Courting Miss Vallois by Gail Whitiker

brother and looked to be fairly delicate. And though the smile on her lips was cheery, the paleness of her cheeks told another story. ‘I should like to meet her. I think it’s cruel that she be shunned for something her brother did.’
    â€˜That’s very kind of you, dear.’
    â€˜I just try to put myself in her place,’ Sophie said, for in truth, she had been in Jane Silverton’s place once, though not for the same reasons. ‘And you should know that while Mr Silverton and I did have a conversation that night, we were not formally introduced. He may not even remember who I am.’
    â€˜Well, he’ll remember you after tonight,’ Lavinia said, discreetly raising her hand to attract the couple’s attention. ‘Madame Delors surpassed even my expectations with that gown. You are easily one of the most beautiful women in the room.’
    While Sophie took leave to disagree with the latter part of Lavinia’s statement, she couldn’t deny that the gown of cream-coloured lace over a gold satin slip was the most glorious thing she had ever seen. Cut outrageously low in the front, it displayed a rather alarming amount of skin—which had prompted her to stitch a wide band of lace inset with pearls and tiny satin roses into the neckline—and from a raised waist, the skirt fell in elegant folds to the floor. Delicate slippers of soft kid leather, cream-coloured elbow-length gloves, and a spray of cream-and-pink roses in her hair put the finishing touches on what Sophie could only think to call a truly magnificent ensemble.
    Even so, she doubted it would be enough to thaw Mr Silverton’s chilly reserve.
    â€˜Mr Silverton, Jane, how lovely to see you again,’ Lavinia said when the pair finally managed to reach them. ‘Allow me to introduce a very dear friend of mine, Miss Sophie Vallois. Sophie, this is Miss Jane Silverton and her brother, Mr Robert Silverton.’
    â€˜How lovely to meet you, Miss Vallois,’ Jane said. ‘Or should I say, enchantée ?’
    The girl’s voice was as delightful as her sparkling green eyes and Sophie found it hard to believe that any gentleman would find her lacking. ‘How do you do, Miss Silverton,’ she replied, before adding more diffidently to her brother, ‘Mr Silverton.’
    â€˜Miss Vallois.’ He briefly inclined his head. ‘We meet again.’
    So, he wasn’t about to pretend ignorance of their first encounter. She awarded him a point for honesty. ‘I didn’t think you would remember.’
    His deep brown eyes were steady on hers. ‘On the contrary, I am unlikely to forget.’
    â€˜Sophie informs me the two of you met at the Black Swan Inn,’ Lavinia said. ‘Saying we met would not be entirely correct,’ Mr Silverton said. ‘We were brought together by circumstances less than conducive to pleasant socialising and parted soon after.’
    â€˜Then how fortunate you should both end up here tonight in order that the formalities might be observed.’
    The gentleman inclined his head. ‘As you say.’
    â€˜Is your husband not with you this evening, Lady Longworth?’ Miss Silverton asked.
    â€˜Yes, but he and Sophie’s brother just left to play billiards with Lord Bruxton. Apparently they are all quite mad for the game.’
    â€˜Your brother plays billiards?’ Mr Silverton asked Sophie in surprise.
    â€˜When he has a chance, yes.’
    â€˜I thought the study of medicine was an all-consuming passion.’
    Sophie raised her eyes to his, daring him to disagree. ‘A man must take some time away from his studies, lest he become too weary to absorb anything new. Even God rested on the seventh day.’
    Was that a hint of a smile? ‘A lofty comparison.’
    â€˜But fitting under the circumstances. I admire anyone who has the determination to strive for something they truly believe