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apology. My behaviour was, to say the least, reprehensible. Due, no doubt, to the tedium of travel and the insufferable manners of that wretched innkeeper. Please say you will forgive me or I shall never rest easy again.’
    The effusive apology surprised Sophie as much as amused her, and though she believed his words to belittle more than pretty flattery, the fact he had offered an apology allowed her to look upon him with a touch more charity. ‘I accept your apology.’
    â€˜I am relieved beyond words.’
    â€˜Ah, good evening, Mr Oberon,’ Lavinia said, finally returning. ‘How nice to see you again.’
    â€˜The pleasure must always be mine, Lady Longworth.’ Mr Oberon’s smile moved smoothly into place. ‘I vow you grow more lovely with every passing day.’
    â€˜And I vow you grow more fulsome with your compliments. Have you met Miss Vallois?’
    â€˜Indeed. Silverton was kind enough to introduce us. Am I to understand the lady will be spending the Season here in London with you?’
    â€˜You are.’
    â€˜Then perhaps I might call upon you in the near future to exchange pleasantries in a less crowded venue.’
    Lavinia inclined her head. ‘You are, of course, welcome to call. But now I must steal Sophie away. Lord and Lady Beale are anxious to meet her. Sophie?’
    Grateful for the opportunity to escape, Sophie dropped a quick curtsy. ‘Mr Oberon.’ Then, raising her chin, and goaded by some mischievous impulse she would no doubt regret later, she looked at the gentleman standing quietly beside him and said, ‘Please tell your sister that my brother and I look forward to joining you tomorrow afternoon, Mr Silverton. If the invitation is still open.’
    His expression didn’t change, but Sophie heard the quiet edge of mockery in his voice. ‘It is, and I shall be pleased to tell her of your acceptance.’
    Sophie smiled as she tucked her arm in Lavinia’s. ‘Good evening, gentlemen.’
    â€˜Ladies.’ Oberon barely waited until they were out of hearing before exclaiming, ‘Until tomorrow? What was that all about?’
    â€˜Jane has invited Miss Vallois and her brother to come driving with us,’ Robert said distantly.
    â€˜And she agreed ?’
    â€˜Why would she not? By your own words, I am thoughtful, considerate and steady as a rock.’
    â€˜I was only trying to flatter you.’
    â€˜By making me sound like the trusted family dog?’
    â€˜Nothing of the sort. I simply wanted her to know that you and I are very different.’
    â€˜I believe she worked that one out on her own,’ Robert drawled, but Oberon wasn’t listening. He was following Sophie’s progress across the room like a hungry lion following a sprightly gazelle.
    â€˜By God, she’s exquisite,’ he murmured. ‘Those eyes. That hair. And that complexion! As pink as rose petals and as smooth as alabaster. Imagine her lying naked in your bed, Silver. Imagine the softness of her skin as you run your hand slowly over her throat, and then lower.’ He briefly closed his eyes and made a sound deep in his throat. Seconds later, his eyes snapped open. ‘I must know who she is. Where does she come from, and why is she here?’
    â€˜I have no idea,’ Robert said. ‘Is it not enough that she is a good friend of Lord and Lady Longworth’s?’
    â€˜No. The French are as stuffy as the English when it comes to matters of class. And a well-brought-up French girl would have no need of a London Season.’
    The same thought had occurred to Robert, but he had no intention of giving Oberon the satisfaction ofagreeing with him. ‘If you don’t think she’s well born, why trouble yourself to make enquiries?’
    â€˜Because I would hate to miss the opportunity of getting to know her if her birth is all it should be,’ Oberon said. ‘Look at her, man! When did