“Of course.” Her skirts were plastered to her legs. She picked them up so she could move more freely. “But I don't know if anyone locked it behind me.”
“The servants were all abed.”
“Yes, but Lady Catherine might be roaming the house, as she is wont to do.”
“Or Miss Hamilton and the captain.”
He wanted Sophia to come to him all on her own, not because she was forced to do so by propriety. The terrace was in sight. The library was dark. “Almost there.”
Sophia said nothing. He could hear her breathing, labored from running through the woods. She did little complaining, which was surprising. They reached the terrace and his foot slipped on the stone. She steadied him.
“Be careful.”
He turned the handle. The door opened silently. He pulled Sophia inside and closed it, locking it behind them.
“Do you think there is anyone else out there?”
He shook his head. “I doubt anyone ventured out but us. The storm has been brewing for hours.”
“Yet we got caught in it,” she said through chattering teeth.
“You should go upstairs and get dry before you catch your death.”
Lightning lit her face as she watched him with a waiting expression. He wished he could read her mind, understand the question behind her expression. Did she resent the kiss? Did she regret it?
He wasn't sure he wanted to know the answer to that question, but he was also unable to stop himself from lowering his mouth to hers once more, to taste her.
Her lips were cold from the rain but waiting for his kiss. As his lips met hers, parted hers, she leaned into the kiss. He caught her shoulders in his hands to keep them from falling.
He could lose himself in Sophia Townsend. He'd always suspected it, though he knew she wasn't for him. Her body pressed against his as if she craved his touch. He pulled her closer, enveloping her in his arms. She felt so very good there, pressed against him.
His body heated until he no longer felt cold from the drenching rain. He moved his mouth across hers. She tasted of clean rain, smelled like sunshine and flowers. It was seductive and addictive at the same time.
Her hands crept up around his neck and sank into his hair, pulling him closer. He deepened the kiss. This time he couldn't stop his hand from moving over her breasts. Through the layers of her wet clothing, her nipples were hard. He cupped and squeezed gently, brushing his thumbs over each one.
She gasped, then pushed her breasts further into his hands.
He could have her. He could seduce her and bury himself inside her as he'd dreamed of doing. His cock urged him on, needing to be inside her, feel her tight, soft body clasping his. But if he took her, made love to her now, would she be his?
He eased the kiss back from that dangerous edge. Yes, he could have her now, but he wanted her forever. This was not the way. Not the time.
“Ian.” Her voice was soft, breathy, pleading.
It took all his inner strength to step back from her and put precious inches between them. “Sophia, love, go upstairs.”
“Butâ”
“Now, before I cannot let you go.”
He knew his voice was gruff, harsh even. He could tell by the expression of shock on her face. It had just dawned on her how close they had come to the point of no return. She'd be angry in the morning, when she had time to think about it.
Sophia stepped back and away, her skirts and shoes making squishing sounds.
“Good night, Sophia.”
Ian couldn't keep the longing from his voice, even as he knew he'd given away how he felt about this woman. The room was too dark for him to make out her face, which was probably for the best. He didn't want to see regret.
She left him alone with his thoughts.
He'd pushed too hard, too fast. He knew that now. He might have lost her forever.
Chapter 13
T
he breakfast room was full the next morning. Lord Bateman ate his full plate of food with gusto. Lady Danford was nibbling her toast and sipping tea. Servants bustled in and out of the room, replenishing food and pouring tea.
Sophia moved her food around her plate with a fork. Why had she gone out to meet Ian? Why had she allowed him to kiss her? Lord knew she wasn't going to marry him.
But she didn't want to marry Lord Bateman either, it seemed. She was beginning to think she wasn't meant for this dynastic marriage nonsense after all.
Nathaniel stepped into the room and motioned for coffee. “Does anyone know why the carpet in the library is wet?”
Sophia felt her face flush red but she kept her head down toward her plate. The last thing she needed was for Nathaniel to learn she'd been out after midnight with his business partner.
Lady Danford studied her, her eyebrows raised. Sophia felt her face flush again. “It was raining very hard last night.”
Nathaniel looked at her.
“The storm woke me.”
Ian stepped into the room and broke the quiet that followed. “Good morning.”
“McDonald. You wouldn't happen to know why the carpet in front of the library door is soaked, would you?” Nathaniel asked.
Sophia took a bite of toast and chewed, afraid to glance at Ian, afraid she would give them away.
“I have no idea. I did take a walk last night to help myself sleep, but I was inside before it started raining. Perhaps I left the door ajar.” Ian filled his plate and sat down across from Sophia.
“This penchant for late-night walking is curious, McDonald. Have you always had trouble sleeping?” Bateman asked.
“Not always, but given the heat, I find a walk in the cool air very refreshing.”
Sophia tried to not choke on her tea. Ian's eyes twinkled with humor. At least he wasn't going to throw her to the wolves now, even though it would suit his purposes to do so.
That very thought gave her pause. He could have ruined her by stating they'd been together last night, but he hadn't. In fact, he could have done it several times over but still hadn't.
