“The inspector knows the writer isn’t Marie or my grandmother. He knows it’s me. I expect he just needs proof.”
“Bloody hell!” Sebastian cursed.
“He said he had no scruples. That he would do what must be done.”
Sebastian knew it. He had watched the inspector that evening, a man of low birth used to being at the beck and call of others. He would want to bring a well-bred lady down. He would enjoy it.
Sophie thought quickly. She replayed all that had happened with the inspector and knew he would fulfill his threat. She knew that Sebastian’s parents were in the library as he had asked her for its use. She asked that Sebastian join her in the library with his parents. He nodded and she went to find her father.
Sebastian rejoined his parents inside the library, where they had remained together on the sofa.
“We don’t blame you, Sebastian.” His mother tried to soothe him. “Leila can be flighty.”
Mohammed looked over at his son and nodded. “She is a handful. I wonder where she got that temperament.” He eyed his wife thoughtfully.
“Well, thank you. Because even though it’s unbelievable, I knew nothing of their relationship,” he said quietly.
“It will all be sorted. Her dowry will be substantial so there can be no cause for complaint,” Katharine said smoothly. “That they love each other was clear enough. It will all work out.”
“I will speak with Etienne’s father. If everything is agreed upon they can be married soon,” her husband remarked.
It was at this moment that Jean Pierre and Sophie entered the room. Sebastian took a large swallow of brandy and introduced Sophie to his parents.
“Sophie, Monsieur Gauvreau, this is my father, Sheik Mohammed Aksam Al Sabid. My mother, Katharine.”
Jean Pierre was well acquainted with Sebastian. He had seen him at many gatherings and the young man seemed taken with Sophie. He had heard his mother mention him several times in passing and he acknowledged the introduction, and in turn, introduced his daughter to the couple.
Katharine could tell Jean Pierre was an educated, capable man. He seemed honest and kind and she liked him immediately. When she glanced at his daughter, everything became clear. Her son was in love.
The woman was exquisite, with auburn hair and hazel eyes. Her dress was of the finest silk and her figure was feminine and beguiling. She was the reason her son had not noticed what was happening with Leila and her lover. He was too wrapped up in his own world.
Sophie smiled at the couple and was taken aback by Sebastian’s words. Sheik? His father was a Sheik? She was not prepared for this new revelation and eyed the older man with interest. He was certainly still attractive and Sebastian looked like a younger version of his father. But she could tell that the son was not a pure Arab. His mother was European and her creamy skin had been passed on to her son, while her blue eyes had been inherited by Leila.
Jean Pierre poured himself and Mohammed a brandy. He poured two small sherries for the ladies and gave Katharine and Sophie each a small glass. Sophie thanked her father and took a sip.
“There was never any intention to cause deceit, Father. But I have been compromised and we must marry,” Sophie told her astonished father and Sebastian’s parents.
Mohammed only briefly glanced at the young woman before looking over at his son, who seemed completely stunned.
“W-what are you saying?” Sebastian asked her.
Jean Pierre stood up to face the young man. “This is most irregular.”
“I-I’m sorry, sir. I think there is a misunderstanding here.” Sebastian watched Sophie’s face carefully.
Sophie was flushed from the words she had uttered. She set her glass down beside her.
“Sophie. Has your behavior with him been entirely above reproach?” her father asked her.
“Not exactly,” she whispered.
Katharine watched the exchange with interest while Mohammed stared at his son.
“Well?” Jean Pierre pressed her.
“What are you saying, Sophie?” Sebastian asked, confused.
Sophie closed her eyes then opened them to meet her father’s. “At the chateau—” she began.