Free Lady Sophia's Rescue (Traditional Regency Romance) by Cheryl Bolen Page A

. . wife into marrying a reprobate like you, and I plan to expose you."
    "Of all the families in England," Finkel said, shaking his head, his shoulders slumped, "it's my bloody misfortune to run up against the unimpeachable Birminghams, probably the only men in the kingdom who can't be bought."
    "In that, you are correct." He came abreast of Finkel. "Where is she?"
    Finkel tossed a defeated glance over his right shoulder.
    William had to assure himself she was all right. Just as he started toward the room where she was being held, from far below the eerie sound of men's screaming voices echoed.
    And then he heard the sickening thud. The thud of a body hurled from above striking a marble floor.

Chapter 8

    Considering that rough ropes scraped against her wrists where he had bound her to a chair, Sophia felt very little remorse when she realized Lord Finkel had splattered himself over his home's entry hall. She only prayed she would be spared the sight.
    Quite a bit of time passed before Mr. Perfect came to her.
    "You know what's happened?" he asked, effecting a remorseful expression.
    She gave him a solemn look and nodded.
    "My brother and I have dealt with the magistrate. Thankfully, my brother's far better known and better respected in London than I." He moved to the wooden chair she'd been tied to, squatted down, and began to untie the rope.
    From down the hall, a woman screamed. "Get me out of here."
    "Who in the blazes is that?" he asked.
    "My maid. I fear she's been tied up, too."
    "Thompson!" he shouted toward the corridor. "Pray, go untie the lady's maid."
    "Yes, Mr. Birmingham."
    "I have a good mind to keep you tied up," he said lightly.
    She peered down at him as he managed to undo one of the knots. "You're too much the gentleman to force yourself on a lady."
    "How could you possibly know that?"
    "I just do."
    His hands stilled. He rested his full weight on his knees. Their faces were level, his eyes beginning to smolder. His proximity, his musky scent, his ruggedly handsome face were doing strange things to her.
    She leaned into him, and he kissed her hungrily. Sweet Heavens! Kissing Mr. Birmingham was the very most pleasant experience ever. How could she have missed out on something this wondrous her first seven and twenty years?
    When the kiss ended, he settled his hands on either side of her face and looked at her. . .well, there was no other word for it – lovingly. "I don't like to think of you risking that lovely neck of yours. In fact, I have a proposal to make an honest woman of you."
    Before she could find out just what his proposal was, though, sounds of jubilation came from the corridor, and if she was not mistaken, the sounds were being made by Dottie and . . .What's His Name, Mr. Birmingham's valet?
    Mr. Birmingham quickly untied her. "What the blazes?"
    "My maid is actually the woman who- - -"
    Mr. Birmingham glanced into the corridor. There stood Dottie, with What's His Name's arm around her!
    "I take it your maid masqueraded as your mute sister," Mr. Birmingham quickly surmised, getting to his feet, as did she.
    Sophia gave a sheepish nod.
    "Give us a minute," Mr. Birmingham said to his man.
    After they left, he turned to her and drew her into his arms for another searing kiss.
    "About that proposal?" she finally managed, a hopeful lilt to her voice.
    "I don't know why in the blazes I should care one fig about you. You've done nothing but lie to me from the moment me met."
    "My kiss was not a lie."
    He stood back and peered at her through narrowed eyes. "What about what you called me?"
    "When I told that awful man you were my lover?"
    He nodded.
    "That was not a lie, either."
    "That settles it, then."
    Her heart fluttered most agreeably. "Settles what?"
    "I propose to make an honest woman out of you. No more smuggling."
    "Actually, my dearest Mr. Birmingham, I'm not nearly as dishonest as you believe me to be."
    "Enlighten me, please."
    "I was so desperate to get away from Finkie that first night, I