Sophie's Voice (Sex and the Season Book 4) (13 page)

Zach himself played the role of the commoner, Brendan Smith.

Papers rustled as the actors and actresses took their places on stage and opened their librettos. Zach finally took a seat with the rest of them, opposite Sophie.

“All right, ladies and gentlemen. Let's begin our first read-through of
Love on a Midsummer Night
by the Earl of Thornton.”

Sophie's voice cracked on her first line, but soon her nerves stopped skittering and she became immersed in the enchanting story unfolding before her. Zach had done an amazing job with these words. Perhaps memorizing her part would not be such a problem. She'd been hoping she would sing on this first day, but the read-through went until noon. Zach dismissed everyone for the day right before lunch, telling them to take their music home and work through it themselves. Tomorrow morning, they would break up into groups and practice the music and then do another read-through in the afternoon, including the music.

Sophie shook her head. She was decent at the pianoforte, but this music was difficult. Still, she could play it note by note and learn it this afternoon. It would keep her busy and keep her mind off of Ally.

Zach cornered her on her way out. “Lady Sophie, could I see you in my office, please?”

She bit her lip worriedly. “Yes, of course…Mr. Newland.”

He led her to his office and closed the door. Before she knew it, he had pushed her against the door and clamped his lips onto hers. The kiss was slow and deliberate, loving and caring. But within moments, it became hot and passionate, demanding and searching. Sophie responded in spite of herself, yearning for him, leaning into him, and pressing herself to him.

After several frenzied moments, Zach broke the kiss. He hit his forehead on the wall. “Forgive me. I know you must still be worried and upset about your sister. But ever since I saw you walk into the theatre this morning, I had to have a taste of you.”

Sophie's breath came in rapid puffs. She nodded, trying to speak, but no words emerged.

“I'm sorry we haven't had a chance to talk,” Zach said. “How is your sister doing?”

“Better,” Sophie said. “She woke up last night, and I had a chance to speak with her. She seems better. I just don't know if…”

“Know if what?”

“I don't know if Evan has told her that she'll never have more children.”

“She is strong, your sister. She will accept her lot. She has two beautiful babies. She will be fine.”

Sophie nodded, hoping Zach spoke the truth. She bit her lip. “Zach, you know I've never performed before…”

“What is it?”

“The music and the libretto—they're so much…more comprehensive than I expected them to be.”

“Yes, it is a little daunting at first. But realize that, even with a leading role, only about a quarter of those words and music are yours.”

Sophie let out a shaky laugh. “That's still an awful lot to learn.”

“It is. But I wouldn't have given you the role if I didn't think you were more than capable of doing it. You're a smart young lady, Sophie, with an incredible talent. We'll be working long and hard on this production, and there will be some late nights for you because I want you to have extra voice instruction.”

“But I thought you loved my voice.”

“I do. The reason for the extra instruction is to teach you how to sing in a healthy way, so you won't strain your vocal cords. You're going to be singing for hours and hours each day, and if you don't do it correctly, you will lose your voice.”

There was so much Sophie didn't know about all of this. “Who will be instructing me?”

“I'll handle some of the instruction myself, but I'm also bringing in a female professional singer—she has an amazing voice—who will be able to teach you nuances that I, as a male, cannot.”

“When will these extra voice lessons begin?”

“Probably tomorrow evening, after rehearsal.”

Sophie bit her lip again, worried.

“Is something the matter?”

“Oh, no. It's just…I'll be away from the estate so much. And I really did want to keep an eye on Ally.”

“I understand.” He looked at her, his forehead creasing. “Perhaps we could make arrangements to do the extra instructions at your estate. Dame Helga—she's the soprano you'll be working with—and I could come to the estate three or four evenings a week, if that would be amenable to you and your family.”

Dame Helga? The name sounded slightly familiar to Sophie. “If this Dame Helga is as remarkable as you say she is, why isn't she the lead soprano?”

Zach let out a resounding jovial laugh. “She's sixty-six years old, Sophie. I don't think she can accurately portray a twenty-year-old lady of the peerage on stage.”

Sophie couldn't help but laugh. In the midst of her mirth, Zach leaned down and kissed her once again. His firm lips made her knees quiver. He reached for the doorknob, and she heard the lock on his door click softly. What about luncheon? And what about rehearsing the music on her own this afternoon?

