Sophia whirled away from his voice, everything else she had been dreaming about every night numbing down to naught but dread. Suddenly she felt lost, overwhelmingly losing awareness of her surrounding, making it impossible for her to know where she was facing or where she ought to go.
Yet Sophia moved forward. Wherever her feet were taking her, she hardly cared. She could faintly hear Aabha running toward her, but that awareness disappeared as well when she crashed against a hard surface.
She stumbled back and would have fallen on the ground should she not have caught herself. She turned the other way but Nicholas blocked her path again.
When she turned to escape him again, she felt a strong grip around her right arm. He pulled her closer to him, not entirely strong but with enough strength for Sophia to catch her breath.
"And since we are here, Sophia," Nicholas rasped above her, his breath brushing over her face, "Would you care to share what your master is planning?"
Sophia pulled at her arm. "Let go of me, my lord." She hated that she sounded begging.
He clucked his tongue and the hairs on Sophia's neck stood. Was he mocking her? Was he wearing a smile, enjoying the sight of her panic state?
"Surely you do have a plan, Sophia," he continued, his hold firm around her arm. "Your lover finally came out to society and enjoys a celebrated status. And he brought you along with him. Now, tell me, dear, what his plans are."
Sophia bit her lips to keep from saying anything. Words would merely ignite Nicholas' apparent anger.
"Are you too much devoted to him to allow him to do his deeds?" When she turned her face away, he added, "Or perhaps you are making the plans along with him. There must be something brewing underneath all this scandalous display," he finished scathingly, letting go of her hand with a slight push.
The ideal thing to do was run away but her feet were frozen to the ground.
"You never wanted to leave Rock'oles. But you are here now. Planning to seduce another lord to do your bidding?" He was mocking her. It was evident in the anger intricately laced in his tone. But Sophia persisted on her silence as it was the only way she could keep the tears from flowing. "How many have you taken to bed after me? Did you also feign to have nightmares when in bed with them? Do they comfort you? Allow them to think of you as a victim so you can manipulate them the way you did me?"
Sophia's lips quivered slightly. She pursed them to maintain a blank mien.
You have scared away my nightmares, Nick. I hope I can tell you that.
"You must enjoy the attention Durley provides you. But as you can see, he is not here now. He allowed you to wander around in your condition."
Sophia swallowed. She had to make him go away. "No," she managed to say, "I knew you would come and find me."
It was one of the rare moments she was thankful she could not see him.
"But think this not as a trap, my lord. Would you like a tryst?" She managed a smile.
A long silence followed that Sophia began to think he had already left. "I sought you out for one thing, Sophia," he uttered, his form stepping away from her. "I am aware that you would dare not answer my questions. I simply wanted to relay a message."
"Of course," she said, her empty smile threatening to fade.
"You will fall with Durley." His voice was filled with raw fury, sending a chill up her spine. "I swear it on the name of the people you ruined. You will get what you deserve and more, my dear, and I will be there to witness it."
Sophia clung to her wavering smile as Nicholas made a sharp turn and his footsteps faded as he left.
Sophia's smile quivered but she forced herself to remain calm until she was certain he was gone. "Aabha," she called out, her voice shaking. The dog came to her, panting with excitement. "Lead the way back, Aabha," she whispered but the dog did not move. It snuggled its head against her skirts, comforting her.
It was then that Sophia broke down.
Her shoulders started to shake as she dropped to the ground to wrap her arms around Aabha. Perhaps she could spare a few minutes to cry.
*****
Nicholas did not leave. He stood at the entrance of the gardens and watched as Sophia bent down to hug her dog. He frowned when she started to shake.
Was she crying?
He shook his head. Sophia was too vicious to know he was lingering, fool that he was.
She was giving him a show, of course.
Manipulation was her turf.
With a bitter scoff, Nicholas turned around to find his brother.
She could lose herself around the Theobald grounds and he would merely be happy to hear the men in the gaming room gossip about it later.
Wasting no time, Nicholas found his way to the bedchamber assigned to him and Ralph. He barged inside and found his brother struggling with his cravat, eyes half-closed.
