Free Tainted Bride by A.S. Fenichel

turn around the room and see if I can spot him. Will the two of you join me?”
    With no way out of it, both girls agreed to walk the perimeter of the ballroom in search of Sir Michael. They were not successful in their quest, but they did manage to fill up their dance cards.
    An hour later, Sophia danced with Thomas Wheel. “What happened to Lord Fallon’s fiancée?”
    Thomas’s brows drew together. “Perhaps that is a question for his lordship.”
    “He didn’t wish to tell me,” she admitted.
    “Then I shall not tell you either.”
    Sophia knew she should drop the subject. Yet it nagged at her. “How long were they engaged?”
    He sighed. “Nearly six months. The wedding was only two weeks away.”
    “That’s awful. Who broke it off?” She stopped dancing.
    Thomas pulled her along. “Do not lose your step, Miss Braighton.”
    She liked Thomas. He was real and honest when most people pretended. “Mr. Wheel, would it be terribly inappropriate for us to call each other by our given names? I do so like you and I think we shall really be good friends.”
    “But nothing more.” His voice was sad but he kept the crooked smile in place.
    “I’m afraid, while I’m fond of you, I shall never have those kinds of feelings for you, Mr. Wheel.”
    “A shame to be sure. Addressing each other by our Christian names is completely inappropriate and therefore, I insist you call me Thomas or Tom and I shall always call you Sophia when we are out of earshot of the ton.”
    “Excellent!”
    The dance ended and they walked to the side of the room, where he obtained two glasses of lemonade.
    “It was him, wasn’t it? He broke off the engagement, didn’t he, Tom?”
    He nodded.
    “Why?” Her voice was soft, so as not to have anyone overhear their conversation. The noise level of the party was such, that it was unlikely anyone over a foot away could hear a word. Hundreds of people talked, argued and laughed. The band played and the pounding of dancers’ feet made it quite difficult to have a private conversation.
    Thomas shrugged. “The lady’s honor came in question.”
    Sophia stiffened. “I see.”
    “Do you?” His crooked smile had returned.
    She looked him in the eye. “Of course. Someone claimed the young lady did something and everyone believed it. Thus, her reputation was ruined and his lordship ended the engagement to save his own reputation. It is very clear to me.”
    His eyes widened and he took a step forward. “Sophia, you are mistaken. I cannot go into the details, but your friend, Dory, was out at the time. I think if you ask her, she can tell you more.”
    She’d heard enough about Daniel Fallon to last a lifetime. She stood straight. It was a relief to find his flaw. Her heart sank. “I’m sure that won’t be necessary.”
    The next dance started and she was swept away by another gentleman.
     
     

Chapter 5
     
    The garden was cool and quiet. Sophia had talked Elinor into joining her for a walk. She needed to get away from the crowds and noise to think. The idea that Daniel had ended the engagement because he questioned his fiancée’s honor continued to roll through her mind. How could Daniel not stand beside her when she’d needed him most? He was no better than every other man. It was almost a relief to know his true character, so she would no longer have trouble dispelling her feelings for him.
    “I was not out yet when the earl was engaged. I only know the rumors,” Elinor said.
    “And, what was the rumor?” Sophia’s anger burned higher.
    Elinor cringed.
    Sophia sympathized. “Never mind, Elinor, you need not tell me.”
    “I hate rumors.” Elinor’s weepy tone sounded much more a little girl’s than a young lady’s. “They often get exaggerated and none of us really know the truth. Well, except those involved.”
    “Yes, of course you’re right.”
    The bushes rustled to their right. A young man watched them.
    Her heart skipped a beat and she grab Elinor’s arm ready