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Sophia felt her face getting warm. She lifted her glass to her lips, hoping the coolness from her drink would cool her face.
“So, you’re aware that Mister Ford and I met when we were not chaperoned?”
“Of course I am. I was surprised when I heard a young lady was out on her own.” Mister Shore tilted his head to one side. “You made an impression on your future brother-in-law; did you know that?”
Sophia faltered.
“I did. That wasn’t my intention. I didn’t do anything more than I normally do.”
“Well, Thomas certainly found you fascinating. As do I.” The smile she got was very charming. “While I don’t expect you to make a habit of meeting gentlemen alone, I do hope you will do that with me at some point. It’s very easy to relax when nobody is watching you, isn’t it?”
Was he actually flirting with her? Sophia wasn’t sure if she liked it. She felt a little uncomfortable. Looking around, she was relieved to see there wasn’t anyone around. If someone had overheard Mister Shore, Sophia would be in trouble. She didn’t want to cause any trouble for her sister’s engagement.
“You’re not going to tell anyone about what I did, are you?” she whispered. “Mister Ford and I interacted very innocently, but with him about to marry my sister …”
“Don’t worry; I won’t say anything.” Mister Shore winked. “You can rely on me. Your secret is safe.”
Sophia didn’t know if she should trust that or not. She was beginning to want to be elsewhere. Avoiding Mister Shore’s gaze, Sophia stepped around him.
“I must go and find my friend. I said I wouldn’t be long.”
“Would you like me to escort you?”
“No! I mean, no, thank you.” Sophia gulped. “I can find her on my own. I’ll see you around, Mister Shore.”
She hurried away, knowing she was very flushed. Oh, why did he have to mention that? Why did she think that Mister Ford wouldn’t say anything? Sophia had told Christiana about it, yes, but she had been in control of who knew.
Knowing that someone else was aware of the inadvertent indiscretion made her feel nervous. Mister Shore might say he would keep her secret, but what if he decided to use it to his own advantage? What if he would hold onto it until Sophia did something he didn’t approve of?
She knew she was overthinking it, but it was really scary to have that hovering between them.
Christiana was at the doorway to the dining room, talking to Mister Edwin. From how the two of them were, it looked like they focused on the conversation and not on anyone around them. Sophia had to stand beside Christiana and clear her throat for her friend to notice her.
“Oh, Sophia! Forgive me; I didn’t see you!” Christiana looked a little flustered, biting her lip as she glanced at Mister Edwin. “Mister Edwin and I were just discussing London and what we’ve seen when we visit. It’s a fascinating place.”
Sophia frowned.
“Are you alright, Christiana? I’ve never heard you speak about London like that before.”
“Oh, don’t be silly! I’ve always loved London, even with everything going on.” Christiana peered at her. “I think I should be asking if you’re the one who is alright, Sophia. You’re looking a little flushed.”
“Just … it’s nothing.” Sophia glanced at Mister Edwin. “It’s something we can discuss later.”
“Do you want to get some air, Miss Burke?” Mister Edwin asked. “I can escort you outside, if necessary …”
“No, it’s fine. I can take care of myself.”
But Mister Edwin was frowning.
“You shouldn’t go anywhere on your own. Even in your own house.”
“I understand, but I’ll be fine.” Sophia gulped down her lemonade. “I won’t be long. Just enough time to cool myself.”
She moved away, heading towards the door onto the terrace. If she managed to have a moment to gather her thoughts, she could come back in and be better composed. Her parents wouldn’t notice where she was, nor would her sisters. Sophia could be left alone for a while.
After what Mister Pierce Shore had said to her, it wasn’t a good idea to walk around the room looking as she currently did.
Chapter 8
