One Night Scandal

She hadn’t seen him in a few days and missed the wretch already. She supposed watching him from afar would have to suffice tonight . . . and the rest of her life.

Walking up the steps to the Northwoods’ home, she wondered at her ability to stay unassuming when she arrived at the ball alone. Normally, her mother would pretend to be her aunt and chaperone her when attending such functions. Not that she went to many balls, mostly those of her closest friends.

Sophie quickly walked into the ballroom and to the refreshment table. A few people inclined their heads toward her but no one made a point of conversing with her. If only her father had acknowledged her. Then attending such a glorious ball would be part of her regular routine. No one would give her the cut direct at a ball and then run to her for advice the next day.

“Now, why didn’t you tell any of us that you were planning to be here?”

So much for remaining anonymous. She turned toward Avis with a smile. “Good evening, Avis.”

“Sophie?” she replied with a grin.

“It was a last minute decision.”

“I see. Did anyone in particular help you make this decision?”

“Avis, you are never this restrained. Ask me what you want to know.” Sophie picked up a glass of wine from one of the footman walking past.

Avis clutched Sophie’s elbow and led her to a deserted section of the room. “Are you still involved with Lord Ancroft?”

“Not in the manner you mean. I am only helping him find his perfect match.”

“Really? You’re helping your lover find a wife.”

“Yes,” Sophie replied. “Is it truly that hard to believe?”

Avis stared at her until Sophie felt forced to glance away. “So Somerton’s wager at White’s means nothing?”

“Not at all. You know how odd Somerton can be. He must have seen Nicholas and I talking and assumed the worst after all that nonsense about Ancroft’s father demanding his son marry this Season.”

“Are you certain?” Avis asked softly.

Sophie tilted her head and stared at her best friend. “We have been through this already, Avis. He is in love with another woman, and I will not be a party to that.”

“Very well,” Avis said in a resigned tone. “So there is no chance you and he . . . ?”

“ No.”

“Have you seen Jennette?” Avis asked, obviously attempting to change the subject.

“No, why?”

“I’m worried about her. She hasn’t been herself for the past few weeks. The last time I spoke with her she said that she’d had an argument with Blackburn.”

Sophie shrugged. “Oh, Avis, most married couples fight at times. I would hazard a guess that even you and Selby do, too. What did they fight about?”

“She wouldn’t tell me.” Avis sipped her lemonade. “And that’s what has me concerned. It’s not like her to keep so quiet about something.”

“Of course it is. Think about how long she kept quiet about her fiancé’s death. Perhaps she felt her argument with Blackburn was too personal to discuss with her brother’s wife.”

Avis laughed. “That has never stopped her.”

“True enough.”

“There’s Banning. I must be off.”

Sophie scanned the room for Nicholas and found him immediately. Even with his mask on, she knew his form. The large expanse of shoulders, the breadth of his muscled chest, the deep dimples of his cheeks when he smiled. Oh, damn. Just the sight of him across the room sent her heart pounding and warm sensations flowing through her body.

She moved away to find a secluded spot where she could watch him undisturbed. He was having an animated conversation with Elizabeth’s husband until Elizabeth interrupted them. The duke took his wife to the dance floor, leaving Nicholas alone.