She offered her hand and watched as he bowed formally and brushed his lips across the back of it. She giggled. “Mr. Stowe, you’re certainly smooth with les dames.”
“Only with ladies as beautiful and charming as you, my Cinderella.”
She smiled, genuinely flattered. “Now I know you’re being insincere. There are plenty of women in this house tonight more appealing to the eye and certainly younger than I am.”
“But it is you, Mademoiselle Toulouse, who has caught my fancy. I don’t often meet women as interesting as you.”
“I must go, Mr. Stowe.” With everyone at the ball gossiping about Sapphire and Lord Wessex, she needed to be certain Sapphire was all right.
“I wish you wouldn’t. One more dance? A walk in the garden, perhaps? “Stowe’s broad brow furrowed. “Or if you’re tired, we could—”
“Tired?” Lucia scoffed as she thrust one slippered foot from beneath her new gown. “I could dance all night on these feet. I could dance most of these young women in their silly heeled shoes right off the dance floor.”
“I bet you could, couldn’t you, Mademoiselle Toulouse?” He grinned.
She narrowed her eyes. “Are you certain you are unmarried, Mr. Stowe?”
“I am afraid I am. A widow, these past three years.”
“Did you love your wife?”
“I did. A great deal and I miss her.”
“Good answer. Now, I must be on my way, but because you have passed the test, you may come for me Sunday afternoon and take me for a ride in Hyde Park.” She walked toward the door and the footman opened it.
“To think I didn’t even know I was taking an examination and I’ve apparently not only passed it, but won the prize,” the barrister called after her, his face red with glee.
“Good night, Mr. Stowe.” Lucia walked out the door, feeling lighter on her feet than she had in years.
“Sapphire. Sapphire? Puss, I’m coming in.”
The door opened and Lucia entered, but Sapphire didn’t sit up. She just lay there staring at the ceiling. She’d managed to get out of her shoes and gown, petticoats and stays without any assistance, but she was still wearing her drawers and new chemise.
“Are you asleep?”
“How could I be?” Sapphire asked miserably. “It’s a scandal. I’m sure you heard. I’m sure all of London has heard by now.”
“Ah, they have nothing better to do with their lives than gossip.”
Sapphire groaned in frustration. “And now everyone in London will speak poorly of me and call me terrible names. My reputation is ruined. I came to London for my mother’s sake and look how I’ve shamed her, how I’ve shamed my father.”
Lucia sat on the edge of the bed. “Poppycock,” she said softly. “I have to ask, though, puss—were you a…participant, or did Lord Wessex take unfair advantage of you?”
Sapphire felt heat rise in her face. “It was only a kiss. He didn’t…didn’t—”
“I know this is delicate, but I must know, puss. I of all people would never judge you. Participant or victim?”
“He didn’t hurt me, Aunt Lucia.”
Lucia was quiet for a moment while she smoothed Sapphire’s hand in hers. “Did you speak to him of your father?”
“I tried, but he wouldn’t listen to me. He…he—”
Aunt Lucia patted Sapphire’s hand and released it. “The new Lord Wessex is quite handsome. Unmarried.”
“He was abominable again.”
“Was he, now?” Lucia asked. “The party was rife with tittle-tattle, everyone was speaking of how handsome he is. They say his interest may lie with the dowager’s eldest daughter. Were he to marry her, the money would stay in the family.”