Your dress is beautiful, Sophia complimented.
Thank you. Like you, I love white, it is so clean and I think it shows men what they are missing. Wearing white means I am young, untouched and available.
Heavens, Alice, you sound as desperate as I.
I would very much like to meet a man. It will be this evening, I hope, Alice said.
Look at them. For example, that group of men there. Sophia pointed to a group of five young men engaged in conversation close to them. They are so handsome in their evening dress. Which one would you choose, Alice?
I like tall men, with long slender legs and a strong upper body. I like that man there, the one with the red waist coat.
Yes, he is quite dashing. He is handsome. I will have him sent notice that you want to dance with him.
Sophia, no. That is quite indelicate. He should ask me
Very well, then you should at least stand close to him that he may see you. Go closer and catch his eye. Smile at him.
And you, dear Sophia. Have you seen anyone you would like to be your lover?
Sssh, not so loud. The fact I am looking for a lover should be a secret. To answer your question, yes. I have seen someone I like. But I have no idea who he is. He was certainly not on my list of invitees.
Where is he? Alice asked, most curious to find out.
The man in the blue tailcoat next to the group we have just been talking about.
The man with the glass in his hand?
Yes, do you know him?
Oh Sophia, I hate to disappoint you but please do not involve yourself with that man. He is dangerous. He is one of the richest men in London, the Duke of Beaufort. He came with Charlotte's brother. He is married and a full time philanderer. If you involve yourself with him, you will find it very difficult to end the affair should you want to. He has ruined many a lady.
In what way ruined?
I am not very sure, but I have heard that he is demanding and jealous. I heard, when one lady's husband became suspicious of their affair, and she wanted to end it, he threatened to tell her husband. She didn't believe him and called his bluff. But he did tell her husband, and he had it printed in the newspaper. She was cast out by society. I hear tell that she had to work in a factory after that.
He is most handsome, though.” Sophia paused. “A philanderer you say? Just the kind of man I have been looking for. A man who has affairs professionally, so to speak. He will know what to do and he will be discreet, I am sure.
But Sophia, haven't you been listening to a word I have been telling you? He is dangerous.
All the more exciting. I don't want a lover to be boring. He should excite me. There should be an element of danger to the affair.
But suppose you tire of him and want to end your liaison? Suppose also he doesn't let you, and threatens to tell your husband. What would you do?
In the first instance, how could one ever tire of a man like that? My husband is of no use to me in bed, why would I ever want to end an affair with such a man?
I am not sure about it. Please, there are a lot of other men here this evening. Look, over there. Three men who would worship you, and be far less dangerous.
I am not looking for boring, I want excitement. Thank you, Alice you have whetted my appetite no end, Sophia said as she walked towards the tall man.
Alice looked on, aghast, as Sophia began to speak to the dangerous man.
Sir, I don't believe we are acquainted.
Jeremy Beaufort. Duke thereof, he replied.
And do you know who I am?
I do not, you have me at a disadvantage.
I am the person who sent out the invitations to this ball and I do not recollect sending you one, my Lord.
Ah. You've caught me.
Indeed, Sir. How did you get in?
I am well known in these parts. I own half of the buildings in this street. I just nodded at the doorman, and he let me in.
Before he said anymore, Sophia wanted to look more closely at him. He was wearing a blue tailcoat, white shirt and a blue cravat. He was at least six inches taller than she, slender and dark haired. His face was angular and his nose fine. When he looked back at her, she noticed what an extraordinary color his eyes were. A blue of such clarity they could have been made of ice. She estimated his age to be thirty.
You own half of the buildings in this street? You must be wealthy, this is an expensive part of London.
I suppose one could call me wealthy. I don't count my money. It seems to accumulate without me doing much about it.
Tell me, my Lord, why did you come into my ball, uninvited?
I have a good friend, Charles Needham. I believe you are friendly with his sister, Charlotte. He brought me. He told me you were very beautiful and I wanted to see for myself.
Really? And what do you say now you have seen me?
Quite the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.
Thank you.
Are you lonely, madam?
I am married, why would I be lonely?
Your husband is away in France. Charles told me you were, perhaps, looking for a companion for a short time.