"Are you foxed or sleepy?" he asked Ralph. When his brother muttered under his breath in reply, Nicholas strode toward him. "Good. You're foxed. You are far more useless when sleepy."
Ralph muttered something again.
"What?"
"I asked why you are here. I was hoping you'd spend the night with Carmel."
He ignored the question, saying, "Durley and Sophia are here," instead.
"I am aware of that." Ralph cursed, throwing his cravat to the nearest chair. "I need to sleep."
Nicholas frowned. "What do you do about this?"
"Nothing," his brother replied, pulling at the covers of the bed. "I am taking the larger bed. As the brother who is spending his nights without limbs wrapped around him, I deserve a good one," he announced.
"Ralph, Durley is planning something. He took that wench here for something," Nicholas insisted.
Ralph shrugged and scoffed. "The League has ordered the Guards not to meddle in the slavery case."
"That is not how your thoughts operated hours ago when you were sober," he reminded, irked.
A big yawn escaped his brother. Ralph settled in the middle of the bed and gazed at him drowsily. "Dare I point out, Nick, that your main concern is not the case or Durley but the fact that the woman is here?"
Nicholas stiffened. Should he consider strangling his brother now? Even a foxed Guard would not be physically capable to fight back. Now was truly his chance to commit murder.
Ralph lay on the bed and pulled at the covers. "But since the League has temporarily ceased their investigations on Durley, I can take him as my temporary mission. In secret."
"Bloody tarnation, Ralph. How many times would you change your mind on this matter?"
"That shall depend on the spirit. Those bloody writers drink way too much than the Guards, I tell you."
Nicholas shook his head. "You are even more incapable when foxed. I'll be spending the night with Carmel after all."
Ralph did not reply as he was already snoring.
*****
"I heard your mother is looking for you, my lord," Carmel said to him, settling in a chair beside his. She checked the cards in his hand and smiled at the gentleman he was playing with. "You might have a chance to win this round, my lord. Lord Whiston's hand is not very good."
The man laughed. Nicholas was about to say a playful jest about escaping his mother and Carmel's spying on his cards when the door opened and Durley entered the room. When his companion appeared, everyone fell silent. A few dropped their jaws as they gaped at the striking beauty wrapped in a blue silver gown.
Her dark skin was a contrast to the glittering fabric. Her face was as beautiful as he remembered it from last night and the many more he shared with her.
He hated her, but he also hated the fact that she was now here for everyone to see and gawk on. He hated her presence but he also hated that she had to suffer this bloody room. For that was what would happen.
What the bloody hell was Durley thinking!
Carmel placed her hand over his shoulder, reminding him that he ought to keep his calm.
"Good evening, gentlemen," Durley said with a bright smile. He looked around the room and his eyes went alight when he saw a familiar face. "Ah, there you are, Baldwin," he said, greeting the portly man who stuttered, saying, "Lord D-Durley..."
"Come, Sophia," Durley said, gently leading Sophia toward Baldwin.
Nicholas ignored the ringing in his ears and focused his eyes on his cards. He could not bloody remember what he intended to throw moments ago. Carmel managed an awkward chuckle as she reached out to pluck three cards from his hand and threw it on the table.
"Not fair!" said the lord as he gaped at Carmel.
Nicholas could not hear their conversation. His senses were directed to naught but one woman who seemed to be unaware that he was in the room. Or perhaps she knew.
His eyes sauntered to where she was seated with Durley, facing Baldwin. The other men in the room were trying to regain the previous air before the newcomers arrived but with great failure. The bloody bastards could not keep their eyes away from Sophia.
Ah, if only they knew she could not enjoy their attention for she was bloody blind!
"My lord, I believe this is not the time for you to lose this game," Carmel whispered in his ear, forcing him to turn his attention away from Sophia and Durley.
His eyes met hers. Carmel smiled and gave his shoulder a light pat.
He shook his head and drew a breath. Of course, he could try to enjoy the rest of the game. And then he would leave and find another gaming room.