“What thoughts have you frowning so fiercely, Miss Townsend?” Ian asked.
Her cheeks heated yet again. Three times during one breakfast was quite enough. “I was just going over our activities for the day.”
“What activities have you come up with to entertain us, Miss Townsend?” Lord Bateman added. “I've had quite enough of sheep watching, I daresay.”
“I thought we'd have an archery contest. The ladies against the men. I've had targets set up in the back garden.”
“Archery? Interesting. Not usually your cup of tea, is it, McDonald?”
“We'll have to see, Lord Bateman. Are you up for a wager?”
“No wagers. You'll be on the same team,” Sophia said with a rush.
“What fun is there in that, Miss Townsend?” Ian's eyes twinkled with humor.
“For once I agree, McDonald. I think a wager is in order.”
Sophia pushed away from the table. “You two can do as you wish.”
“Do you expect me to be present at this event?”
“And miss an opportunity to torture you?” Sophia smiled sweetly at the disappointed look on her brother-in-law's face. “Don't worry, Mr. Matthews, I invited Tony and Juliet. He shall play in your place.”
She breezed out of the room, feeling as if she'd made a lucky escape, especially dodging the question about the wet carpet in the library.
“Sophia, there you are. Why are there piles of hay in the back garden?” Anne asked, coming down the stairs.
Sophia pushed herself away from the wall. “Archery. The ladies are challenging the gentlemen.”
“You are putting a weapon in the hands of Lady Catherine? What time is this supposed to happen? I want to make sure the boys are safe.”
“I thought around teatime would be ideal.”
“They should be down for their naps.”
“I thought we should do something together while the earl is here.”
Anne paused before going into the morning room. “Sophia, what were you and Mr. McDonald doing outside in the storm last night?”
Sophia opened her mouth to answer, but the low, censoring tone of Anne's voice cut through the lie that was ready to trip off her tongue. “Uh . . . Well . . . How did you know?”
“Young Nat heard a noise and woke me. I thought it was the storm. I saw you both running toward the house. What's going on, Sophia? I thought he was beneath you.”
Sophia searched for the words. “I never said he was beneath me.”
“You call him âthe sheep farmer.'”
“True.” Sophia couldn't find words to correct her sister. She
had
called him that. It was what he was. But now Ian was so much more. He was funny, tender, good.
Sophia fought the urge to squirm under her sister's pointed stare. Anne always had a way of seeing past her tales. “Sophia, take care. If you do not wish to be with him, stop meeting him in secret. If you're discovered, he will be made to marry you.”
“We were only talking.”
“In the woods. At night. Unchaperoned.”
“It is not the way it looks.”
“It rarely is, Sophia. Mr. McDonald is a gentleman. He is well aware of the rules Society places on us all. He'll do his duty.”
“Anneâ”
“Don't play with the man, Sophia. You won't like the consequences.”
Sophia watched Anne disappear inside the morning room. She listened as Anne greeted everyone cheerfully.
“Miss Townsend, do you lurk outside of the morning room for a reason?” Lady Danford said as she stepped into the corridor. “Is this some new method of spying on the earl?”
“No, ma'am.” Her cheeks heated. “I was just going upstairs.”
Lady Danford looked her up and down. “Of course you were. What was going on in the breakfast room? I could cut the tension between Mr. McDonald and Lord Bateman with a knife.”
Sophia smiled. “Just some friendly competition, I suppose. You know how men can be.”
“But what of the mysterious puddle in the library? Do you think it was lovers sneaking about at night?”
“IâuhâI honestly don't know, Lady Danford.”
Lady Danford patted her hand. “Don't worry, girl; I won't tell.”
Sophia had to close her mouth. Good Lord, was nothing a secret in this house? She made her way upstairs to her room before someone else could claim she had seen her last night with Mr. McDonald.
“Miss Townsend, a word. Please,” Miss Theodora Hamilton said from her bedroom doorway.
“Of course, Miss Hamilton.”
Sophia stepped into the girl's room. Her trunk was open and her things were folded inside it. “Miss Hamilton, are you going somewhere?”
“I don't know how to tell you this, but Crispin and I are leaving tonight. I cannot marry Lord Bateman.” Tears filled her eyes and she pressed a hand to her stomach.
Sophia closed the door so they would not be interrupted. Captain Smith-Williams had been correct; Theo was pregnant. “You areâ”
“Carrying Crispin's child; yes, I am. We love each other, Miss Townsend.”
Sophia sat on the bed, a bit stunned. Miss Hamilton had looked so prim and proper. “But your father: won't he disown you? How will you live?”
“We've both worried over that for so long, but we cannot be happy without each other. My father will understand in time. This trip has gotten us most of the way there. Mr. McDonald has also agreed to help us. He has a vacant farmhouse available for us.”
“You never intended to marry Lord Bateman, did you?”
“He is yours, if you want him.”
