As she waited, Sophie pressed a hand to her abdomen, trying to stifle the butterflies that were rioting there, brought on by excitement and apprehension.
Once inside the barouche, however, Sophie changed her mind and directed the coachman to the Duke of Dunmore’s London abode. She could not honorably enter into a new engagement with another man without first ending her current betrothal. And she wanted no impediments when she finally went to Jack and freely offered herself to him as his bride.
Sophie felt fortunate to discover the duke at home. When she was admitted to a richly appointed parlor, Dunmore appeared surprised yet happy to see her, flashing her a warm smile and taking her hands in his.
“My dear, this is a delightful development. When did you return from Paris?”
“Just this afternoon, your grace.”
“I was not aware of your arrival in London or I would have called on you at once.” He glanced toward the door, a question in his eyes. “Is Mrs. Pennant not with you?”
“I came alone. I wished to speak to you on a matter of great urgency.”
His smile faded, whether in disapproval at her unchaperoned evening visit to his home or concern over what she might have to say, Sophie couldn’t tell.
When he offered her a seat on a sofa, she hesitated. She wanted to let the duke down gently, for he was a sensitive and kind soul and didn’t deserve the pain she was about to bring him.
Easing her hands from his, she sat down and beckoned for him to sit beside her. When he complied, his expression was grave but attentive.
Sophie kept her voice low as she began. “You understand what it is to love, your grace, isn’t that so? You are said to have loved your late wife dearly.”
His features softened. “I did indeed love her very much.”
“Well …” Sophie hoped her own features conveyed remorse. “I have a confession to make.… I am in love with someone else.”
“I see.” He did not seem taken aback. “It is that Wilde fellow, isn’t it?”
“Yes.” She gave a pained grimace. “I am exceedingly sorry, more than I can say. I tried earnestly not to love him, but it was futile. I regret most encouraging your false hopes by accepting your generous offer of marriage. In truth, your grace … I came here tonight to beg you to release me from our betrothal.”
Dunmore averted his gaze, not replying.
“It would not be fair to you,” Sophie continued earnestly, “if we were to marry when my heart belongs to another man. I gave you my word, however, and of course I will honor it if you wish. I will wed you, and I will promise always to be faithful. But I truly hope you won’t insist.”
The duke pressed his lips together stoically. “I will not insist, Miss Fortin.”
Feeling awkward and sad, Sophie hastened to add, “I feel a sincere affection for you, your grace. And I believe you feel the same for me. But you well know that affection is not love. And in my heart, I know neither of us would be satisfied without it.”
He heaved a sigh. “I knew it was too good to be true when you accepted my offer. Even then I knew your heart was engaged elsewhere.”
“You did?” she asked in surprise.
“Regretfully, yes. There was something in your eyes when you looked at your handsome young lord. I recognized that look, Miss Fortin. I felt it myself for my wife.”
Sophie bit her lip. “I should never have led you on by agreeing to wed you, your grace. But I swear to you, I did not realize the strength of my feelings then—”
“It is quite all right, my dear. One cannot choose whom one loves.” Dunmore took her hand again and patted it rather avuncularly. “Do not distress yourself. I do understand. And you may consider yourself released from our betrothal.”
“Thank you, your grace,” Sophie murmured with restrained joy, wanting to express her heartfelt gratitude without unduly insulting him.
The duke rose when she did, but Sophie paused before taking her leave. “I have friends who are highly talented at matchmaking. I have no doubt they can help to find you a suitable bride who will cherish you as you deserve.”
Dunmore’s smile was gentle and a little wistful. “I might welcome their assistance, since clearly I have not fared well on my own.”
He escorted her to the large entry hall, where a footma
n hastened to open the door for her and light her way down the front steps through a misty darkness to her aunt’s carriage.
Sophie waited, however, until she was settled inside before exhaling in profound relief. When she left the duke’s mansion behind, a stark feeling of liberation swept over her, as if an immense burden had been lifted from her heart. She wanted to be free to love Jack and this was the first step.