Page 103 of When a Lady Dares
“I am afraid I must disagree. You’re looking quite well.”
Sophie.What in blazes was she doing here? Even though Lady Ellicott and her surviving coconspirators were behind bars at the Old Bailey, he’d been informed Sophie would remain in a secure location until all danger from Lady Ellicott’s followers had been eliminated.
He hadn’t anticipated laying eyes on her lovely face for at least a fortnight.
I love you, Gavin. So very much.
How many times had he recalled her softly spoken words as he lay recovering from his wound? Had she truly uttered the words, or had his pain-fogged mind conjured them as an act of mercy?
She came to him, each step carefully measured, as if she were battling a case of nerves. God knew he was. The sight of her set his senses aflame.
Mrs. Edson struggled to contain the squirming creature in her arms. “Shall I see Miss Atherton to your study?”
So, Sophie had informed the housekeeper of her real name. Her secret was out. Had her mission ended, or had they been deemed worthy of her secret?
“I am delighted to see you both up and about.” Sophie flashed Henry a genuine smile. “Please excuse the unexpected nature of my presence here… I have a matter of some urgency to discuss.”
“Sophie, is it safe for you to be here?” Gavin caught her hands in his. “As much as I’ve wished to see you, I wouldn’t chance your security.”
“Matthew Colton is confident the conspirators have all been apprehended. He believes the danger has passed.”
Relief washed over Gavin. “Now that is welcome news.”
“Indeed.” Her smile was soft and muted. “Gavin, is it possible we might have a spot of privacy?”
“Of course.” Amazing, how casual he kept his expression, when what he wanted most at that moment was to pull Sophie into his arms and kiss her senseless. “Mrs. Edson, please show Miss Atherton to the study. I will join you shortly.”
…
Sophie paced the length of the chamber. Tension filled her from head to toe. Why, she might as well have been a canary awaiting a meeting with Mrs. Edson’s cat. After her experience with Gavin at the castle, she’d been set utterly off base. The nature of their relationship would never be the same.
Sophie, I love you. Always remember that.
The memory played in her thoughts, again and again. Had the words he’d uttered in a time of crisis revealed a previously unspoken truth? Then again, in the heat of danger, emotions were heightened and magnified, not entirely reliable indicators of future sentiment.
For her part, the experience had served to clarify her feelings. She loved him. She knew that without the slightest doubt.
Did Gavin truly love her? Or had his emotions cooled as the threat to their lives dissipated?
His feelings would certainly impact his reaction to her news. She’d been offered a tremendous opportunity that would take her away from London for months. Would he explain away his confession of love as a momentary swell of emotion, wish her well, and send her on her way, leaving her heart in pieces? Or would he tell her he loved her and ask her to stay in London with him?
If he did, what would she say? Could she bear to pack away her dreams in a tidy case and put them on a high shelf, out of reach save for the occasional musing of what might have been? Or could she sacrifice the love she’d found with this daring, infuriating man?
Her heart stuttered at the idea. Quite ironic, that. She should be filled with joy. And yet, she knew whichever path she chose, she’d lose a piece of her soul.
Mrs. Edson slipped in, bearing a tray of pastries and a tea service. She poured a cup for Sophie, placed it on a delicate Wedgwood saucer, then excused herself.
Sophie took a sip of the steaming Earl Grey and moved to the settee. Ah, the memories they’d created on that rather ordinary piece of furniture.
Nearly ten minutes had passed when Gavin entered the study. He’d changed from his crumpled clothing to a crisply pressed shirt and wool trousers. A loosely knotted tie emphasized the blue in his eyes. He hadn’t shaved—no, that delectable growth of beard still coated his chin and jaw—but he’d combed back his hair, highlighting the contours of his face. My, but he was a handsome man. If he’d been alone, she might’ve pulled him close and kissed him, right where he stood. But it wouldn’t do to make a spectacle in front of Gavin’s housekeeper. Heaven knew she’d brought enough trouble into their lives.
“I presume Mrs. Edson has seen to your comfort,” Gavin said, closing the door behind him. Odd, how detached he seemed. It was as if the events of the past several days had never happened. He’d held her and loved her. He’d nearly died for her. But now, he regarded her with a casualness that bordered on indifference.
“She is a dear woman,” Sophie commented, sipping her tea, wishing her heartbeat would stop pounding in her ears. “I am so relieved your recovery is going smoothly, as is Mr. MacIntyre’s.”
He joined her on the settee. His eyes searched hers for a long moment. “How are you, Sophie? I know that bastard hurt you.”
McNaughton’s hold had been punishing, but she’d gone past the pain he’d inflicted. “I am well. I wanted to tell you I’m sorry I deceived you. I could not reveal my true name. I can now assure you that Sophie Louise Atherton is the name bestowed upon me at my christening.”
