I felt my face blush as Irene’s mouth gaped open. It was not lost upon me that Devlin still had feelings for me. Once upon a time, I had had feelings for him, until Danny came into my life. Danny was now the only one who would ever own my heart, body, and soul.
Danny.
“Mr. Covington,” Irene started to say when Devlin turned and raised an eyebrow. Chuckling, she corrected herself. “Devlin, I hear you are throwing a party for your sister. What fun it is rumored to be.”
The pride that spread across Devlin’s face caused me to smile as well. He was proud of his sister and his facial expression showed it.
“Yes! She is betrothed to a rather fine gentleman. They are to be wed, then move back to New York City right after the wedding.”
“New York City?” I asked.
Devlin smiled. “Yes. My mother has her knickers in a twist over it all.”
Irene covered her mouth and giggled as I attempted to hold my laughter back. I wondered if Devlin knew his father and my mother had once engaged in an affair. For all I knew, they still were. Devlin turned and caught me staring at him. Clearing my throat, I said, “A party sounds lovely to celebrate such an occasion. I’m sure your sister is very pleased.”
“Indeed she is. I insist all of you come. I’ll send over an invitation this afternoon.”
I shook my head. “No. I couldn’t. I’ve been ill and hardly able to keep …”
Irene placed her arm in mine. “Nonsense, Sophia. A party is just what we need to keep our mind off of things.”
Chewing on my lip, I nodded in agreement. “Wonderful! I’ll see you ladies tomorrow evening.” Nodding and excusing himself, Devlin began walking away.
Turning to Irene, I widened my eyes at her. “You wicked woman.”
“What? I was in the mood for a party, Sophia.”
My mouth dropped open and I attempted to talk but the only thing that came out was laughter. I was shocked how Irene had been sneaky in the way she got us invited to Devlin’s sister’s party. We began walking back toward the house as tears fell from our eyes as we laughed harder.
Yes. A night out was exactly what we both needed.
Making my way through the room, I got a glimpse of my mother. I stopped and watched her. She was talking to Mrs. Covington. My stomach turned at the thought of her sneaking around and having an affair with Devlin’s father. I had wanted to tell my father so many times, but could not bring myself to do it.
I felt a hand touch my arm. Turning, I saw my father. “Daddy,” I said as I walked into his arms.
Pulling me in closer, my father spoke against my ear. “You are the most beautiful woman in the room.”
Grinning, I hit him playfully on the chest. “I’ve missed you, Daddy.”
“And I you, darling. You must visit more often. I fear I am losing my little girl to her husband’s parents.”
My heart sunk. I shook my head as I felt a flutter in my stomach. Placing my hand over the baby I whispered, “Daddy …”
Father raised his hand. “I know, sweetheart. Believe me, I know. She becomes more unbearable as the days wear on.” Rolling his eyes he made a funny face which caused me to chuckle.
Peeking over to my mother, I noticed she was watching us. Turning to my father, I couldn’t believe I was hearing the words coming out of my mouth. “Why don’t you divorce her? She does not deserve your love.”
My father pulled his head back in shock. “Sophia Marie, that is your mother you speak of.”
“No, Father, she was the vessel who carried me and brought me into this world. That is all. She does not deserve my love, nor yours. If you only knew the things she has done.”
My father’s eyes turned dark with anger, then they softened almost immediately. Taking me by the arm, he led me to the other side of the room. Glancing over my shoulder, I looked at my mother. She was too busy talking to Mr. Covington to notice her own husband and daughter.
Stopping at the far side of the room, my father looked out over the dance floor as if he was paying attention to everyone. Without even so much as looking my way he began to speak. “I know of your mother’s actions, Sophia. Do not think I am foolish.”
Sucking in a breath, I asked, “Why do you stay?”
He slowly looked at me. “I love her.”