Tittering, I responded, “And I with him.” Turning to Nelly, I shook my head. “Nelly, I cannot even begin to describe what he does to me. To my body and my heart.”
Smiling, Nelly took my hands in hers. “Dear Sophia, I see it in your eyes. I see it by the flush upon your cheeks. You are deeply in love and anyone can surely see this.” Glancing over my shoulder, she gestured for me to go. “Go be with your betrothed.”
Kissing Nelly softly on the cheek, I whispered, “I do love you, Nelly.”
As I made my way along the perimeter of the room, my eyes were steady on Danny. He was talking to my father, his father, and another gentleman whom I had never seen before. He gracefully bowed and excused himself as I drew closer. Stopping in front of me, his eyes moved over my body.
I wore a light-blue gown that showed my bare shoulders and accentuated the swell of my breasts. My eyes took in the handsome sight before me. He wore black trousers, a white shirt, and a black coat. He needed nothing else to show how incredibly good-looking he was. His blue eyes felt as if he were looking into my soul and I let out a soft whimper.
“My betrothed has finally arrived.” He pulled my body close to his and brought me to the dance floor. I could scarcely hear the orchestra playing. The only thing I was able to focus on was the beating of my heart and the amazing cornflower blue eyes staring into my chocolate brown eyes.
“Tongues will wag with how close you are holding me,” I said, barely above a whisper.
Smiling that smile that melted my insides, Danny chuckled. “Let them wag all they want. You are mine and I don’t care who knows it.”
My eyes moved and I caught a glimpse of my mother. She was standing next to Daddy and Mr. and Mrs. Stowe. Mrs. Stowe had a smile on her face and for one brief moment, I longed for her motherly advice. Unlike my own mother, who wanted me to marry Devlin Covington. A marriage to Devlin would insure her future, or so she informed me.
“You are lost in thought, my darling.”
Turning my attention back to Danny, I grinned. “Will we get a chance to be alone this evening?”
Raising an eyebrow, Danny nodded his head. “I have worked it out that I shall take you for a stroll in the cool night air. You’re going to become overheated from all the dancing.”
“Is that so?”
Pulling me scandalously close to him, he laughed. “Yes, so that means we must dance.”
After dancing most of the night, Danny and I walked about briefly and mingled with the guests Daddy had invited. The entire evening I felt my mother’s eyes upon me. Walking up to Mr. and Mrs. Stowe, I smiled. Kissing Danny’s mother on the cheek, I asked, “Are you enjoying yourselves?”
Giggling like a schoolgirl, Mrs. Stowe said, “Oh my, indeed I am. Mr. Stowe and I haven’t danced like this in years. I fear I’m getting too old for such things.”
Grinning like a fool, I shook my head. “Nonsense. Wait until you have a grandchild to chase around.”
Mrs. Stowe’s eyes lit up and she tilted her head. “Why Sophia, that would be an amazing adventure.”
I was about to agree when I felt a cold hand grab my elbow. “Excuse us, Mr. and Mrs. Stowe. I need a word with my daughter.”
Curtsying and excusing myself, I allowed my mother to lead me out to the garden. Once we walked through the doors and away from prying eyes, I pulled my arm from her. “How dare you embarrass me in front of my future in-laws.”
My mother threw her head back and laughed. “Me, embarrass you? What of your behavior with that man you call your betrothed? The way he looks at you makes my skin crawl. Why don’t you dance with Mr. Covington? You’ve hardly spoken to him this evening. I did not raise you to be rude.”
My mouth dropped open. “I’m engaged to another man and you want me to dance with Devlin?”
“Just because you are engaged does not mean your manners go out the door along with your virtue.”
I felt the tears begin to build in my eyes. “How dare you talk about my virtue. I know you had an affair with Mr. Stowe before you were each married. It is written all over your pathetic face every time you cast your eyes upon him.”
Stepping toward me, she raised her hand. “If you hit me, Mother, know you hit a woman who is with child.”
Her arm dropped. “What?”
Smiling, I whispered, “I have not had my courses. I am carrying Daniel’s child.”
Her eyes burned with anger. “How can you be so selfish? You have ruined any chance of marrying into a decent family. I’m embarrassed to say you are of my blood.”
Squaring off my shoulders and holding my tears back, I hissed through my teeth, “That makes two of us, Mother.”
“You have disgraced this family and I should disown you this very second, you ungrateful little whore.”