Free Three Original Ladies 02 - Lord Trowbridge’s Angel by G.G. Vandagriff

we not take Aunt Clarice with us?” she asked, thinking that Frank could not object to that.
    Before Shrewsbury could reply, her aunt said, “Oh, but Sukey and I are already promised to the Duke.”
    There could be no doubt whom the Duke in question was. Sukey enjoyed a very close relationship with the Duke of Devonshire, the former suitor who had given her Henry Five as a courting gift.
    “Still game?” Shrewsbury asked her. “We will go in an open carriage, so there will be no need of a chaperone.”
    “Yes,” Sophie said. “Yes, I am.”
    When she arrived home, it was to find Gorgeous Frank awaiting her once again in Buck’s study. After greeting her husband with a kiss, Fanny went upstairs to put the sleeping Alexa in her cot, telling Frank and Sophie she would join them in the green sitting room shortly.
    They repaired hence, and Frank closed the door. Taking Sophie in his arms, he kissed her thoroughly. She grew warm all over, and for a time was quite carried away. Her soul expanded and a yearning she had never known clamored for more. But worries of Fan catching them overtook her. She pushed him away with a little laugh.
    “Ah, Angel. One kiss is never enough. And you do flit about. Never at home, it seems.”
    “I was at Aunt Clarice’s with your friend, Lord Shrewsbury. We have been making plans for the school. Aunt Clarice and Sukey are very enthusiastic and have it all in hand.” She led him to the sofa where they sat.
    “Splendid! I know it will be beautifully managed, then. I came to see if you had received your invitation from Lady Melissa.”
    “Invitation?” she queried.
    “I have been invited to a family dinner tonight. Perhaps your invitation came while you were gone.”
    “Perhaps. Let me see.” After ringing for the butler, she asked Frank if he would like tea.
    “No, thanks. I just want you.”
    Sophie blushed, and Fanny entered the room along with Perkins.
    “Have I had any messages or post this afternoon, Perkins?” Sophie asked.
    “No, Miss. Nothing has come. Will there be anything else?”
    “No, thank you.” As the butler took his leave, she said, “Melissa must have a tendre for you.”
    “I was certain I was asked only to partner you,” Frank said. “What a coil. I shall have to go, I suppose.”
    “Never mind. Your friend, Lord Shrewsbury, knew of your plans and has offered to escort me to the Carmichaels’ musicale this evening.”
    “The deuce he has! Pardon my language, but he knows nothing of my plans. What did he say?”
    “Just that he was certain you were occupied this evening.”
    Frank set his jaw and looked away from her.
    Fanny said, “Frank, do not be moped. Spending one evening apart will not be the end of the world. Would you have Sophie stay home and play solitaire? I understand there is to be an excellent pianist at the Carmichaels’.”
    “Shrewsbury finds Sophie uncommonly attractive,” he said.
    Sophie was amused and a bit flattered by his jealousy.
    “And so she is,” Fanny said with a touch of complacency.
    “You will enjoy dinner with Melissa’s family. You and her father have much in common, remember,” Sophie said and tried to distract him with an account of the plans for the school. “Fan is to read a bit of Mrs. Radcliffe to the eleven-to-sixteen-year-olds after each lesson,” she concluded.
    He gave a half smile and rose. “I must take my leave. Enjoy yourself tonight, Angel.”
    “I am certain I shall.”

{ 12 }

    FRANK FELT HIS WELL-BEING DRAIN AWAY as he walked home at a furious pace. What was Shrewsbury up to? Why had he told Fanny that he was engaged that evening? His friend had been reliable and true ever since they had met at Eton. They had shared rooms at Oxford. Could his attraction to Sophie be great enough to overrule all the history they had together?
    Changing direction, he went to Shrewsbury’s rooms on Half Moon Street. He wasn’t in. Next, he tried Brook’s, but failed to find him there. Weary from being