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CHAPTER11
Jeremy tapped his fingers on the desk in his study, his eyes flitting over the work he had to do. There were tenants’ papers that needed seeing to, for his tenants back on his country estate, and there were investments that needed attention too. Yet, he could not concentrate on any of it. Each time Jeremy’s steward attempted to turn his focus on the papers, Jeremy’s thoughts were back at the ball the night before.
What did Lord Elkins say to Sophia that upset her so much?
Jeremy knew he had to find out.
“What of these, Your Grace?” the steward asked, pushing forward more of the papers on the desk. “You usually are attentive to the tenants.”
“I know I am.” Jeremy sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, in frustration at himself. “I apologize, Browning, I can’t seem to focus today.” Nevertheless, he picked up one of the papers and attempted to absorb himself in it. Only a couple of minutes passed before he dropped the paper again. “I have arranged for the cottages’ roofs to be mended, haven’t I?”
“Yes, Your Grace.” Browning took the paper back. “You do seem rather distracted. Is anything wrong?”
“No.” Jeremy lied. He sat forward and stared down at the papers. “Perhaps all I need is some distraction, something to get my mind on something else and off some… worries.”
“If that is what you want, then something arrived this morning you might rather like.” Browning stuck a hand in the pocket of his jacket and pulled out a small, printed pamphlet before passing it over to Jeremy. “I know you like to visit the theatre when you are in London.”
Jeremy took the pamphlet very eagerly, needing a distraction. Across the text her saw ‘The Rover’ by Aphra Behn was advertised.‘A bawdy and hilarious restoration comedy.’
Once more, Jeremy’s thoughts were back with Sophia. He could remember her saying at the ball how she had gone to the theater with Lady Rumpton, and the two of them had enjoyed a restoration comedy together.
Perhaps Sophia would like to see it.
“Maybe this is just what I need.” Jeremy took the pamphlet and a spare piece of paper, writing up his request at once. “Browning, would you see this note is delivered to the theatre this morning, please? I would like to reserve two tickets.”
“Of course, Your Grace.”
Jeremy signed the paper and folded it up, sealing it with red wax that he melted in a candle flame beside him, until the stick of red wax bled in drops onto the page, then he stamped it with the Pemberton seal.
“There, thank you.” Jeremy passed the note to his steward.
“I’ll see to it at once, Your Grace.” Browning hurried out of the room with Jeremy offering one more smile. The moment the door was closed, Jeremy reached for a second piece of paper.
He addressed one side formally, to Lady Elkins with her full address, then on the other side, he was more intimate.
‘Dear Sophia,
I remember you talked of the enjoyment you had in visiting the theatre to see a restoration comedy. Aphra Behn’s ‘The Rover’ is on at King’s Street Theater tomorrow night and I have two tickets. Would you care to accompany me?’
He signed the letter quickly and sealed it, stamping the back. Only when his crest was visible did the stamp fall from his fingers with a clatter, so that the brass and onyx clattered against the hard wood of the surface.
When did I last do such a thing?
Jeremy didn’t, that was his rule. He didn’t spend time with a lady outside of the bedchamber, which was his prerogative. Yet here he was, wanting to see Sophia again, and going out of his way to make it happen.
“I just want company at the theatre. That is all,” he murmured to himself, somehow hoping if he said the words aloud that he would believe them. He pushed the sealed letter away from him on the desk and considered it a little more.
The last time he had invited a lady to spend time with him in such a way was many years ago. He had been young then, foolish, naïve enough to think that a lady could truly enjoy his company for something more than just wanting the advancement of position.
How wrong I was.
Jeremy stood to his feet and picked up the letter. Everything in his mind told him this was a mistake. He had his rules and it seemed he was bending them more and more these days. He hurried out of the study and into the hall, where he found his steward at the front door, with a messenger boy beside him. Browning was placing a few coins in the boy’s palm and giving him instructions of where to deliver the first letter.
“Wait, I have a second letter to be delivered.” Jeremy hastened forward and proffered the second letter to the boy. “Ensure it is delivered safely, please.”
“Of course, Your Grace.” The young lad beamed and bowed rather awkwardly, prompting Jeremy to smile.
“Thank you.” As Jeremy returned to his study, he chose not to think any more about it. He told himself he would stop thinking of why Sophia was so upset the night before. He told himself he would not think of the passion they had shared, and what more they could do together. He made a firm resolution as he returned to his desk, but little good it did him.