Well, if Zach wasn't worried about that, why should she be?

He turned her around so she faced the closed door, unbuttoned her dress, and brushed it softly over her shoulders. He loosened her corset and removed it. Sophie throbbed between her legs. Zach turned her back around to face him and pushed her chemise over her shoulders. Soon she stood naked and vulnerable except for her drawers.

“How is it,” she asked, chewing on her bottom lip again, “that I always end up naked and you fully clothed?”

He smiled. “We can take care of that if you would like.” He removed his jacket and loosened his cravat.

Sophie longed to reach forward and tear off his shirt, but her timidity did not allow it. Instead, Zach unbuttoned his shirt, and Sophie swallowed, her skin heating as each new inch of golden skin was exposed. The mahogany hairs over his nipples and chest drew her gaze. So very glorious.

When his shirt was in a white heap on the floor, Zach began to work on his britches. Sophie's nerves scampered across her skin. She had never seen this part of him, though she had felt it through his trousers. Even now, the large bulge unnerved her. He unbuckled his belt and unbuttoned his trousers. When he brushed them down his thighs, he stood in front of her wearing only his drawers. A small wet spot the size of a pea dampened the fabric. What might that be?

Slowly, Zach brushed his drawers over his hips and down his thighs. Sophie widened her eyes. His…cock—good Lord, the word “cock!”—stood at attention, springing from a bush of auburn curls. She couldn't help staring. It was large—larger than she had ever thought possible. The tip of it wept slightly, explaining the tiny spot of moisture on his drawers. It was majestic and magnificent, with two veins swirling around it like marbling.

She resisted the urge to reach for it.

Zach let out a happy laugh.

Sophie had no idea what was so funny. “What is it?”

“Here I stand, hard as granite and ready to take you, and I forgot one very important detail.”

“What might that be?”

Zach looked down. “I forgot to take off my boots first.”

Sophie erupted in peals of giggles. She hadn't even considered his boots. In fact, she couldn't even remember how her own shoes had come off during their previous encounters. Zach must have taken care of it like he took care of everything. Even now she stood, her shoes and stockings still on her feet.

Zach pulled off his boots and discarded his stockings and other garments. Then he knelt to Sophie and unlaced her shoes, removing them along with her stockings.

For once, Sophie was less naked than Zach was. She still had her drawers on. She smiled, her gaze still drawn to his cock.

“You can touch it if you want,” he said.

She gave him a small smile.

He took her hand and led it to his erection. “Please, touch me, Sophie. I want you to. I need you to. Every night I fall asleep dreaming of your hands on me, pleasuring me, your lips kissing me.”

Sophie unclenched her hand and timidly touched his penis. It was warm—so warm and so very hard. Her pussy throbbed. How might it feel inside her? Should she put her lips around it? Ally had told her men like that…
a lot
.

“Yes, yes, sweet. Just like that. Your touch feels so good. Ignite the fire within me.”

Zach put his hand over hers, guiding her, showing her how to touch him, how to find his rhythm. She had never imagined that a cock would have a rhythm, but it did, and it matched perfectly the throbbing inside her. Zach moved his other hand toward her breasts and tweaked a nipple. She jerked, sensation traveling like lightning from her skin inward, culminating in the warm spot between her legs.

“God, Sophie.” Zach gripped her hand on his shaft more tightly and slowed her down a bit. “This will be over all too soon if you go any faster.”

A wave of empowerment settled over Sophie. She had control over him—this large and dominant man. She could bring him to his knees with one thrusting stroke.

She smiled. As much power as he had over her, she held the same power over him. She had never imagined such. And she liked it. Yes, she liked it very much.

But something stopped her. She ceased stroking and looked up into his bronze eyes.

“Zach, are you serious about talking to my stepfather about courting me?”

Z
ach jerked
, the loss of Sophie's hand on his shaft tormenting him. What had she said? Something about speaking to her stepfather about courting her? Of course he was serious. How could she think he wasn't?

“Sophie, sweet, of course I want to speak to your stepfather. I just haven't had the chance yet, with getting the new production underway.”

Her beautiful cheeks reddened to that radiant raspberry he knew so well. “Of course. I didn't mean to imply that—”

“I understand perfectly, my love. You don't want to go any further until we are officially courting, do you?”

