Page 15 of His Regency Goddess (Curves & Cravats)

Chapter Fifteen

Margot thought it was a good idea to take the children for a picnic in Hyde Park while the weather was nice. Sophie now seriously questioned the idea, as the two boys wrestled each other every time Margot and Daniel let go of them. They were now trying with some success to convince the boys to take a nap.

"I think I would love to have a girl first," Sophie said out loud.

"Since when were you thinking of having children?" Margot asked.

Sophie had not regaled her with the entire truth of the events of her trip to Sin's, but had given a tamer version of their lovemaking. She had definitely not told Margot of his proposal. She would eventually, but for now she wanted her thoughts and decisions to be completely her own and not tainted by any other opinions.

"It was just a thought. I don't know if I would have the energy like you do, Margot, to keep up with your sweet boys," she said, looking at their perfect faces. They certainly looked like little angels even though they acted like little imps.

"Trust me, it just comes to you. I never actually feel the exhaustion until my head finally hits the pillow at night."

"Which is a shame, since it means I get no quality time with my wife," Daniel joined in, giving Margot a wink.

"How have you kept this spark and banter alive in your marriage?"

Daniel shrugged. "When it is the right person, your soulmate, it comes naturally."

"Are you thinking of marrying again, Soph?" asked Margot. She clearly sensed something was amiss. This was a perk of being best friends, but also a downfall. She could not hide anything for too long. Luckily, Daniel saved her from responding as he started to wave.

"Sin, Sin! We are over here," he called out.

Sophie's head snapped around so fast she felt a twinge of discomfort in her neck.

Margot noticed Sophie’s wince. "Blazes! You just heard the man's name, and you almost broke your neck."

Sophie brushed her off and sat up as he approached.

"Good day all," he greeted them happily. When his eyes landed on Sophie, he gave her a knowing smile and her toes curled.

"Glad we bumped into you, Sin. I was going to send word later, but I shall let you know now that we would love to go to the opera. Or we would love you to join us, as I have a box for the season with a terrific view." Daniel was oblivious to his wife's disapproving glare.

"Wonderful! I have not been to the West Endsince I returned home."

"Well, it was nice seeing you, Sinclair, but we really must get the boys home." Margot gestured to the stirring children.

"I understand," Sin said with a nod as he turned to Sophie. "Perhaps I can interest you in a walk around the park and then I can see you home?"

Sophie nodded, not looking back to Margot, who would be furious. Sin's cheeky smile told her all she needed to know.

The sun was quite bright, especially in the direction they were walking, so Sophie put her parasol to effective use. Sin did not seem to mind, walking as if he had eyes at the top of his head, his neck craned down and gaze fixed upon her.

"Have you thought about my offer?" he asked abruptly.

"I have, but it occurred to me that I have only seen you a handful of times. I barely know you."

"I challenge that for two reasons. Most spouses barely know each other before they wed, and I would say we know each other very intimately." His heated gaze sent a tingle of desire through her body.

"This is true, but perhaps for my next marriage I would prefer to know my husband, and not only in an intimate sense."

"Very well, what do you want to know, Sophie? I am an open book."

"Why did you leave England?"

A pained look appeared on his face at this question.

"Has Daniel not mentioned it to you?" His tone was casual, but therewas still pain in his eyes.

"No, he has not divulged anything to me."

"My older brother passed away, suddenly and tragically in a horse-riding accident. I left because London held too many memories of him. I needed space and distance to grieve."

Sophie grabbed his hand and gave it a tight squeeze.

"I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing that with me."

"And I for yours. You lost your husband."

"I did, but it cannot be compared to your loss. In truth, I did not grieve him for long. He was a good man, but we were strangers."

"It is rude to speak ill of the dead, but the man was an idiot to not have seen the precious gem you are."

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I suppose. So, tell me more. What is your favourite food?"

"Well, when I am nursing a sore head after a drink or two, kippers and eggs make me feel a treat. What is yours?"

"I am afraid I have a bit of a sweet tooth and I cannot resist any type of tart, cake, or biscuit. As you can tell." She gestured to her figure.

"Never deny yourself. I adore your curves."

"I admit, your flattery is doing wonders for my self-confidence. My inner heroine is smitten with you and my inner critic scoffs."

"You can let your inner critic know I will meet the scoundrel at dawn." Sin waved his fist in the air, and she was unable to control the laughter that spilled from her.

"I shall pass that on the next time the ugly head shows itself."

“I have a question for you, Sophie. Your clothing is so flattering and unlike the current fashion. Was that your idea?”

“In fact, it was. I decided to forgo a style that did not suit me and instead chose one that flattered me. I gather it has pleased you?”

“It most certainly has. I do not believe I have ever paid any attention to clothing and the day’s fashion until I saw you. Your ingenuity is to be praised.”

Sophie was so flattered, both by his comment and the sincerity she heard in his voice. Conversing with Sin was easy, and his proposal was only becoming more attractive. She wanted to ask him more, but they had arrived back at the start of their route. Sin sighed with regret.

"I better get you home before Margot sends out the Royal Guard," he joked as he grazed his knuckles gently across her cheek. A brazen gesture that any passerby may have seen. But she did not care.

“I need to feel your lips on mine. Now.”