Free Trapping a Duchess by Michele Bekemeyer Page B

chaperones.”
    Sophie chuckled, remembering her first season, when Simon was constantly by her side. “Definitely not.”
    They reached the entrance to Hyde Park and headed right, towards the Serpentine. “We're just over there,” he said, gesturing toward a large oak tree. Beneath it was spread a blanket, the remains of a picnic apparent. Alex and Simon were already there, chatting as they finished the last of their ices.
    “I hope we're not interrupting,” Sophie said, noting the remnants of four place settings.
    “Not at all,” Lord Courtland said as he sat down on a corner of the blanket and began loading dishes back into the basket. “Just a picnic with my sister—”
    “Lady Abigail is here?” Alexandra interrupted, looking around. “Oh, how perfect! I can't wait for you to meet her, Sophie. You're going to adore her. She's positively charming.”
    Sophie shot Lord Courtland a teasing grin. “I am rather looking forward to it, myself, after the glowing way her brother spoke of her.”
    “Looks like you won't have to wait long,” Simon said, sounding uncharacteristically cheerful.
    “What a pleasant surprise!” a sweet, feminine voice called out from over Sophie's shoulder.
    She glanced back to see a pretty brunette approaching, her face bright with excitement. Immediately behind her, a very uncomfortable looking, and not-at-all-excited Duke of Tolland.
    Sophie's breath caught in her throat. He stopped, gaze clashing, then locking, on hers. She could imagine the thoughts running through his head, none of them friendly. An apology jumped to her lips, but before it made its way out, Lady Abigail moved towards her, grabbing her attention.
    “You must be Lady Sophia,” she said, arranging her skirts as she gracefully sat. “Alexandra has told me so many wonderful things about you.”
    Sophie took the opportunity to redirect her gaze, trying not to pay attention to Andrew, who was crouched down opposite her on the blanket.
    “This bundle of energy is Lady Abigail,” Alexandra said.
    Abigail nodded and extended her hand. “Lovely to meet you,” she said with a beaming smile. “And you simply must call me Abby. Alexandra talks about you so often, I feel as if we have known each other for years.” Her laugh was tinkering, gleeful and innocent.
    Sophie took her proffered hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “It is wonderful to meet you as well,” she said softly. Andrew's gaze was focused where their two hands were clasped and she felt, rather than saw, tension ripple through his frame. Resisting the urge to wriggle her fingers, she withdrew them. There was something perversely satisfying in knowing she wasn't the only one discomfited.
    “What brings you ladies to Hyde Park today?” Andrew asked, directing the question to his sister.
    “We ran into Simon at Gunter's. He didn't mention you were having a picnic,” she said, tossing Simon a vaguely scolding look. He answered with an insolent shrug.
    “Well, the more the merrier in my opinion,” Lady Abigail said, seemingly oblivious to the tension in the air. Her wide, eager smile was dimpled and her brown eyes sparkling as she turned her attention to the duke. As if infected, his lips curved and the edginess in his face seemed to fall away.
    The sight turned Sophie’s stomach. She wrapped her arms around her midsection as Lady Abigail began discussing how she and Andrew were feeding ducks.
    “His Grace and I have very different ideas of what the process entails.” She gave him a teasing look.
    “Your way is certainly more effective, my lady. I believe you won them all over.”
    Sophie slanted him a covert glance, wondering if he was smiling as broadly as it sounded. She frowned. He was staring at Lady Abigail as if the fate of the world rested in her hands. Equal parts uncharacteristic and annoying, it ratcheted her dislike of the girl a notch higher. She glanced around the park as discreetly as possible, searching for a reason to leave. She