An Unexpected Love by Tracie Peterson, Judith Miller Page B

also.”
    “Mine? There is nothing to tell her. I have done nothing untoward.” He looked over his shoulder, obviously hoping to receive Fanny’s affirmation. When she remained silent, he motioned her forward. “Tell them, Fanny. My behavior has always been that of a gentleman, has it not?”
    “I believe it would be best if you said nothing of this incident to my aunt,” Fanny said. “I wouldn’t want my cousins to be punished for simply enjoying a few moments of laughter.”
    “At my expense.” His eyes shone with anger.
    Sophie patted his arm. “You do need to learn to control your anger, Daniel. Otherwise you would be a poor choice as a husband, don’t you think, Fanny?”
    Fanny nodded her head. “No woman wants to wed a man who is easily provoked to anger. Personally, I find a sense of humor an excellent quality.”
    “An attribute you appear to lack, Daniel. Our family enjoys nothing more than a good prank. You need only ask Jefferson and George the next time you see them.” Sophie hesitated a moment. “ If you see them again.” She hoped her words bore the ominous tone she intended.
    Daniel leaned on his cane, obviously sensing defeat. “I don’t suppose there’s any need to discuss this with Mrs. Broadmoor. There’s been no real harm done.”
    Sophie considered telling him that his attempt at poetry had caused great harm. It was, after all, an assault upon the human ear. However, she refrained from further comment. No need to provoke Daniel at the moment, though Sophie wondered what he might think if she recited his poem after supper tonight. She stifled a giggle.

    Arrangements had been made: they would leave for London the next morning. A fact that was no longer of great import to Sophie, for she wanted only to be in Wesley’s presence. Veda finished lacing a ribbon in Sophie’s hair and then gave her an approving nod. “You look quite lovely, miss. I’m certain Mr. Hedrick will approve.”
    “Thank you, Veda. I do hope so.” Accompanying Lady Illiff to visit one of her friends had held little allure for Sophie until she realized Wesley would be in attendance. Last evening she’d first finagled an invitation from Lady Illiff and then convinced Aunt Victoria the outing would be properly chaperoned. In all, the feat had required a great deal of finesse and no small amount of time, but she’d finally received both Lady Illiff’s invitation and her aunt’s permission. Today, Sophie would enjoy the fruits of her labor.
    She descended the stairs, pleased to see Wesley gazing up at her from the entry hall. She accepted his outstretched hand, enjoying the tingle that coursed up her arm. “You look lovely, Sophie,” he whispered.
    “Thank you,” she replied softly. She adjusted her bonnet then took the cloak offered her by the butler. She frowned at the intrusion, but the man moved away quickly to tend Lady Illiff as she descended the stairs.
    “I hope we might speak privately today,” Sophie told Wesley. “Time seems to be slipping by more quickly than I’d hoped.”
    “But of course. I would love nothing more than a few stolen moments,” he said, smiling. “I truly cannot imagine anything more pleasurable.”
    Sophie had only seconds to bask in his attention before Lady Illiff swept into the foyer and hurried them out the door to the waiting carriage. Lady Illiff’s footman helped her into the carriage then turned to assist Sophie. Lady Illiff patted the cushion beside her. “You shall sit beside me, Sophie. I must say, I am glad for your company. You seem to converse quite easily with your elders, and there is much I would know.”
    “As the youngest in my family, I’ve been surrounded by elders all of my life. I have few friends my own age.” She said this, throwing a meaningful glance at Wesley. “I have always related better with those my senior rather than my junior. I suppose the only exception would be my cousins, but even then Amanda is older.”
    “Youth has its