“Truly? That’s it?” She sighed. “That’s not much of a secret.”
“You’re quite wrong there, Sophie. My father would’ve viewed that as a weakness. I never uttered a word of it to anyone. Even my mother does not know how I detest the feeling in my gut when I stare down from anything higher than a second-story window.” The subtle note of pain in his voice was a thorn piercing her heart.
“That’s certainly not a weakness. In fact, it’s quite common.” She took another sip. “When did the apprehension start? Did you suffer a fall as a child?”
“No. Not me.” He hesitated. “My cousin. We were only lads, still in short pants, and we’d defied our governess and climbed a creaky old tree. He dared me to go higher, and higher. And I did. We both did. Until he lost his footing.”
“Good heavens, how horrible.”
“He survived, but at first, I feared he wouldn’t make it. Of course, there I was, clinging to this rickety branch, terrified I might also tumble to the ground. My father refused to assist me. Only my brother, Cameron, came to my aid, coaxing me down from that blasted limb. He was always the brave one, the strong one. Not me.”
“Well, then, that certainly explains your wariness. Now, I suppose it’s my turn.”
“You’re sure you wish to go through with this?”
“Quite so.”
He took her hand in his, his touch light, so very gentle. “As you know, I enjoy a good scandal. What is the most scandalous thing you’ve ever done?”
“Besides kissing you?”
“That was only the beginning of a scandal. Tell me, Sophie.”
“Very well.” She pulled in a breath, stalling as she collected her thoughts. “There was anincident, at my coming out, when I was eighteen.”
“An incident?” He planted his elbow on the arm of the chair and his chin on his fist. “I’m listening.”
“My aunt Mildred had pegged a respectable young barrister as the ideal husband for her daughter, my cousin Lottie. She’d hoped Felix might propose that evening, but I…I put a bit of a pall on the night.”
Interest lit his eyes. “Ah, Sophie, what did you do, my wicked girl?”
“Felix had a brother, you see. Nigel had been away at university, but he’d returned home on holiday. He took an interest in me, one that Aunt Mildred thought of as rather promising. If she’d had her way, I would’ve been married off and out of her way. I tried to go along with her plan. Truly, I did.”
“What happened?”
“Nigel fancied himself to be a sophisticate, but he was an utter boor. He believed himself to be far above my station in life. After all, I was an orphan, with a roof over my head only through my uncle and aunt’s good graces. He thought I’d be flattered by his attentions, repugnant as they were. He touched me…quite inappropriately. So, I punched him.”
Gavin’s brows rose, nearly to his hairline. “Youpunchedhim?”
“I landed a blow right on his piggy nose.” Ah, the memory was satisfying, even now. “Bloodied it good, I did.”
“Somehow, that does not surprise me.” Was that pride in his tone?
“As you can imagine, it caused quite the stir. Aunt Mildred was utterly distraught. Thank heavens Felix did not hold my behavior against Lottie. He did ultimately propose. My cousin is now a wife and mother to an ever-growing brood.”
“Sophie, you are quite the original.”
“That’s not how Aunt Mildred would’ve put it.”
“I don’t give a damn about Aunt Mildred’s opinion. I’d have paid good money to see you put that brute in his place.”
“I’ve never quite fit anyone’s expectations of me. Lottie was thoroughly content to learn the latest dance and await her prince on a steed. Sadly, thatprinceturned out to be Felix, but that’s another story.”
“Their expectations were far too narrow to encompass your spirit. What is it you want most in your life?”
No one had ever asked that of her, had ever cared about what would make her soul sing. How very ironic that this confounding man would be the one to pose the question. Had she ever considered what she truly desired, which experiences would bring her joy and create memories to last a lifetime?
“I suppose if I were to be honest, I desire an adventurous life. That is not to say I do not treasure the simple moments, such as a rousing hand of cards with my uncle and his mates, but when I’m gray and bashing people with my cane, I wish to look back upon my years and recall my fair share of adventures.”
