The Seduction of Sophie Seacrest Read online

  One half hour later, she entered the dining room to find Jason and Julia deep in conversation. She was so caught up in her happy thoughts she failed to notice the somber mood at the breakfast table. “A fine morning, is it not?” Her pulse quickened as she glanced at her husband’s empty seat. “Have you seen Holt?”

  Julia coughed. Jason grimaced but quickly recovered and cleared his throat. “Would you care for tea?”

  “No, thank you. I believe I shall seek out my husband first.”

  “But you must eat.” Julia sprang from her chair and hoisted a spoonful of strawberries and a muffin on a plate and set it in front of Sophie. “This will do for starters but you must try the poached eggs. They’re simply divine.”

  “Indeed,” Jason agreed. “And the sausages are quite tasty this morning.”

  “And the tea—”

  “The finest.”

  “Where’s Holt?” Sophie interjected, determined to locate her husband.

  Julia glanced at Jason who shook his head and said, “I’m sorry, Sophie.”

  “What’s happened to him?” He spoke as though a grievous situation had befallen her husband. She could not lose him now. “Is he injured?” She needed him. She loved him.

  Jason’s kind gaze sought hers. “No, he’s not injured, at least not at the moment.” He paused. “Holt left for London this morning.”

  She grabbed the back of the chair when her legs threatened to give way. “Might I inquire as to the nature of the trip and when he plans to return?”

  Jason lifted his shoulders in response. “He informed me he had business to attend to and would return when it was finished.”

  “Business? The day after his wedding?”

  Jason cleared his throat and looked away. “He’s confused. He cares about you as much as he tries not to and I think that’s the real problem. Give him time. He’ll come to his senses.”

  Damn the man. He’d played her for the fool yet again and she’d more than willingly acted the part. Well, there would be no repeat performance of her lovesick behavior. She had indeed learned her lesson at the expense of her pride and self respect. “Am I to stand by groveling for the few morsels of affection he may occasionally throw my way?” She looked at him pointedly. “Am I to let him go off to London on ‘business’ to visit his latest paramour when the desire takes him? I think not.” Before Jason could reply, she fled the room.

  Chapter 21

  Four days passed with still no word from Holt. Caroline inquired the first day as to his whereabouts and Sophie told her he was in London on a business trip that could take several days or even weeks. Yes, it was quite important or why would he leave right after the wedding? Important, indeed!

  There was one bright side to her marriage; everyone at Ellswood adored Caroline. The cook delighted in making her the lemon cakes she loved, the groomsmen fought over who would saddle her filly, even old Jaffe was seen telling her stories when he thought no one was watching. It was heartwarming to see her little sister welcomed in such a manner, for she’d known scant affection in her short lifetime.

  Caroline blossomed like a rose given sun and water. She smiled more often, skipped about the grounds and had even begun teaching the household her special language with her fingers. Julia and Jason formed an immediate attachment with her and seemed genuinely thrilled to have a ‘little sister’ running about. One day soon, Sophie would tell them Caroline was indeed their sister, and not just by marriage.

  Though Sophie had been initially somber and reserved, as the days passed and she spent more time with her new family, her mood lightened. Family meals were relaxing events, often filled with laughter and joking, especially when Jason tried to copy Caroline’s message with his fingers. Julia and Sophie broke into peals of laughter as they watched a frustrated Jason move his large fingers into various positions, albeit incorrectly. Finally, he would give up and place his fingers together, moving his thumb and little finger up and down, making a dog puppet which garnered a quick smile and clapping hands from Caroline. After dinner entertainment consisted of games of cards and piano ditties from Julia. The night usually ended with stories and hot chocolate, providing a healing balm for the new family. Unfortunately, their solitude was interrupted in the form of an invitation that arrived one morning during breakfast.

  “I beg your pardon sir, there is a gentleman in the hall, awaiting your reply.” Jaffe held a silver tray with a crisp, white card in the center of it.

