“Oh, Sophie, I didn’t mean it that way.”
“I know you didn’t. And I do want to talk to you about that further. But what do you make of this note?”
“It’s probably still from Zach. By ‘eliminating all obstacles,’ he probably means that he wants to eliminate your insecurities so that you can play the role on stage with confidence.”
Sophie nodded. That did make sense. “But what about ‘you are closer to being mine all the time?’”
“Well, if he’s asked to court you, that part seems self-explanatory. However, it could also mean that you will be his in the sense of him making you into the performer you were destined to be on the stage.”
“I suppose… But here’s the thing, Ally. The earl refused to allow Zach to court me.”
“He did?” Ally opened her eyes wide. “Why would he do that?”
“Apparently he doesn’t think Zach is good enough for me, a lady of the peerage. He seems to have forgotten that no other suitors have come calling.”
“Do you want to be courted by Zach Newland?”
“Well, of course. We’ve already been…rather intimate together. It’s nice to know that he actually has some feelings for me in other ways as well.”
Ally smiled. “Of course he does. He would be silly not to. You’re a charming woman, Sophie. You’re the only one who doesn’t know it.”
Sophie’s cheeks warmed. Why in the world did everyone think she was more than what she was? She still hadn’t reconciled her desire to be spanked by Zach, and she perhaps never would. Maybe the best thing would be to stop seeing him altogether, rather than bring out a side of herself she wasn’t sure she wanted to understand.
Sophie opened her mouth to speak, but Mrs. Oakes and Evan strode into the bedroom, each carrying a bundle.
Ally’s eyes brightened. “Oh, Evan, let me see them. Please.”
Evan handed little Maureen to Ally, and then Mrs. Oakes handed her little Sophie as well. Ally held both babies, one in each arm.
“Are you feeling up to nursing?” Mrs. Oakes asked.
“I’m quite fatigued, but I would like to try.”
Sophie squeezed Ally’s shoulder. “I’ll leave you some time with your husband and children. Thank you for the talk, Ally.”
“Anytime, my dear, you know that. Before you leave though, there are some papers in my bureau I’d like you to look at. Top drawer.”
Sophie nodded, grabbed the papers, and left.
When she returned to her own chamber, she unclenched the papers in her hand and began to read.
ENTR’ACTE
The Ruby
A House Party at the Estate of Lord and Lady Peacock
“The Marquess and Marchioness of Gutenberg.”
Priscilla, known as Prissy, the Countess of Peacock, turned to her husband. “Oh, Percy, it is so good to see Gutenberg and Fannie.”
Lord Peacock cleared his throat. “Yes, my dear, I know how you and Fannie enjoy a good frolic. And I am looking forward to spanking both your bums this evening.”
Prissy warmed all over. How she loved to have her arse spanked, and not just by her husband but by comely Fannie, the Marchioness of Gutenberg.
“I think our party is all here, Percy. Viscount McHunt and his lady, the Earl of Hardwood and his lovely mistress, Sarah Nora, and of course Baron Beaverhausen and his beautiful baroness.”
Peacock cleared his throat. “My esteemed ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending our house party. If you will all follow, we shall enter the ballroom, which has been handsomely equipped for this evening.”