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“How is what?”
“Married life? Are you enjoying life with the earl?” Her petite cousin appeared to be holding her breath.
“His past has created some interesting situations to deal with.”
“Pish! You knew it would. How are you enjoying him?”
Sophia hesitated, thinking. “I … like him. He has been most considerate, making a point to forewarn me about situations. He is learning to be a generous father, and he has spent a great deal of time with me and his son since I arrived.” She checked the shop to ensure no one could overhear her before dropping her voice. “I very much enjoy the kissing. Saunton is … I do not know … I am becoming very attached. I think this marriage may … may …”
“May?”
“He needs me so, and he treats me like an equal. I … may be falling in love with the earl.”
Lily clapped her gloved hands in glee. “I knew it. I knew he was the one for you. And if anyone is capable of managing such a scoundrel of a man, it is you, Sophia!”
Sophia shook her head. Her cousin was such a hopeless optimist. There was much to deal with at Balfour Terrace before she could claim her happily ever after.
But I am on my way!
She sighed. Lily’s optimism was contagious, it would appear.
Over at the counter, Signora Ricci was conversing with two customers, waving her hands in the manner of the Italians. She did not notice when the bell on the door sounded, but Sophia was startled and turned her head to see who entered the shop.
Sophia recognized two women she had met at the Yardley ball, one of whom was a young widow known for her daring fashion choices. The widow’s ball gowns had been so tightly fitted and cut so low that Sophia had winced at the thought of how uncomfortable her stays must have been.
Today, the woman was dressed in a striking scarlet day gown that was, to Sophia’s mind, rather bold for the occasion. True to form, the bodice was cut so low that Sophia could not help but feel a twinge of concern for the woman’s dignity. Surely the gown would betray her at any moment?
The pretty blonde caught her eye and arched a perfect eyebrow, fixing her cold blue eyes on Sophia. A wave of pure malevolence crossed the distance between them.
“Lady Saunton. It is a pleasure to see you out and about. I did so hope that those vicious prints circulating the ton about your wedding night would not cause you to hide within Balfour Terrace.”
Lily gasped, but Sophia found herself impressed—the woman’s dig was well played.
“Thank you, Lady Partridge. I do appreciate your concern.”
The succubus narrowed her eyes with a sly smile. “And how is Richard? I have not yet called at Balfour Terrace this Season.” Her companion, a finely dressed lady with an air of mischief, let out a quiet, knowing laugh at the remark.
Sophia kept her composure, but she could see Lily’s delicate brown eyebrows shooting up to her hairline. The viper was not subtle. Richard was not known for holding events at Balfour Terrace, so there could be only one insinuation to draw from her remark. Lady Partridge had visited Richard’s home for reasons that were quite obvious to conclude.
“He is well.” Sophia offered a polite smile, all the while searching for an appropriate way to excuse herself from the conversation. Surely nothing good could come from lingering with a brazen creature of such questionable intentions.
“Please send him my regards. We enjoy a very special connection, and I am sure he will be pleased to hear I am thinking of him.”
Sophia reached her limit. This ladybird was stepping far beyond the bounds of good taste with her implications. Sophia needed to mark her territory regarding her husband, or his former paramours would devour her with malicious remarks in shops across London. Let the word get around that Sophia possessed teeth and claws.
“You are a widow, if I am not mistaken?”
“What of it?”
“And the time of your … memorable connection with Lord Saunton, you were a widow then?”
The woman scowled in confusion. “Yes, what is your point?”
“Oh, I was just thinking … You are quite young and of childbearing age. If your relationship with my husband was so … special … then he could have proposed to you, not so? Yet, he did not. He married me after several Seasons of hunting for his bride. Why is that, do you think? I hate to state the obvious, but … Mayhap your time together was not as memorable as you claim?”
Both Lady Partridge and her friend gasped in wounded outrage, while Sophia maintained a politely interested expression. The she-devil struggled to find a retort, apparently not quick enough to engage in verbal sparring. After a few seconds passed with her mouth opening and closing in the manner of a fish, Sophia took her cousin by the arm. “Look, Lily. I see celestial blue silk near the back wall. Shall we examine it more closely?”
Lily appeared agog over the scene she was witnessing, but she managed a nod, accompanying Sophia away from the speechless women.