  “What’s this? Another of Julia’s suitors who must see her immediately or die?” Jason chuckled, eyeing his sister who proceeded to stick her tongue out at him.

  “I may just remain with you forever, dear brother,” she crooned in an over-sweet voice.

  He sighed. “If you’d only keep your mouth shut and not challenge all of them, you’d be married by now.”

  “Jason!” Julia swatted his arm but his attention remained on the card Jaffe had handed him. He scanned it several times before placing it on the table, face down, to scrawl a response.

  “I’m declining Lord Carlington’s invitation tonight. Apparently he recently discovered we’ve returned from the city and is quite anxious to officially meet the new earl and his bride.” He placed the card back in its envelope and handed it to Jaffe.

  Sophie cleared her throat. “I would like us to attend.”

  Jason stared at her as though she’d grown two heads. “You can’t be serious.”

  “And why not?”

  “Because you can’t go without your husband.”

  “My husband.” Her eyes flew from Jason to Julia. “I’ll wager neither of you can tell me where my husband is or when he will return. Am I to remain on a shelf until he decides to reappear? Worse, are the two of you planning to sit home and baby-sit me until he does?”

  “Be reasonable, Sophie. A new bride does not go about without her husband unless she’s pursuing other interests.”

  “If you and Julia accompany me, then it will be acceptable. Jason, please. I can’t remain hidden forever like some abominable freak.”

  “Think of the gossipmongers,” he countered, shaking his head.

  “Yes, think of them. And tell me,” she glanced in a frozen Jaffe’s direction, “if all of the servants have not noticed their master’s absence since the day after his wedding? They’re very loyal to you, but do you not think they are whispering amongst themselves?” Her voice slipped to a plea. “I’ve waited every hour of every day for his return. I must escape this house, if only for a few hours where I will not feel his presence at every turn.”

  “What could it hurt?” Julia asked.

  “Holt would be furious.”

  “Of course he would be. If he were here,” Julia replied. “But he’s absent and we won’t tell him. Besides,” she smiled mischievously, “Sophie can meet all of my suitors and then she shall know why I have vowed to remain single.”

  Jason sighed and turned to Jaffe. “They’ve worn me down, old man. Go ahead and accept.”

  ***

  They arrived at the Carlington’s just as the snow began falling in earnest. Huge white flakes coupled with the strong wind made visibility increasingly difficult.

  “I don’t know why I let you two talk me into coming out on a night like this,” Jason yelled into the wind as the three rushed toward the large double doors of the Carlington estate.

  “Because you love us!” Julia yelled back.

  It was indeed a happy affair, with men and women gliding along the ballroom in swirls of silk and satin. A large crystal chandelier hung from the center of the ceiling, illuminating the couples and casting brilliant shadows on their jewels. Jason watched his two escorts with open admiration and the thought he might well spend the greater part of the night fending off the male species. Married or not, Sophie was a vision in a satin gown of deep copper, folded and tucked in all the right places to accentuate her curves. As she bent her head to speak with Julia, the tiny copper beads woven through her hair shimmered. When s
he smiled, her eyes sparkled like emeralds. Blast! It was indeed going to be a long night.

  And then there was his sister. Beautiful. Charming. Headstrong. Disobedient. Good luck to the man who finally won her heart. She’d keep him constantly on his toes. Dressed in a royal blue gown of similar cut to Sophie’s, he noted she too had her share of curves. Perhaps her gown dipped lower in the front than Sophie’s, revealing more than should be revealed. Perhaps said gown should be buttoned at the neck.

  No breathing specimen of male flesh could miss the allure of his sister. As she turned her head, he noted her graceful neck, the golden of it sun-dabbed with just a hint of pink to match her lips. She’d gathered her hair into tiny ringlets atop her head, held in place with sapphire combs, then left to cascade freely down her back. A most beautiful combination. Sensing she was being watched, Julia turned and smiled at him. Jason stepped toward them and declared, “You ladies are the belles of the ball.”

