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“Of course, you should do that, Sophia.” She gave Mister Shore a sharp look. “But maybe not with you, sir. You’re not exactly going to do her reputation any good if you go outside alone with her.”
“Well, you can chaperone us,” Mister Shore suggested with a wink. “You can keep us in line.”
A movement out of the corner of her eye had Sophia looking past Mister Shore’s shoulder. She saw Thomas standing across the room, Aimee practically hanging off his arm. She looked a little dejected, her usual confidence a bit more subdued, and Thomas was looking right at Sophia. It was rather uncomfortable.
“I’m going to find a room to sit in and take a moment.” Sophia backed away from Mister Shore and Christiana. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I’ll be back to join everyone in no time.”
“Sophia …”
Sophia ducked out of the room, managing to get past her mother as she talked with two other matronly ladies, and slipped through the house. Eventually, she found a door leading to the outside, which she stumbled out of and into the cool evening air. It felt better, and Sophia felt as though she could breathe more easily again.
Closing her eyes, she tilted her head back and breathed in the fresh air. She couldn’t get enough of it. This was far better than being pressed inside with so many people. Mister Shore seemed to have invited everyone in the county.
Maybe she should stay out here, hide away while her father made the musicians stop and set the stage for his daughter’s proposal. Sophia knew she couldn’t cope with seeing Thomas propose to Aimee. Her heart would be breaking.
God, did that mean she was in love with him? How was that possible? Sophia didn’t think that would ever happen to her. Now it was, and it had to be with the one person she couldn’t have.
How had life ended up being this unfair?
“Sophia.”
Sophia stilled. The sound of his voice gave her goosebumps. She didn’t turn around as she heard footsteps approaching.
“Shouldn’t you be inside with your future bride?” she asked. “I know Aimee’s expecting something from you.”
“I really don’t want to do it.”
“Father’s got it planned.”
Thomas snorted.
“It’s not happening. I’ve spoken to my father, and he agreed this was not a good idea.”
Sophia spun around, almost squeaking when she realised how close Thomas was to her. She didn’t think he was that close.
“What … what do you mean by that?”
“He said I don’t have to marry Aimee if I don’t want to. I have to wait until we leave before I say it won’t work, but he is supportive of this match not happening.”
Had she heard him correctly? Sophia felt her mind going blank. He wasn’t going to propose to Aimee? But her parents were certain it would happen.
“But … my family is expecting it. I know they’re going to make sure you’re in a position to do it tonight.”
“I’ll be making myself scarce before that. I will not be forced into a position that embarrasses everyone.”
“Why would you do that?”
Thomas frowned.
“After what I confessed to you, you really have to ask?”
“What? You didn’t confess to anything. Thomas, I don’t understand.”
“Then let me ask you something first.” Thomas shifted closing, his gaze piercing as he brushed his fingers across her cheek. “My friend, Pierce. What do you think of him?”
“What?”
“Please tell me, Sophia. I need to know.”