“I'm sure he'll go back to London and find another heiress to marry.” Sophia wasn't altogether sure she wanted Bateman anyway. He'd shown himself to be a bigger snob even than she. “I'm rather glad it's not you, Miss Hamilton.”
Theo looked wounded. Sophia cursed her sharp tongue and took the girl's hand. “I only meant that you deserve so much better than he. Your captain loves you so.”
Theo smiled. “He does. And I love him. We will be poor but happy.”
Sophia squeezed Theo's hand. “I'm happy for you both.” She was also a bit envious. She was going to end up a dried-up spinster, while Theo would be happy living with her captain. “What can I do?”
“If we leave too soon, it will cause suspicion. I need to know exactly how long Lord Bateman and his sister plan to stay. I've tried to coax a date from them but have been unable to do so. I don't want Lord Bateman to come after us.”
“Do you think he will?”
“There is twenty thousand pounds at stake, Miss Townsend.”
The matter-of-fact tone in Theo's voice told Sophia that she knew exactly why Bateman had chosen her. Sophia wanted to hit him. How could a man treat a woman thus? Yet they'd been doing it for centuries. “You are right. Let me see what I can find out. I will let you know, but you must have an alternative plan.”
“I told Crispin you'd help us.”
“Lord Bateman will suspect you are going to Gretna Green and will immediately head in that direction. You should avoid it at all costs.”
“How will he know we took the Great North Road?”
“I shall tell him, of course. It would help if you put it in the note you must leave, breaking off the engagement.”
“Good point.”
“What point is that, Theo?” Lady Catherine asked. “I knocked, but you were so wrapped up in your conversation I don't think you heard me.”
Sophia moved off the bed to stand in front of the packed trunk. “Lady Catherine, I trust you slept well.”
“I did. Thank you.” She moved into the room. “Theo, dear, why is your trunk open and your things in it?”
“I . . . uh . . . uh . . .”
Sophia fought the urge to roll her eyes. The girl couldn't lie if her life depended on it. “I was asking her to show me the dress she'd worn the other night. I wanted to look at the trims. I'm thinking of adding something similar to one of my gowns.”
Sophia willed Theo to follow her lead. “Yes. The, uh . . . yellow muslin.” Theo moved to the trunk and dug through it to pull out the dress. “I purchased these trims in London.”
Sophia took the dress and spread it on the bed. “They are very fine. I love the embroidered detail. What do you think, Lady Catherine? Should I convince the shop in the village to order something similar?”
Lady Catherine looked skeptical and said nothing for a long moment. “I should like to go downstairs for tea. Theo, dear, will you join me? I'm fairly certain my brother is already awake.”
“Of course, my lady.”
“My dear, you are soon to be my sisterâplease call me Catherine.” Theo followed behind Catherine as they left the room. “Are you joining us, Miss Townsend?”
“Thank you, no. I must see to the preparations for our archery contest today.”
“Archery? How intriguing. Are we to compete against each other?” Lady Catherine asked.
“I thought we would challenge the men. So much more interesting, don't you think?”
Lady Catherine and Theo moved down the stairs and into the morning room. Sophia made her way back to her room.
Theo and Smith-Williams were going to elope. Lord Bateman would be free to capture another naïve heiress. For once Sophia was thankful that she didn't have a large dowry, especially the way he treated women. Nothing was turning out as it was supposed to. She just wished everyone would leave.
* * *
“When are these people going to leave my house?”
Ian chuckled as he watched Lord Bateman take aim and release his arrow toward the target across the yard. “I suppose he will leave when I succumb to his demands,” Ian replied.
“Do I even want to know how much?”
Ian chuckled. “No. You do not.” He clapped his hands as he noticed where the arrow hit, very near the center of the target. “Well done, my lord.”
“I thought to show you how it is done. Matthews, I think you are next.”
“If I must.”
Ian waved his hand to shoo away a fly buzzing around his head. It was hot, but not as hot as it had been just a day before. He glanced over at the ladies, who were doing quite well and stood to beat them soundly.
Lord Bateman glanced over at them as well. “Matthews had better up his game if we are to win this tournament.”
“I doubt he cares either way,” Ian said.
Bateman plopped himself down in one of the many chairs scattered under the nearby trees. “Whose fool idea was this? It's too damn hot to be outside.”
“I believe that would be your hostess, Miss Townsend.” Ian accepted a glass of beer from a servant.
“I thought the hike to those damn stone steps was bad enough.”
“If you disdain the company so much, why stay?”
Bateman sipped his beer. “Miss Hamilton has not agreed to marry me yet.”
Ian watched as Miss Hamilton stood for her turn to shoot. “I'm sure she'll change her mind. How could she resist such an offer?”
“I don't need your sarcasm, McDonald.”
“No, you just need my money,” Ian downed his beer and picked up his long bow. He selected an arrow from the quiver and checked it.
“Don't be crass.”
“I'm being honest.”
“Where is Captain Smith-Williams? I thought he'd be part of this match.”
“He's calling on my brother for some reason,” Nathaniel said. “It's the reason I was called to play.”