  “I quite agree.” They turned to find Lord Carlington, a stately man in his mid-sixties with snowy white hair and twinkling blue eyes.

  “Lord Carlington.” Jason held out his hand. “It’s good to see you again.”

  The older man shook Jason’s hand. “How have you been my boy? And where is that damnable brother of yours? Haven’t seen him since he was a scrawny little bugger. Never went anywhere without a book in his hand.” His expression darkened. “We didn’t agree with Westover’s decision to send him away, thought it would break the boy.” His tone lightened and he sounded amused as he said, “But I heard about his latest coup. Never thought he had it in him. Poor boy spent years trying to fit in and then the old man sends him off and he takes to the sea.” His voice dipped in admiration. “And then returning under a disguise to see if he wanted to be a part of the ton? Now that’s a prize. If anyone could escape the ton, it’s a Langford.” He chuckled and shook his head. “So, tell me, what’s keeping your brother from the sea these days?” His blue gaze fell upon Julia, then settled on Sophie. “Ahhh. I heard he took himself a bride.”

  Sophie paled at the mention of her husband but Jason quickly stepped forward and placed his arms about both women. “May I present Lady Westover.”

  The old man came forward and clasped Sophie’s hands in his long, thin ones and smiled quizzically at her. “Pardon me, my dear, I don’t believe I’ve seen you before. I would remember such exquisite beauty.” His bushy, white brows drew together. “I haven’t seen you at any of the other balls, soirees, routs or anything for that matter and I have either held or attended far more than I care to consider. Tell me, Lady Westover, from which star have you fallen?”

  Jason had tried to warn her all of the questions might not be targeted at her husband.

  “I was a Seacrest before my marriage. My father was Arthur Seacrest, Earl of Rendhaven.”

  The old man studied her, and Jason knew the exact moment her words registered. “Your mother was Charlotte,” he murmured, his look distant, but only for a moment before he continued, “but of course. I should have known. You look like her. Beautiful woman she was.” There was that faraway look again. “Such an utter tragedy for everyone involved.” He pierced her with deep blue eyes and said, “My sympathies are with you, child.”

  Once he’d left, Jason muttered, “I knew we shouldn’t have come. Dammit but I knew better.”

  Julie placed a hand on his arm. “Don’t chastise yourself for something Sophie and I begged you to do.”

  “She’s right of course. We begged you and now we’re here, and the consequences are ours to face. Besides,” Sophie smiled slyly at him, “as long as your brother doesn’t appear from behind a curtain, I shall be fine.”

  Julia scrunched her nose. “Oh, please, do not wish that old sourpuss on us tonight. He’ll bring his cloud with him and spoil our fun. And,” she squeezed Sophie’s hand, “we are going to have fun.”

  ***

  “Alexander?”

  “Hmmm?”

  Francie Bishop stroked her husband’s arm and murmured, “Doesn’t Julia Langford look absolutely delicious this evening?”

  “Delicious?” her husband countered. “I wasn’t aware the woman was a piece of food.”

  She swatted his arm and laughed. “You know perfectly well I’m speaking of her beauty. Look at her. She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”

  “Hmmm, I suppose her features are pleasant enough.”

  “Pleasant enough?” Francie stared at her friend’s golden beauty as Julia whirled about the dance floor, moving from partner to partner. “I daresay husband, you are in need of spectacles if you believe her merely pleasant.”

  He shrugged. “Beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder.”

  “Alexander, why do you possess such an absolute aversion to Julia Langford?”

  “Aversion is a rather strong word.”

  “Dislike then?”

  He shifted and sighed, “Francie, I haven’t had enough interaction with the woman to like or dislike her.”

  “Then I wish you would cease your attempts to prevent me from seeing her.” She frowned at her husband and muttered, “It isn’t fair, Alexander. She’s my friend.”

  His silver gaze narrowed on her. “I’m well aware of your acquaintance with Julia Langford. While I may not be particularly fond of her antics, I’ve never tried to prevent you from seeing her, though that is a thought.”

