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Who on earth was he that he could make her feel like this? Sophia wasn’t sure if she liked it or not.
“Where are you headed?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Are you going to do some more drawings?” He raised his eyebrows at her. “Or are you out for a walk?”
“I … I’m going to see my friend. She lives on the next estate.”
“And you’re going on your own? Without a chaperone?”
Sophia shrugged.
“My parents don’t really pay attention to me. I haven’t had a chaperone outside the London Season for at least two years.”
He looked surprised at that.
“Do they really not care about their daughter? What would happen if something happened to you?”
“I can take care of myself.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
Sophia did know what he meant. And she could handle things on her own. Barely anyone paid her any attention, and Sophia preferred it that way.
“It’s not far, anyway. Probably less than five minutes to walk.”
He still didn’t look happy about that. Sighing, he gestured for her to walk on.
“Then let’s go.”
“You’re coming with me?”
“What sort of gentleman would I be if I let a young woman go on alone? I wouldn’t be much of a gentleman. So, I’m going to escort you.”
Sophia shook her head.
“It’s fine; you don’t …”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m coming with you.” He fixed her with a hard stare. “Humour me, miss. I’m not a cad, so you don’t have to worry about me.”
“It wasn’t that I was worried about.”
“You’re looking at me like you are, though.”
Sophia hadn’t realised. She normally had a cool exterior and a calm expression. So how had he read that on her face? She took a deep breath.
“I’m just so used to doing things on my own, so when a gentleman offers something, it’s very difficult for me to accept.”
“Do gentlemen not offer you common courtesy, then?”
“It’s not that simple, sir.” Sophia dusted herself down. Even though they were in the shade, she could feel her face getting warm. “However, if you want to escort me to my friend’s estate, then you may. But be aware that I don’t take kindly to being handled just by anyone.”
A smile made his mouth twitch, and he gave her a slight bow.
“I will be keeping my hands to myself. Whatever you want, I’ll follow your lead.”
Sophia didn’t know what to say to that. But she would be lying to herself if she said she didn’t want to be in his company for a bit longer. She normally didn’t talk to gentlemen – mostly because they didn’t want to be around – but maybe she could make an exception here. She would be happy with just a few minutes of his time.
