Amelia Grey - [Rogues' Dynasty 06] Read Online Free PDF Page B

Perhaps I can stop by your house tomorrow afternoon and share some of my latest verse with you.”
    “We would be honored for you to do so, Lord Snellingly,” Jane said, “but not tomorrow. Perhaps in a couple of days it will be fine. This is Sophia’s first ball, and we would like for her to attend one or two more before we start allowing gentlemen to call on her. You do understand, don’t you?”
    “Yes. Quite the thing to do, Miss Shevington. I completely understand.”
    “But we’re so pleased that you want to share your poetry with her,” Mae added. “I’m certain it’s truly inspiring.”
    “Why, yes, Miss Shevington, it is,” Lord Snellingly said.
    He turned his attention back to Sophia. “I’m also aware of a young ladies’ poetry society. I’m certain I can get you an invitation to join, if you would like to be considered.”
    Writing poetry was not something Sophia wanted to do. In fact, it would be torture. She wanted to write business letters to Shevington’s suppliers and negotiate contracts for better terms on their shipping fees. But she kept all that to herself, smiled pleasantly, and said, “It’s certainly something I’ll ponder. Thank you, Lord Snellingly.”
    “Miss Hart, the shade of your green eyes reminds me of a meadow that has just been washed by a spring rain.” The earl then turned to June. “With your permission, I’d like to claim a dance with Miss Hart later in the evening.”
    “She will be delighted.”
    “Good. Now I shall find a quiet corner and write a few lines of poetry just for you, Miss Hart.”
    Finally Lord Snellingly smiled at Sophia, bowed, and walked away. Sophia immediately searched for the stranger. She wanted to talk to him but knew her aunts would never allow it unless someone introduced them, or unless she managed to get away from her aunts’ watchful eyes.
    “Oh, Sophia,” Mae said, watching the earl walk away, “don’t you think he is divinely handsome? He’s so tall, so regal, and a poet too.”
    Sophia had barely looked at the man. She didn’t think she’d ever seen a gentleman wear that much lace on his cuffs or one who thought so highly of his poetry. But not wanting to take issue with her aunt, she simply said, “Quite handsome.” She took a sip of her punch, and then added, “I think I’ll make a visit to the retiring room. Do excuse me.”
    “I’ll go with you,” June said.
    “Please, Auntie,” Sophia said, giving the empty cup to her. “Please allow me to at least do this one thing by myself. I remember how to get to the room, and with so many people here, I can assure you no harm will befall me before I can return safely to your side.”
    June’s eyebrows rose disapprovingly. “I don’t like the idea of you being alone. Don’t you agree, Mae?”
    “How can I be alone?” Sophia asked, frustration mounting. “There are more than two hundred people here.”
    A wrinkle of concern creased Mae’s brow. “I suppose we could allow her to go alone once in a while. We don’t want to be accused of smothering her.” She turned to Sophia. “But do not allow any of the gentlemen you have met to entice you to take a walk in the garden with them.”
    Excitement suddenly danced inside Sophia at the thought of having a few moments alone. “That is an easy promise to make.”
    “Nor for a walk on the terrace, either,” June added.
    “Another promise,” Sophia said and turned from her aunts before they could come up with another excuse or change their minds.
    Sophia searched the faces for the gentleman as she slowly threaded her way through the people to the other side of the room. He had moved from the area where she’d last seen him. She reached the exit doorway and paused. Another slow perusal of the people told her he was nowhere to be found. She exited the noisy room, continuing to look for him even as she walked down the corridor, but it was as if he’d disappeared. Disappointment stung deep in her abdomen. She’d