  “Are you saying you haven’t intercepted invitations to Ellswood?”

  “No.”

  “Or neglected to inform me of her visits?”

  He scowled. “Absolutely not.”

  “What about my invitation to her three weeks past? The one she never received?”

  “Francie,” he warned.

  “You’ve never engaged in subterfuge to keep us apart?”

  “Never. Now enough of this nonsense.”

  Francie wrinkled her nose and tapped her chin. “If you didn’t, then who did?”

  Chapter 22

  He watched them from the far corner of the ballroom as they laughed or joined in the dance. Lady Westover remained at the center of attention, her dance card ever full. Men hovered about, eagerly anticipating an introduction and an opportunity to speak with the beautiful, charming new countess.

  Holt cursed as he recognized the men circling his wife like hungry jackals. There was George Townsend, Earl of Braelton, smooth-talking and just a bit too handsome. It was said he could talk a woman out of her corset in less than an hour. Beside him, Jason Genson, Earl of Halingsford, leaned over to whisper in Sophie’s ear. The man was a known rakehell who preyed on lonely widows and married women. It would appear he had set his sights on Sophie. After all, she was not here with her husband and a brother and sister-in-law did not wash.

  If anything, they might indicate a troubled marriage and Halingsford was reputed to have the scent of a hound in such matters. Holt spotted Edward Scofield, Earl of Treston, advance toward Sophie. He detested Treston most, since their school days when Holt had taken a beating for a misdeed committed by the bastard. It was well known in polite and impolite society that Treston possessed no morals and would make a deal with the devil if it served his interest. There were even dark rumors he was a spy, a traitor to his country. How could she even speak with that dredge? The men were scheming, heartless bastards and though they might possess titles and fat purses, they were less than the lowest street beggars. Would his wife fall prey to their charms? He must remain calm and observe the events of the evening. Would she prove unfaithful? He had to know.

  Holt was still contemplating his wife’s unsavory companions, when Jason burst through the crush to reach Sophie’s side. “I am responsible for Lady Westover’s welfare during my brother’s absence,” he declared, wedging himself between Sophie and her admirers. “I can assure you he would not be pleased to discover you circling her preparing for the kill.”

  “Jason!” Sophie gasped.

  “These are not nice men, Sophie.” He threw each man a disgusted l
ook and continued, “I only regret I was detained and could not get to you sooner.”

  “Here now, Langford,” Jason Genson spoke up, smiling at Sophie. “We mean Lady Westover no harm. We are captivated by her beauty and intelligence and only wish to become better acquainted.”

  “Don’t insult me, Halingsford. I’m well aware of how you acquaint yourself with females.”

  “Perhaps you’re interested in the countess yourself, eh, Langford?” the Earl of Braelton smiled slyly, then laughed outright.

  “Enough!” Jason yanked the man forward by his cravat, twisting it about his neck, effectively blocking the very breath from his lungs. The earl choked and sputtered, his face turning crimson. Jason yanked on the cravat once more. “Your thoughts are as sick as you are, you worthless piece of rubbish. Next time, I’ll call you out for a comment like that.” Then he flung him aside and grabbed Sophie’s arm. “Let’s get out of here.”

  They wound their way through the throng of onlookers not slowing until they’d reached the far side of the ballroom. “Thank you,” Sophie said. Jason scanned the dance floor and did not respond. “They really were quite full of themselves, weren’t they?” she ventured.

  He stared at her, his gaze cold and hard. “We should not have come. It was a foolish thing to do when I knew the danger.”

  “Very foolish, indeed,” Holt said. Jason and Sophie turned toward him, dread splashing their faces. Holt advanced slightly, his eyes on his wife. “It would appear my dear wife has kept you quite busy trying to defend her honor and protecting her from the likes of rogues and rakehells. Here I thought she might be pining for me.”

  “Hello, Holt.” Sophie’s voice was colder than a lemon ice. “I take it you had a pleasant ‘business’ trip?”