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“Well, I’m bound to, if I take the role he has offered me.” She wasn’t sure exactly when she had decided to join the cast of the musicale, but she had. Perhaps it would help her get her mind off of her illness. A role would keep her busy. Of course, it would also keep her in close proximity to Mr. Newland. How she would look him in the eye after what transpired between them, she didn’t know.
Ally clapped her hands together. “That’s fabulous! I knew you could do it. I’m so happy for you. This will bring joy to not only everyone who hears you but also to you, in your heart. You deserve joy, Sophie, more than anyone I know.”
Joy. Sophie wasn’t sure she’d ever experienced it. She’d been content, yes, but pure joy? Maybe during the bliss of her…climax, but that had been short-lived, and a lot of it was purely physical. Joy. How could Ally think Sophie deserved joy when she had let Ally take her punishment from their father for all those years? Ally was a strong, forgiving, and amazing person. And Sophie loved her more than anything.
“I just hope I don’t freeze up. I hope I’m not making a gigantic mistake.”
“You’re not.” Ally smiled, radiant with the glow of her pregnancy.
“I do appreciate your confidence in me, Ally. I hope it isn’t misplaced.”
“It’s not.” Ally shook her head. “I promise you.”
* * *
Sophie exited the coach that dropped her off at the Regal Theatre in Bath. She still wasn’t quite sure when she had decided to take the part. Sometime during the conversation with Ally that morning. If Ally had confidence in her, she should have confidence in herself.
“Good morning, Lady Sophie,” the doorman said, ushering her into the lobby of the theatre.
“Good morning. I’m here to see Mr. Newland. Is he in?”
“I believe he’s in the back, in his office. Should I show you the way?”
“Thank you, but no. I know the way.”
Sophie walked slowly, her nerves on edge, to Zach’s office in the back. She stopped a few steps shy of the open door, breathing heavily. Her skin tingled, and her nipples were so hard she felt sure they’d cut right through her corset. Relax, Sophie, relax.
Gathering all her courage, she walked the remaining steps to Zach’s open door.
And there stood Miss Nanette Lloyd, the prima donna herself, her arms around Zach and her lips on his.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Bile rose in Sophie’s throat. She had let this man kiss her, touch her, bring her to…climax. And here he was with another woman in his arms. How could she have been so stupid and naïve?
She turned to walk away, tears threatening and anger simmering—anger at Zach, but mostly anger at herself for allowing him to take advantage of her. True, they were not courting, and he had not mentioned anything about courting, but really…only a day later?
Clearly, Sophie meant nothing to him. He truly was only after her voice.
As she backed away from her door, Zach called to her. “Sophie! Come back. Please.”
Come back? Was he serious? Though she hesitated a moment, she then continued walking.
“Please!” Someone tugged at her arm.
She turned to look into Zach’s chocolate eyes. Her face warmed, and she didn’t want to think about how red it was. “I am very sorry to interrupt you, Mr. Newland.”
“You didn’t interrupt anything. Nanette came into my office and pretty much attacked me. There is nothing between us, I assure you.”
Sophie dropped her gaze to the mahogany floor. “And I assure you that I do not care if there is anything between you. It is certainly none of my concern.”
“Really? None at all?” Zach’s voice was low, husky.
Sophie shook her head, her lips trembling. “That is correct. None at all.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” He tipped her chin upward so their eyes met. “However, if you would please accompany me back to my office, I am happy to discuss whatever brought you here.”
“I’m afraid the reason I came here no longer exists.” She certainly could not take the role now. Though she had no intention of continuing any type of liaison with Mr. Newland, she couldn’t watch him seduce every harlot in sight.
