“He is to study in England,” she replied.
“Yes, Grand-mère. The law.”
“And he could have easily studied here and you would have been the wife of a—”
“No.” Sophie shook her head. “Alphonse is a kind man, but he is not for me.”
Eugenie knew better than to press her granddaughter for answers, but it vexed her that she’d already been married with one child at Sophie’s age.
***
Sophie knew the dinner would include the duke and her grandmother, and not wanting to entice the duke in any way, she wore a purple-and-cream-striped dress with a square neckline and lace at the elbows. The petticoat revealed a simple purple hue with no design. It was a very becoming gown, but simplistic. She didn’t realize that while the color was feminine and the design was simple, it made the eye wander along the neckline and at her slim waist and breasts.
Her grandmother wore a turquoise gown complete with a powdered wig and numerous pieces of jewelry adorning her hands and neck.
Jean Pierre had wished them a good evening before he retired to the comfort and solitude of his library.
After the carriage deposited them at the duke’s residence, the two women were ushered into the duke’s library, with champagne waiting for them.
“I fear there are more guests than I originally planned, my dear,” he explained to Sophie, handing her and her grandmother each a glass of champagne.
She noticed a lovely young woman with dark brown hair and a burgundy gown near the fireplace. The woman’s gown was in the same style as her own, and her hair was piled up high with a long curl hanging over her shoulder. She had blue eyes set in an oval face with plump lips. The man standing next to her was dark-haired as well and seemed almost under the young woman’s spell.
“Forgive me, my dear,” he said to Sophie. “Allow me to introduce Madame Gauvreau, Mademoiselle Sophie, this is Etienne Pousson and Leila Fairfax.” He left for a moment so the group could become acquainted.
“Let us move into the dining room, dinner is served,” Dorset exclaimed when he returned.
In the dining room, Dorset took the head of the table while reserving the other head for Eugenie, who was extremely pleased at the gesture. He seated Etienne and Leila next to each other and Sophie across from them.
He saw her glance at the empty chair and Leila explained, “My brother. He’s late.”
Sophie smiled. “I see.”
The servants began bringing in the first course of soup when the sixth guest joined them.
“I apologize for my tardiness. The weather is atrocious, Dorset.”
Dorset nodded. “You’re next to Mademoiselle Gauvreau.”
Sophie turned to address the newcomer and almost lost her manners.
“Mademoiselle.” Sebastian leaned over and kissed the back of her hand while Sophie closed her eyes in disbelief.
“Monsieur Fairfax.” She tried to smile but he could tell it was forced. He was dressed elegantly in a dark purple coat, white shirt and royal blue breeches.
Dorset agreed about the weather, then went on to complain about the London fog and Etienne nodded. “I must agree with you in that respect, sir.”
Leila smiled as she placed her napkin in her lap and slipped her small foot out of its shoe. She pressed her toe along Etienne’s ankle and then moved it alongside his calf. He choked on his soup.
“Are you all right?” Eugenie asked, concerned.
“Thank you, madame. I’m well.” He gulped down his wine and looked over at Leila. She was all innocence and smiles, but underneath he was certain she was a demon.
He resumed eating his soup. Leila ate as well and left him alone.
Platters of beef and veal were brought around for each person to take their fill. As Etienne reached to serve himself one of each he felt Leila’s slim fingers slide up his thigh.
She saw him harden through his silk breeches and smiled. The little tease was torturing him on purpose.
Eugenie mentioned the Handel concert that they had attended.
“Did you enjoy the concert, mademoiselle?” Sebastian asked Sophie.
“Yes, until the end. I had a ferocious headache. I’m not sure how that happened. Usually I quite enjoy musical entertainments.” Sophie eyed him purposefully.
“I find most music loud and incites headaches,” Eugenie said.
“There is another concert in a week, mademoiselle,” Dorset replied. “I would be honored if you were my guest.”
Sophie was more than happy to agree and smiled.
“Let’s make an evening of it,” Sebastian chimed in.
Sebastian didn’t want Dorset alone with Sophie, knowing his reputation. Sophie inwardly groaned at the thought of yet another evening spent with the arrogant secretary.