Courting Miss Vallois by Gail Whitiker Page B

‘He is far more interested in how people think than with their physical appearance.’
    â€˜In which case, he and Oberon have absolutely nothing in common,’ Mr Silverton muttered.
    â€˜Apart from their looks, for Mr Vallois is certainly as handsome as Mr Oberon,’ Miss Silverton said, though she was careful to maintain the correct degreeof indifference. ‘He must be very popular with the ladies in Paris.’
    â€˜Perhaps, though none seem to have made a lasting impression.’ Then, refusing to be ignored by Mr Silverton any longer, Sophie said in a voice loud enough for him to hear, ‘Like your brother, Antoine is far more concerned with my well-being than he is with his own.’
    She saw his back stiffen, but he did not turn around. ‘I am adequately concerned with my own well-being, Miss Vallois. It simply takes less looking after than Jane’s.’
    â€˜No doubt because you are a man and men are so much more self-sufficient than women.’
    There was a brief but significant pause. ‘Are you trying to provoke me?’
    â€˜Yes, I suppose I am,’ Sophie said calmly. ‘But not unkindly, I hope.’
    â€˜That depends. You should be aware that I give as good as I get.’
    â€˜Then I shall consider myself warned,’ Sophie said, settling back against the cushions with a smile of satisfaction. Well, it was a start. His posture seemed slightly less rigid than it had been when they’d started out, and his tone was a fraction less chilly. If it was an unguarded moment, she hoped there could be more. Miss Silverton, who was blissfully unaware of the milestone, said, ‘It must be the way of older brothers to think of everyone else before themselves. It certainly makes sisters seem a great deal of bother.’
    Mr Silverton glanced back at her, and Sophie was surprised to see that he could actually smile. ‘You are not a bother, as well you know.’
    â€˜Yes, but I do enjoy teasing you. Do you tease your brother in such a way, Miss Vallois?’
    â€˜Whenever I get the chance.’ Sophie turned her head, her eyes narrowing slightly as she gazed across the field. ‘Is that Mr Oberon I see riding towards us?’
    â€˜It would appear so.’ Mr Silverton sounded less than pleased. ‘I wondered if he might turn up this after noon.’
    â€˜He rides a magnificent horse.’
    â€˜Magnificent he may be, but you would do well to keep your distance. That beast is hellfire on four legs.’
    Sure enough, a few minutes later, the peer’s son brought the showy black stallion to a prancing, snorting halt in front of them. ‘Afternoon, all,’ he called in greeting. ‘What a glorious day.’
    â€˜Oberon,’ Mr Silverton said, reluctantly bringing the carriage to a halt.
    â€˜Silver. Miss Silverton. And Miss Vallois. What a delightful surprise.’
    â€˜Surely not that much of a surprise, sir,’ Sophie said sweetly. ‘You were there when I informed Mr Silverton of my intention to join him and Miss Silverton this afternoon.’
    â€˜True, but in a city as large as London, there are so many other places you could have gone.’
    The stallion suddenly shied and Mr Oberon made a great show of restraining him.
    â€˜Oh, Robert, isn’t he splendid,’ Miss Silverton said softly.
    Sophie knew Jane was referring to the horse, but Mr Oberon chose to take the remark as a compliment to himself. ‘Thank you, Miss Silverton. Years of experience allow a man a certain ease in the saddle.’ Hesmiled broadly, white teeth flashing. ‘What about it, Silver—care to take a turn?’
    Mr Silverton’s smile was coolly dismissive. ‘Thank you, no.’
    â€˜Rather wait for the pleasure of ownership, eh?’ Mr Oberon winked. ‘I understand. But we’ve yet to see how that game plays out. Miss Vallois, I hope we will have the pleasure of your company at Lady