother you.”
“It is of no trouble,” he responded, gesturing to another bench to her left. “May I?”
“Why are you not enjoying the ball? Won’t your parents be searching for you?” Sophia asked.
Lord Roderick sat down carefully, and the bench groaned loudly.
“I needed some fresh air,” he said.
A momentary pause left them in silence. “Might I ask what has upset you so?” he asked.
She let out a harsh laugh. “You may well ask, Lord Roderick, but given that there is nothing you can do, then I see very little point in discussing it.”
“It might help lift your spirits somewhat,” he responded.
Letting out another sigh, Sophia stifled a sob and, instead, cleared her throat. “You are a gentleman, and titled at that, so I do not think you will be able to understand the quandary in which I find myself.”
“Ah.”
“You may marry whomever you choose,” she continued bitterly. “As for me, my path is set.”
Brushing moisture from her lashes, Sophia tried not to give into the fresh tears that threatened to overwhelm her once more.
“Your parents have chosen your fiancé, then?”
“Sadly, yes,” Sophia answered.
“And you are hiding from them,” Lord Roderick finished thoughtfully. “A wise choice, Lady Sophia.”
Hearing the slight humor in his tone, Sophia bristled.
“I did not expect you to understand, Lord Roderick,” she snapped. “Why don’t you return to the ball if my situation causes you such humor?”
“Is your betrothed so terrible?” Lord Roderick softly asked. “Surely the daughter of an Earl will be wed to a fine, upstanding gentleman. I have heard of your father and know of his reputation within society. I doubt he would throw you away on some undeserving—”
“I am to be wed to the Duke of Langley,” Sophia cut him off through clenched teeth. “Something about helping my father with a partnership of sorts.”
She waited for Lord Roderick’s jovial response, but received none. The seconds ticked by slowly, the atmosphere suddenly growing tense.
Without warning, the gentleman got to his feet, pacing across the arbor. “You cannot mean the elder Duke of Langley?” he asked, his voice growing louder with each word.
Lord Roderick paused in his steps, turning to face her.
“But that is ridiculous!” he said.
“I am glad you think so,” Sophia told him. “I am also glad that you no longer laugh at me.”
“That is because I can understand your distress!” he exclaimed, walking over to her. “Why your parents are insisting on such a thing, I cannot understand.”
Sophia let out a harsh laugh, knowing exactly why her parents had chosen this course of action.
Pressing her hand to her brow, Sophia winced as pain sliced through her heart once more. “It seems I am nothing but a commodity, useful for bartering and trading and securing my father’s partnership.”
