Chapter 26
Sophia was still thinking about the letter which she had received from Hannah, wondering if there was anything at all she could do about the situation, when she was approached by Edward.
After he had finished dancing with Lucy, and returned her to her mother.
Sophia's heart missed a beat under the intensity of his gaze.
Making her feel as if she ought to run from him, but knowing equally that this was the very last thing she wanted to do.
Nevertheless it still came as a complete surprise when he bowed, and asked if he might have the honour of sharing the next dance set with her.
Sophia took a deep breath, before she found the courage to tell him that in the circumstances she didn’t think dancing together would be entirely appropriate.
Edward frowned. He was taken aback, not expecting her refusal.
Although he was of course able to understand her reluctance on the one hand, he couldn't bear the thought of allowing her to seemingly end what had started between them. So he reminded her in as dignified a manner as he could, that the eyes of the majority of the guests would be on them. If he had to walk away because she had obviously refused his offer, it would be duly noted by those dreadful people whose way of life was to dwell on such things. Adding in frustration that it was generally considered to be the height of poor manners to decline the host’s request. Surely her refusal would cause as much gossip, possibly even more, than if she simply took his hand now which he was still offering to her!
The Duke hesitated, before he smiled sadly at her.
Unable to hide the truth of his own feelings, his eyes softened as he continued to gaze into hers which she didn't fail to see.
Before he told her that he simply wished to dance with her, and couldn't see why it should be wrong.
Although Sophia was left with no choice other than to apologise and graciously accept his hand by placing her own inside it, from the tender way she looked at him Ned knew that she wished to be in his arms again.
She totally ignored the looks of disdain cast in her direction which she already knew would be forthcoming, as Edward led her onto the dance floor.
None of which stopped her from feeling a pleasurable sensation travel down the length of her spine when he put his hand on her lower back.
It was gently done, but with a firmness that she believed indicated she would be safe from harm in his strong arms. As he twirled her expertly around the ballroom, never once missing a step or treading on her toes as some of the other gentlemen had done when she was a debutante.
Sophia’s thoughts were filled with how this would only add to the scandal which she believed had already begun.
Based on Ned's and her impropriety at the poetry recital, and that neither of them seemed capable now of stopping it from happening.
The attraction between them was too strong for that.
She sighed inwardly. Trying to savour every precious moment of his proximity whilst her heart was screaming at her that she was a fool.
This had to end. Now! Whether she wished it to or not.
It was simply what happened in situations like Ned, and hers.
Sensing the tension within her as he held her, and anticipating that her feelings would more than likely mirror his own, Ned became determined to put her more at ease so he began to talk about books and literature.
So far as their dance steps permitted it.
Considering this to be a safe enough topic of conversation, and one which was dear to both their hearts.
It also of course meant that he had to bend his head lower to her face, so that she could hear what he said.
Creating an even greater closeness between them, and a more intimate image for those who were scrutinising every scandalous detail.
Resulting in some very quick flapping of fans indeed.
Sophia soon learned that Edward also had a passion for reading, which came as a surprise since he hadn't mentioned it before and she couldn't recall seeing him with a book in his hand.
It transpired that he really did enjoy poetry, and admitted that he liked to read before he fell asleep at night.
Delighting Sophia that she was the recipient of such an intimate detail, and leaving him wondering as soon as he had said it if he should have gone so far as to tell her this.
Causing his grip on her hand to tighten a little, making the revelation even more exciting.
Furthermore not only did Ned have a library at his house in Yorkshire, but kept a smaller one at the townhouse in London.
He was in the habit of visiting the booksellers there to buy the latest publications, which he would usually have sent on to Carlfield since this was where he spent the most time.
He told Sophia then that this was a topic they must discuss more at length, and that he was looking forward to hearing what she liked to read.
Knowing already from Lady Cynthia that Sophia had visited the circulating library in London whenever she could, to borrow books.
Something which he hadn't so far had the time to do but finding it easier to visit the booksellers near his favourite club.
Without telling Sophia, this had always been to his mother's regret.
Feeling certain before he knew her companion, that there was every chance he would meet the right young lady for him among the bookshelves.
Since the circulating library wasn't only a place to borrow books, but somewhere to be seen during the season, and meet the right people which she wasn't entirely certain Ned was aware of.
He also said with a twinkle in his eye that he was looking forward to hearing a lot more of Sophia's verse, and as he believed that works of art should be shared with others.
Pleased to see the look of alarm which crossed her face initially change to relief, then delight.
Remarking to himself that the adage was true: Our eyes really were the windows of the soul.
Needless to say when their dance set came to an end all eyes in the ballroom were still on them.
Although no one heard Ned whisper to her how enchanting he thought she looked, before he released her hand.
Sophia sensed his frustration that he was obliged to leave her, which matched her own.
Only noticing then that Lucy and her parents were glaring at them across the ballroom.
Ned bowed low, and she watched him depart, possibly for a moment too long.
Just when Sophia felt that she couldn't bear the situation any longer and that Ned had gone again, Lady Cynthia appeared at her side and made the matter worse by remarking on how lovely she had looked twirling across the dance floor with him.
Causing Sophia to feel even more confused than ever about everything.
It was as if Lady Cynthia wished her association with the Duke to continue, irrespective of the gossip it was clearly causing.
Nevertheless Sophia smiled gratefully at her.
The Duchess had nothing but kindness in her heart.
"Is there anything you need or I can do, your ladyship," she said, quickly trying to restore herself to the position of companion where she believed she belonged.
The Duchess touched her arm gently, as a gesture of support.
Secretly thrilled that her meddling had resulted in this.
"No, thank you, my dear. It was enough for me to see Ned and you dancing, and enjoying each other's company.
I hope to have the opportunity of seeing it many more times," she said, trying to hide her excitement as she looked pointedly at Sophia.
So that she was left in no doubt whatsoever that if her relationship with the Duke did develop into a romance, they would have his mother's support and blessing.
Not knowing what to make of this revelation which was completely unexpected, the rest of the evening passed in a blur.
Whilst she tried not to lose sight of Ned, and at the same time, stop her eyes from searching for him.
As a result, feeling completely exhausted, Sophia couldn't help feeling relieved when she was able to retire to the privacy of her bedchamber to be alone again with her thoughts.