Page 14 of Reading the Viscount
“Well, I wish for it for you. It’s wonderful to be loved.” Ellie stopped at the landing where the stairs split in opposite directions. “I think you would like a scholar.”
That was actually her old wish, but at Ellie’s remark, Sophie imagined the only scholar she knew. “You mean like the Duke of Northwick?”
“Oh my, no. He is far too…well, too imposing. I was thinking perhaps someone unassuming but of great intellect.”
She tried to bring an image into her head of what a man such as that would look like, but Lord Tamworth’s face kept popping in. He was just the opposite. “Perhaps a man like Mr. Pembroke in Walter Scott’sWaverley.”
“I don’t believe I’ve read that story.”
She thought of the other men who were Ellie’s guests, and nonecould fit the description she suggested. “I believe I would enjoy a scholarly husband. You may be right. If you meet a gentleman of such demeanor, I would be interested in making his acquaintance.”
Ellie frowned then broke into a grin. “You are far too observant for me. I shall endeavor to do better to keep you in mind next time I invite gentlemen to a gathering.”
“I meant no criticism. Your ball was wonderful. I simply meant that I have not heard of such men among theton. Please, do not worry about me. As I said, I am content.”
“I know you are. I would just like to see you blissfully happy instead.”
Sophie grinned. “Making me blissfully happy is quite simple. If you could have tea and Damson custard tarts sent to my room, I will be very blissful as I read my book.”
Ellie waved her away, toward the stairs that led to the south wing. “Then go read and I’ll be certain to make you blissfully happy.” As she took the stairs leading to the family’s wing, Ellie chuckled.
Finally free to read for the remainder of the day, Sophie quickly ascended the stairs that would take her to her room. Now that she was assured of not interacting with Lord Tamworth, at least through dinner, she could fully enjoy herself.
After changing into a comfortable day dress, she dismissed her lady’s maid and brought the book Ellie had given her the night before to the settee by the window. As Sophie settled in, she hesitated. She hadn’t yet finished reading John Milton’sParadise Lostfor when school began again, nor had she finishedThe Mysteries of Udolpho, the novel she’d bought with pin money a fortnight ago, which was very intriguing. And then there was the just published Frankenstein, which she’d only read through chapter four. Since she already had three works started that she hadn’t finished, she was open to beginning a fourth. She often read multiple pieces at the same time, especially if they were very different.
Looking at the large volume on her lap, she read the title again.The Education of the Feminine Species.It appeared to be a long treatise. Since the book had been passed among the Curious Ladies, she felt honored that it was her turn. Unclipping the latch, she opened the leather front and read the title on the first page:The Illustrated Pleasures of Seduction.
Her heart skipped a beat. This wasthebook. The one her married classmates had whispered about. The one Lissa had found high on a shelf in the school library. While they had all learned about procreation while studying biology, as the duchess wanted them all to understand the medical basics, this was the book that explained how it felt and why it was indeedpleasurable.
Excited to learn everything, she turned the page and began to read.
Chapter Five
Christopher rushed downthe grand staircase of Hawthorne Park. Today, most of the guests would be leaving. He was determined to make his apologies to Lady Sophie before that occurred.
As he’d seen her skating from his window the day before, he knew her to be an early riser. Of course, he hadn’t known it was her, specifically, who glided so gracefully over the ice, but he felt ithadto be her. It hadn’t been until he’d reached the pond that he knew it to be true. It was why he’d suggested the race with Durham and Manning. He’d been acutely aware she skated at the far end, and he wished to have an excuse to skate there, but he hadn’t accounted for the rash actions of Durham. Now he had two events for which he must ask forgiveness.
It was an unsettling feeling for him. Since he had attended university and then served there, he’d rarely had a need to apologize. He made a point of being liked by being polite, solicitous, and friendly. Now that his life goal had been reached, he wished to start it free of any encumbrances. That he could now leave Oxford and move forward as a landed gentleman, once he purchased the estate he’d inquired upon, he would focus on his future prosperity.
But first he wished to clear his conscience. At dinner the night before, he had been seated so far from Lady Sophie, he couldn’t talk to her, only watch her. He’d found it interesting that she never initiated aconversation, only replied when directly spoken to. That was hardly how she’d been with him at the ball. He’d thought he’d have his chance to talk to her after the gentlemen had their drinks, when they joined the ladies, but she had already retired. This morning was his last chance, and he would speak to her before she took her leave.
He strode into the dining room to find it empty except for a sideboard filled with steaming dishes, his own brother, and the Duke of Northwick. The two were related through marriage, since they’d married sisters. He gave a quick bow to His Grace.
“Aren’t you rising earlier than normal?” Andrew, with a plate in his hand, walked toward the table where the duke sat pouring himself coffee.
Christopher smiled at his luck. The duke was very well connected and may be of help. “I am indeed.” He patted his stomach to indicate he was hungry.
Andrew shook his head. “I would think you would still be asleep after celebrating your second win of the weekend.”
Christopher turned toward the sidebar so his brother wouldn’t see him grimace at the reminder of Durham’s rash bet on the ice after the mishap with Lady Sophie. That subject had dominated the dinner conversation, much to his chagrin, even if he had won. “I retired shortly after you.”
“Your friend Durham will run through his estate before the end of the coming Season if he doesn’t reel in his impulses.”
The duke’s observation validated what Christopher had been thinking as well. Instead of commenting on that, he filled his plate and joined the two men. It was the perfect opportunity to gather information, since no one else was about. “I heard the Stoneleigh estate is being sold. It seems a relatively small one.”
Andrew nodded. “I’d heard that as well. It was owned by a Mr. Simons, esquire. Other than that, I have no knowledge.”
“I do.” The duke set down his coffee cup. “It’s not particularlylarge, but it could sustain itself. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been well run. Mr. Simons, from what I understand, left a steward in charge who was less than meticulous. If I were to hazard a guess, I’d say the steward most likely enjoyed his post, though he was as ill-equipped to run the estate as its owner. Mr. Simons left for America.” He frowned. “It appears the supposed riches of that country continue to lead Englishmen across the pond.”
