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S ophie had hidden in the bushes, waiting for him to leave the gardens before she returned to Letty. Heart in her throat, she had watched Lord Coulter run past where she hid, but he had not seen her.

He’d just taken her virginity, and she’d let him because she’d wanted to be with him.

In that moment, she’d thought of nothing but that.

Yes, there had been pain, and it was the shock of that which had cleared the sensual fog.

But in that small gazebo, she had experienced passion.

Something she’d never believed possible…

or, for that matter, had known could be between a man and a woman.

Not that she’d ever experience it with another man again.

Pressing the backs of her hands to her hot, damp cheeks, she was glad no one could see her, because surely she looked like a woman who had been ravished.

Her skirts were creased, she’d lost her gloves, and although she had tried to stuff the hair that had come loose into her bonnet, it was a fruitless task without pins.

How did people carry on liaisons undetected?

Peeking out from her hiding place, Sophie could see no other guests, so she stepped onto the path. Locating Letty while avoiding the earl was her only objective. She would plead a headache and return to the town house at once.

What must he be thinking? Of course, he’d known she was a virgin after what they’d shared. He now also knew that Timmy was not her child, so what was he to her.

She’d told Letty this charade would never work, Sophie thought as she hurried through the gardens, eyes shooting first left and then right to ensure Lord Coulter was not lying in wait for her.

“Countess, how delightful to see you. I said to my daughters just the other day that we must have you over for tea one morning,” Lady Sumner said, appearing before her.

Damn. Forcing a smile onto her face, she dropped into a curtsy and attempted to act like nothing was wrong. She could only hope she no longer looked like she’d been ravished.

“Lady Sumner, how wonderful to meet you again,” Sophie said.

“You also, my dear. Now, take my arm, Countess, and we shall walk together.”

She did because she was out of options. Had Lady Sumner seen her enter the gardens and possibly Lord Coulter?

“I love pansies. They have small happy faces and come in outrageous colors, and if there is one thing I adore, it is to be outrageous,” Lady Sumner stated as they passed a bed of the blooms.

“They are lovely,” Sophie got out woodenly.

“Now here’s what we shall do, dear. I will take you through the gardens and around the house, and then I will settle you in my carriage. I shall then tell Letty that you have taken ill from the sun, but that she is not to worry, as you are safely on your way home.”

“Oh, I?—”

“Sophie—I hope you don’t mind me calling you that, but I feel the occasion calls for informality.”

“I would be happy for you to call me Sophie,” she said stiffly, wondering what was coming next.

“I can see by your face something has upset you, and while I may hazard a guess, that is for another time. But am I right in thinking you simply wish to leave this garden party undetected?”

“Yes, my lady, that is very much what I wish to do.”

“Then we shall see it done, Sophie.” A warm hand settled on top of hers. “I have daughters of my own and was once young myself. There are times when we merely need a little assistance, and I assure you, this interlude will be our secret.”

Looking up into the twinkling blue eyes, Sophie saw the humor and kindness that her son had.

“I like you, Sophie, and more importantly, I like that you have managed to get under Patrick’s skin.”

She had no idea what to say to that, so she kept silent.

“He’s had things his own way for far too long, dear. Not good for a man, all that cowering and simpering. He needs to be stood on his head occasionally, and it’s my belief you’re just the girl for the job.”

“Oh, no, you have that all wrong.”

“I’m quite sure I don’t,” she said, leading Sophie to a gate she’d not noticed before.

“Patrick had a tough upbringing with parents who I hope are residing in the pits of hell. I remember the solemn-eyed boy who I met all those years ago. His first words to me were that my son had terrible manners, which was true, but you don’t expect to hear that from a child. ”

“What did you say to him?”

“I agreed. He visited us occasionally after that, and his eyes nearly broke my heart. While some of that has changed, Sophie, much of that boy is still inside him.”

Sophie wasn’t sure why she was being told this, as she would do her best to avoid Lord Coulter from this day onward. But her heart did ache a little for the boy he had been, even if he’d done nothing but make her life uncomfortable. He’d also kissed the sense right out of you.

“Now that is enough for today. Let us get you away from prying eyes.”

“I would be grateful.” Sophie allowed the woman to lead her from where most of the guests now milled in the tents and back to the house. Once there, they skirted around the side and down to where the carriages were all lined up, waiting. Reaching one, Lady Sumner opened the door.

“Now, in you get, and I will speak to Letty at once.”

“Thank you.” Sophie held back the tears she knew were threatening.

“Off you go now and have a nice cup of tea before you make any rash decisions, dear.”

She looked down into the lovely face of Lady Sumner. “Your children are very lucky to have you as their m-mother,” she whispered.

“I’m quite sure sometimes they don’t believe that, but thank you, my dear,” she said. “Now, I want you to remember something for me, Sophie.”

“What?”

“Patrick is one of the most honorable men I know. He’s a little too lofty and pompous at times, but never doubt he is a good man. Can you remember that for me?”

She managed a nod, as she didn’t want to commit to anything to do with that man right now.

“We will take tea soon, Countess,” Lady Sumner said. She then closed the door softly, and Sophie heard her speaking to the driver. Seconds later, she was rolling away from the house party, and finally she let the first tears fall.