But before Nicholas could make himself comfortable again, the door to the gaming room opened. His jaw tightened when he saw the last person next to Sophia he did not want to lay his eyes on.
Osegod.
Nicholas' jaw tightened when Osegod's dark blue eyes settled on him for a moment before he turned away to address the greetings from the gentlemen in the room. Everyone wanted to have a word with the Head of the Town Leaders, wanting to gain his attention and discuss important matters.
Osegod was aging quite well more than the men his age. His built had not gone portly, his good looks still evident despite a few strands of grey hair. The way he carried himself was as expected of a Town Leaderâpowerful, confident and pleasant.
What most did not know was the secrets Osegod kept, ones that could not be proven by the Leagues and the Guardsâones the Everards knew quite well. Why did the Theobalds invite him? Were they not aware of what this bloody bastard did to Maxine? And how in the bloody hell did Maxwell allow it?
Nicholas massaged the back of his neck and frowned at his cards. The young lord he was playing with seemed to not be interested in Osegod's presence but on Carmel who was currently talking about how she hated gossipmongers and stockings.
To be in the same room as the people who had caused his family terrible things was more than Nicholas could handle. He was about to announce a yield when he noticed that Durley had stood up to share a word with Osegod. The two men laughed at something Durley had said, giving way for everyone else to return to their seats and resume their games. The Town Leader's attention was caught by the famous new lord from nowhere. They better go back to their games and pretend they were not disappointed.
Nicholas frowned when Durley led Sophia to Osegod and presented her to him. Osegod, in return, bowed and gave Sophia's gloved hand a kiss.
That took everyone's attention again, but only this time they were paying Sophia more attention. Their eyes followed her as she walked back to sit across Baldwin. Durley and Osegod joined them moments later.
Nicholas looked around the room. What the bloody hell was happening?
The answer, of course, came an hour later when Osegod and Durley stood up, making an excuse to share a cigar outside. By this time, Osegod was looking rather serious while Durley kept his calm and easy character.
It would not have been a surprise if one or two more gentlemen stood up to join them but Nicholas was left baffled when they left with no company, leaving Sophia and Baldwin behind.
As the men in the gaming room continued to stare at her, a few even standing up to walk toward her, Nicholas then realized why Sophia was here.
Her purpose was to distract everyone. She was here to make certain that Durley and Osegod's activities remained unnoticed.
"This shall not turn out very good," he heard the young man he was playing with say in a bored tone. Nicholas knew what he was talking about for he could see it coming.
He could see them walking toward her like she was a piece of art they could buy and enjoy for themselves. Nicholas could almost see what they were thinking, the pictures in their heads as they approached the unknowing Sophia and Baldwin.
"Excuse me, Miss, but I must have missed an introduction," one of the lords said, standing beside Sophia's chair.
"She was not introduced to you, Baltimore," said Baldwin. "Miss Sophia is rather occupied as you can see."
"What? With a game of cards?" said the man, laughing. "I was not aware her people are taught how to play! I must have been missing quite a lot of things happening in the Town!"
Baldwin ignored the man and simply grumbled under his breath. He appeared to be more uncomfortable to be at her company and be a gentleman than by the unwanted attention they were getting from everyone else.
Nicholas knew Sophia could not very well prove she could play a card game. She could hardly make out shapes!
"Say, Miss Sophiaâthat is your name, is it not?" barked one man from one corner. He had turned on his chair to call out on Sophia.
"Yes, my lord," was Sophia's soft and calm reply.
"Say, Miss Sophia, since your master is currently indisposed, would you care to accept a few offers?"
Nicholas' jaw tightened. He felt Carmel's hand on his arm, giving him a squeeze.
When Sophia did not reply, the lord stood from his chair and joined the others crowding around her. "We pay as handsomely as Durley does, fret not, dear," he said, hands in his pockets. "Although I hear that your people do not truly bother with townsends. A plate of food and a glass of water are most often sufficient."
"I would not mind to bother giving her a feast," Baltimore said with a sneer, looking down on Sophia with eyes glimmering with raw lust. "With what you can offer me, I would gladly be generous. Perhaps I can ask my wife to keep the leavings from one of our meals."
