Chapter 9 #2
The music proved excellent, and he enjoyed observing the rapt expression on his bride’s face as she leaned forward to listen, tapping her foot in time beneath her skirts while her cousin swayed her head until she received a cutting glance from her mother.
Sophia looked beautiful with her red-blonde hair braided into a coronet and soft curls falling to frame her face, which was glowing with excitement.
Richard scanned the crowded room, his posture stiffening when his eyes landed on a familiar figure from his past. Lady Partridge, a striking blonde widow with an infamous reputation, was staring openly at him.
Their paths had crossed once before, two years ago, under circumstances he had no desire to revisit.
Her bold tastes and forward manner had left a lasting impression—one he was content to leave firmly in the past. Yet now, she was smiling at him with a knowing look, her intentions unmistakable.
He quickly averted his gaze in quiet refusal, only to spot another familiar face—Lady Wood, seated beside her imposing and brutish husband.
Their paths had briefly intertwined the previous year, and though their acquaintance had been short, he had sensed an undercurrent of unhappiness in her demeanor.
Tonight, her pale complexion and subdued expression only confirmed his suspicions.
Lord Wood was known for his harsh temper, and Richard couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for the lady, wondering how much she endured in silence.
Clearing his thoughts, Richard shifted his gaze, careful not to let his lingering observations draw attention.
A prickling sensation along the back of his neck made him aware of a guest seated just behind him, glaring intently in his direction.
His nerve endings tingled with unease. Casting a subtle glance from the corner of his eye, he noted the dark-haired man but could not place him.
A fleeting thought crossed his mind—it might be a husband with an understandable grievance.
Richard turned his gaze back to the songbird, Miss Lawson.
With his storied past, it was not safe to let his eyes drift around the room.
It was deuced uncomfortable to discover the musicale was littered with his indiscretions, and he would happily have stayed at home with his bride rather than be confronted by his mistakes.
As Richard thought about Sophia, his mind drifted to the quiet evening ahead, when they would leave for home.
The day had unfolded pleasantly after the surprising arrival of his son was addressed.
He had taken Sophia on a tour of Balfour Terrace, sharing the gallery with its treasured family portraits and recounting highlights of his family’s history.
They had spent time with Ethan in the library, playing chess and enjoying the boy’s eager enthusiasm for the game. Though still learning, Ethan’s grasp of the rules impressed Richard, and he found satisfaction in teaching him new strategies after their initial match.
Throughout the day and during dinner, Richard and Sophia had gradually restored the easy camaraderie they had shared on their wedding day. The warmth and companionship between them felt natural, a promising foundation for the life they were building together.
Now that the day’s tensions had eased, Richard allowed himself to imagine the quiet moments they would share later that evening.
He looked forward to the intimacy of their new life together, the bond between them growing stronger as husband and wife.
Sophia’s warmth and trust throughout the day had only deepened his admiration for her, and he found himself eager to explore the closeness their marriage promised.
Mayhap they could leave a bit earlier than planned, allowing them time to enjoy each other’s company away from the crowd.
He briefly considered slipping out to ensure their carriage was first in line.
Catching himself, he redirected his attention to the music, recognizing the need for patience.
It had been too long since he had felt such anticipation, and the thought of sharing time alone with Sophia filled him with quiet excitement.
Sophia noticed that Richard had left her side, but the popular music was riveting so she did not pay much mind. Which was why she was so startled when he dropped back into the seat beside her.
Leaning closer, he whispered softly in her ear, “Tell your family you are feeling fatigued, so we can leave now.” His warm breath brushed against her ear, sending a gentle shiver through her as her senses stirred in response.
“But I am quite alert and I am enjoying the music,” she protested under her breath.
“The music is nearly over. I ordered the carriage because you and I have unfinished business.” Richard said softly, his voice warm with meaning. He let his hand rest lightly on the edge of her seat, the subtle motion conveying a quiet intimacy.
Sophia’s heartbeat quickened, a rush of warmth spreading through her as his words and nearness stirred her senses.
“Oh,” was all she managed to say, her mind swirling with memories of the closeness they had shared—their kisses and the warmth of his embrace. She leaned toward Lily, speaking in a low voice to inform her cousin of her impending departure.
Lily, understanding at once, caught Lady Moreland’s attention. The older woman turned toward Sophia with a questioning glance, prompting her to offer polite excuses and farewells. With everything settled, she prepared to leave, her heart beating faster with anticipation.