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I care for him. More than I should.
In that moment with his hand in hers, it would have been easy to persuade herself that Jeremy cared for her too.
“Sophia?” Jeremy whispered. “You are scared, and I cannot stand the sight of that.”
She was about to tell him what Nick had said. Her lips parted to do just that, before a shadow fell between them. A figure had stepped in front of the candelabra beside them and blocked out the light.
Jeremy at once dropped Sophia’s hand. It gutted her, the loss of his touch.
“Sophia?” Nick’s voice made her flinch. “We are leaving. Now.”
She turned to see Nick at her side, along with Rachel who was looking back and forth in confusion.
“But Lord Elkins,” Rachel tried to smile, as if laughing off his words. “There is so much of the night left. Surely, we are not all to leave yet?”
“You can stay, Lady Rumpton, but my sister-in-law and I are leaving.” Nick kept his gaze firmly on Sophia. He appeared as if he hated her in that moment, his eyes narrowed, but now Sophia knew the truth.
He feels something else entirely!
Sophia shot a quick look Rachel’s way, praying that she could read that look.
Do not leave me alone with him, Rachel.
“Well, if Sophia is to leave, I will come too.” Rachel’s words made Sophia sigh with relief.
“We’re leaving.” Nick turned and led a path away through the crowd. He did not issue any pleasantries, neither did he even glance Jeremy’s way.
Sophia felt Jeremy subtly pass a hand over her arm, before he leaned down toward her ear.
“You can tell me what is wrong. You know that. We’ll speak another night,” he whispered. As he stepped back, Sophia nodded and offered a rather sad smile before she took Rachel’s hand and the two of them walked away.
When she got halfway across the ballroom, with the two of them hastening to catch up with Nick, she couldn’t stop herself from looking back at Jeremy. He was still by the drinks table, with her brandy glass in his hands. He finished off that drink and then held her gaze, showing he couldn’t look away from her either.
What do all these looks mean?
Sophia couldn’t have any more time to think of it though. Rachel pulled on her arm as they reached the door. Beside them, Nick shrugged on a frock coat and top hat, before ordering staff in a brusque tone to bring the ladies’ pelisses.
“There is no time to dally,” Nick said firmly. “We are leaving. Have the carriage brought round at once.” He stepped out of the door, heading into the corridor, clearly showing he had no wish to wait inside the ballroom for that coach to arrive.
As he went, Sophia and Rachel hurried on with their pelisses. Once Nick had gone far enough, Rachel stepped closer to Sophia.
“What is going on?” Rachel muttered. “I do not know what to ask you first. I could ask why you and the Duke of Pemberton have not left each other’s side all night, but should I be asking instead why your brother-in-law is looking at you as if he despises you?”
“I cannot explain it. Any of it,” Sophia said quietly. She led the way after Nick, still pulling on her pelisse. She didn’t wish Rachel to ask about Jeremy, for she did not know how to put it into words herself. As for Nick, Sophia was afraid to think of the words.
She couldn’t utter them yet, for the mere thought set a fear through her.
Nick wishes me to turn my attentions on him.
* * *
Sophia waved one last time at Rachel as the door was firmly shut on her face. Poor Rachel looked eager to stay, but there was nothing that could be said or done. The door closed on Rachel and Sophia was left alone with Nick.
The butler had been sent off to put the pelisse and frock coat away, meaning Sophia was alone with Nick, standing in the candlelit hallway, with the only two candles that were in the room casting Nick in an eerie orange light and long shadows. He was standing by the door with his palm flat to the surface, from where he had shut it abruptly. He was breathing heavily too, staring down at his feet.
Sophia backed up a little, suddenly aware of how alone they were. Without Rachel here, and no butler, there was no reason not to mention what Nick had said as they had danced together.
I need to escape this. Before he renews any such words or intentions!