Some men laughed while others awkwardly looked away.
Nicholas made a sharp turn in his seat but Carmel stopped him, whispering, "We must leave, Nicholas. You cannot be involved in this."
But Nicholas could not hear her, nor could he ignore the sexually insulting comments that boiled a seething anger inside him. Brushing Carmel's hand aside, he stood up and straightened his cravat, loudly clearing his throat.
"Excuse me, gentlemen, but I believe you are causing discomfort amongst some of us," he addressed Baltimore's circle. The men snapped their heads to glare at him but Nicholas did not notice as he saw Sophia stiffen in surprise at his voice.
Ah, perhaps she was not aware he was in the room after all.
He walked toward the group of men, his footsteps easy and calm despite the fury surging inside him. "A woman, no matter her color or disposition, gentlemen, should be treated with respect," he uttered with a smile. He stared at the back of Sophia's head before returning his gaze to the men surrounding her. He stepped between the men and Sophia's table. He threw her a look and saw her calm demeanor which bolstered his anger. How could she act calm? Was she too used to such insults to not feel inclined to defend herself?
Turning to face the men again, he said, "If you wish to discuss what Miss Sophia has to offer, you may do so in private. Considering that you lot seems to not be members of Rock'oles, I ought to bring forth very important information about the place. Should the women want you, they go to you. You do not force yourself unto them like desperate, hungry dogs. Discreetness is of utmost priority in Rock'oles and Miss Sophia is not used to such vulgar negotiations."
As he finished his sentence, he turned to find the something flash across Sophia's eyes.
Hurt.
But before he could confirm it, she stood to her feet and turned to stare at the men before her as though she could see through their very soul. "I would love to discuss negotiations, gentlemen," she said, haughtily lifting her chin, "but I am currently indisposed as I am here solely to serve one lord and that is Lord Durley. Perhaps you would consider becoming members of Rock'oles where we can continue discussing about sumptuous feasts. And for future reference, I would like to say that I do not accept table scraps."
Nicholas almost scoffed with incredulity and awe.
Sophia managed a small curtsy before she stiffly turned, intending to walk out of the room. Since she had been expertly masking her slight blindness, no one knew she was blind. But if she continued her walk, she would have been found out for she was heading straight to a bloody wall.
Nicholas pushed his way through the stunned gentlemen and rushed toward Sophia and grabbed her by the arm before she could make a spectacle of herself.
"Allow me to escort you to the door, Miss Sophia," he said for everyone to hear.
Guiding her to the right direction, he opened the door and whispered, "This is what you get for setting yourself so low." He saw her shoulders stiffen. He gave her a slight push and added, "Now, do be on your way and find Durley. And tell him never to take you back here for everyone to feast on." As she stepped into the corridor, Nicholas could not help but add, "Or better yet, go back to Rock'oles where you belong."
*****
Marcus found her outside the gaming room. She could not bring herself to leave for her feet could hardly move without failing her.
"What are you doing here? I left you with Baldwin. Where is that bastard?" her brother demanded.
"You left me in a room full of bastards, Marcus, what did you expect?"
"What happened?"
She drew in a deep breath and shook her head. Squaring her shoulders, Sophia forced a smile. "Nothing I could not handle is what happened." She frowned and narrowed her eyes at her brother's form. "Where is Lord Osegod?"
"Gone. We shall discuss things further later. We cannot risk raising suspicion."
"What did he want to discuss?"
Marcus' reply was too delayed for her to believe. "Business, of course."
Sophia struggled to ask for more but this was not the time or the place to demand for Marcus' plans.
"Are you ready?" asked Marcus, taking her elbow and turning her to the other end of the corridor.
"You mean the ball?" she asked. No, she was not ready, but she could force herself to suffer a bit longer.
"We can go back to your chamber if you wish to freshenâ"
"No," she said, shaking her head. "We should at least have this over with. Be done kissing Osegod's feet so we can go home, Marcus."
A/N:
I am back from my trip! Updates shall resume from now on.