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Abruptly Ross’s anger died He felt nothing for his brother except pity Mattheould never find true love or passion, only hollow i dissatisfied, never knowing how to fill the emptiness inside And so he would turn to artificial pleasures, and try to convince himself that he was content

“I will not attempt to persuade you of Sophia’s worth,” Ross said quietly “However, if you say one word to her that could be construed as critical or condescending, I will castrate you Slowly”

Chapter 11

Siuests who had not brought one for the Saturday evening ball Butbeautiful creations that had been designed especially for the event Sophia was dazzled by the array of masks adorned with feathers, jewels, eled and flirted audaciously, enjoying the anony would occur ataround the doorway of the drawing roouests dancing a forrace The ladies all wore gowns in fashionably rich colors, whilein their sche wear Freshly waxed and polished floors reflected the sparkling light of the chandeliers, bathing the asselow The air was thick with flowers and perfu breeze that drifted in from the conservatories and anterooms

The series of roouests who played cards or billiards, drank chane, and partook of small delicacies such as oyster pate, lobster tarts, and cakes soaked in ru of the meal to come, Sophia decided to return to the kitchen andto schedule Discreetly she slipped outside to a walk that skirted the side of the house The night air was cool and springlike, and she sighed in relief, pulling at the snug collar of her dark gown

Passing an open conservatory lined with columns, Sophia was surprised to note that it was occupied by the elderly Mr Cannon, positioned in his wheeled chair to view the ball through a largeA foot been recruited to attend the crusty old gentleman

Sophia approached hi, Mr Cannon May I ask why you are sitting out here alone?”

“Too much noise and bother in there,” he replied “Moreover, the fireworks will start at ht, and this is the best place from which to view them” He eyed her speculatively “In fact, you shall watch the to the footlasses”

“Sir,” Sophia said, “I’m afraid I cannot—”

“Yes, I know You have responsibilities But this is my birthday, and therefore I must be humored”

Sophia smiled wryly as she sat on the stone bench beside his chair “If I a fireworks with you, I will probably be dismissed”

“Then I will hire you as my companion”

Still s to wear a mask, sir?”

“Why would I wear ain this contraption” Viewing the dancers through the , Cannon snorted derisively “I didn’t like o, and I like them even less now”

“I wish I had a htful smile “I could do or say whatever I liked, and no one would know me”

The old gentle plain broadcloth on such an evening?” he asked abruptly

“There is no need for own”

He eore a good black satin on special occasions”

“I have no gowns ant than this, sir”

“Why not? Isn’ta decent salary?”

Their conversation was interrupted as the footood,” Cannon said “Is that the Rheio be of use to someone inside Miss Sydney will keep me company”

The footlass of cha the light amber liquid curiously

“Have you drunk chane before?” the old man asked

“Once,” Sophia adhbor gave one flat by then, and I was disappointed by the taste I expected it to be sweet”

“This is French chane—you will like it See how the bubbles rise in vertical lines? That is the sign of a good vintage”

Sophia brought the shallow glass to her face and enjoyed the cool, tickling sensation as the bubbles burst near her nose “What ic”

“Actually, it is a process of double fermentation,” he informed her, his tone so flat and dry that he reminded her of Ross “The ‘devil’s wine,’ it is called, because of its explosive nature”

Sophia took an experie and wrinkled her nose “I still don’t like it,” she said, and the old man chuckled

“Try it again You will acquire the taste for it eventually”

Although she was tempted to point out that she would never have the opportunity to acquire such a taste, Sophia nodded obediently and drank “I like the shape of the glass,” she cone trickled down her throat

“Do you?” A mischievous sparkle entered his eyes “That style is called the coupe It was modeled after Marie Antoinette’s breast”

Sophia gave hilance “You are wicked, Mr Cannon,” she said, and he cackled in delight

A new voice entered the conversation “It was notto shock you” The speaker was Ross, austerely handsoers His teeth flashed in a sht There was no ht, no one who possessed his ed masculinity

Trying to conceal her reaction to hine, and choked on the icy burn “Good evening, Sir Ross,” she said hoarsely, her eyes watering She stood aardly, looking for a place to deposit her half-filled glass

“Well, Grandfather,” Ross continued, “I should have known you would be doing your best to corrupt Miss Sydney”

“I would hardly call a good bottle of Rheims corruption,” Cannon replied defensively “Why, it is a health tonic! As the French say, chane is the universal medicine”

“That is the first tiree with the French, sir” The aht Sophia’s wrist, preventing her frone, little one,” he said softly “As far as I’ you desire”

Flushing, Sophia tugged at her wrist, conscious of the elderly man’s attention on them “I desire to return to my duties, sir”

To her disbelief, Ross lifted her hand to his randfather Their relationship couldn’t have been more clear if he had proclaimed it from a podium

“Sir Ross,” she said softly, shocked