My Charming Earl

More than ever, Sophia was grateful for Lord Roderick. Had he not stepped in when she had needed him the most, she might be awakening this morning to find herself betrothed to the repugnant the Duke of Langley, who clearly wanted her to be his wife in all senses of the word.

Sophia knew very little of the intimacies between husband and wife, but the thought of him extracted another shudder from her. The Duke of Langley was a leech, and she would not allow him to even touch her, not once. Should he ask for a dance, she would refuse him.

Now that she knew his intentions, as well as what her father had promised, Sophia swore to herself she would not go near the man.

It did not seem quite right to know so little about one’s betrothed, even though it would not last all the way to matrimony. He was of a kind heart, having taken her out of her miserable predicament and promising that he would bear the burden of the broken engagement when the time came.

Did Sophia want to know more about him? Would that not put her into dangerous territory?

Her mother was right; Lord Roderick was a wonderfully handsome man. She could not pretend that she was not attracted to him, for even the memory of his smile sent a shiver through her.

She would have to spend a lot more time in his company over the next few weeks, until their betrothal came to an end. She would have plenty of time to get to know him, but Sophia reminded herself that she would have to ensure her heart was not in the least engaged by that time.

It would not be a good thing to fall completely head over heels for Lord Roderick, only for their acquaintance to come to an end. She certainly did not want to add a truly broken heart into their already complicated relationship. There is no use in falling in love with the man, especially when it is all a sham.

Remember that it is all a pretense. Sophia lifted her chin and tried to smile, pretending she did not feel the sinking of her heart.

Chapter Seven

The weeks passed. Lord Roderick was of a kind heart, having taken her out of her miserable predicament and promising that he would bear the burden of the broken engagement when the time came.

“I do hope you are not regretting our scheme, my lord.” Sophia said one day.

His surprise was evident. “No, not in the least!” he exclaimed, his eyes searching hers. “Are you?”

“Not at all,” she responded, aware of just how quickly her heart was beating. “My mother has never been so delighted, as you can see!”

His eyes lit with humor. “Neither mine,” he said,

his lips quirking into a smile.

“It appears you have done what so many other ladies could not, according to my mother. She is utterly besotted with you, even more than I am!”

Sophia managed a smile, her breath catching as she took in the warmth in his eyes, the easy smile on his lips. Had he meant such a sentiment, truthfully? Or was he simply playing the part?

“I do not believe the Duke of Langley is entirely thrilled with our betrothal,” she said wryly. “I heard my father talking earlier.”

Lord Roderick snorted. “I care very little for what the Duke of Langley thinks,” he muttered darkly. “And whilst I will admit that the man is not used to being refused what he wants, I am delighted that I have saved you from his clutches.”

She knew very little of the Duke of Langley, but if what Lord Roderick said was true, then they would have to take care around the man. Not that she intended on seeing him again, but if he was going into partnership with her father—even without her hand as part of the deal—then there was a chance she might be introduced to him at some point in time.

“Perhaps we ought to get to know one another a little more,” Lord Roderick suggested, smiling at her. “After all, when someone asks me about my betrothed, I think it would be best if I knew the answer to their questions. Otherwise, I do not give the impression that I am a man in love!”

Laughing softly, Sophia felt her cheeks warm as he grinned at her, the butterflies not entirely gone from her belly. If only he were not quite so handsome, then she might not feel such unsettling things.

“I think that would be a welcome idea, my lord,” she said. “Although I must warn you that you may find some of my answers unconventional.”

To her surprise, he let out a loud laugh, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he chuckled.

“Lady Sophia,” he said, “that is precisely why I think you are so well suited to me, even if this is all a sham. I have sought to find someone who is, by all intents and purposes, a little less ‘run of the mill.’ In short, I find your unconventionality a truly desirable trait.”

“Oh,” Sophia murmured, wondering why she struggled to find words to form any kind of reply. “Then I am relieved, Lord Roderick.”

She glanced up at him, catching the swift smile that crossed his face.

“I have been thinking, Lady Sophia. Now that we are betrothed, I think you may call me Christopher, if you wish it."

That was quite proper, but still, Sophia felt a blush rise to her cheeks.