“Well, that's not exactly true. I do want to go further. I mean, we've already gone further than I ever anticipated I would without the sanctity of marriage. I just thought…if you are serious about our courtship…well, we should at least wait…”

Zach smiled. She was just so damned captivating. He wasn't used to waiting for a woman, but he had a feeling Sophie would be worth it.

“I'll tell you what. Why don't I escort you home. You can work on your music as instructed. And I will talk to your stepfather.”

“Oh… Well, of course that would be lovely, but I don't actually know if he's at home this afternoon.”

“Not to worry. I shall escort you home anyway, and if he is not able to receive me, I'll leave a message with the butler, and the earl can let me know when he is available to receive my call.”

“I suppose that will be acceptable,” Sophie said. “I do hope he is home.”

“As do I.” Zach winked at her. “I don't fancy waiting any longer to have you.”

Sophie's blush deepened. Clearly she didn't fancy waiting longer either.

“
T
hank you for seeing me
, my lord.” Zach faced the Earl of Brighton, who sat in a supple leather chair behind a large cherry desk. The walls were papered with velvet-edged burgundy, the molding a darker cherry.

“Not at all, Mr. Newland.” Brighton cleared his throat. “Do have a seat.”

Zach nodded.

“It's good you stopped by. I've been meaning to thank you for the kindness you've shown my stepdaughter, Lady Sophie. We are all excited about her singing debut in your production come midsummer.”

“She is quite a talent. In fact, it is because of Sophie that I need to speak to you.”

“I assure you that her mother and I support her performance inclinations. She is a lady of the peerage, but we feel that her talent for singing is paramount, and if she chooses to perform on stage, she should.”

Zach cleared his throat. “I'm very glad to hear you say that, my lord. All of us at the theatre are very happy to have Sophie join us.”

“Now, what is it that you want to speak with me about?”

“Well…first of all, how is Lady Alexandra doing?”

“It's good of you to ask, Newland. She's recovering nicely, though slowly. She did lose quite a bit of blood, but the doctor assures us at this point that she will make a full recovery as long as she goes slowly and doesn't overexert herself.”

Zach nodded. That was good news. It would make Sophie extremely happy, and he wanted Sophie's happiness above anything. “I'm very glad to hear that, my lord.”

“As are we all, Newland.”

Zach fidgeted a bit with his hands and then spoke. “I would like your permission to court Lady Sophie.”

The earl's eyebrows shot skyward. “I say, you wish to court Sophie?”

I thought I just said that.
“Yes, my lord. I have grown quite fond of her, and she has indicated that she would be amenable to my suit.”

“I see. Mr. Newland, you are a man of the theatre, not a gentleman of the peerage. We had hoped for a titled man for Sophie.”

“If I may be so bold, my lord,” Zach said. “Sophie's sister, Alexandra, married your own son, and he does not possess a title.”

“You make a good point, Newland, but remember, my son is still a gentleman of impeccable lineage.”

Impeccable lineage? The man obviously thought highly of himself. Impeccable lineage Zach certainly did not have. A father he never even knew and a mother who died when he was very young… What could he say? “I may not come from the type of lineage you wish for Sophie, but I assure you I care very much for her, and I would be able to support her.”

“You no doubt know about her dowry, do you not?”

Zach shook his head. “I did not know she had a dowry. It was my understanding that her father left her, her mother, and her sister penniless.”

“Yes, he did. However, I have given Sophie a substantial dowry of twenty-five thousand pounds.”

Zach forced himself not to jerk in the chair. Twenty-five thousand pounds? What magnificent things he could do with that amount of money. He had no idea that Sophie came with such an amount.

“That is generous indeed, my lord. I had no idea Sophie even had a dowry.”

“You're a smart man, Newland. Surely you don't expect me to believe that you didn't know about the dowry.”

“I assure you, I did not know. This is the first I've heard of it.”

The earl rose, walked from behind his desk, and stood next to Zach's chair. Lord Brighton was a substantial man and stood a few inches taller than Zach himself did. “I'm afraid I cannot accept your suit for Lady Sophie, Mr. Newland.”

Zach's heart fell. He had never imagined that Brighton would say no. “Please, my lord. Sophie and I are quite fond of each other, and I truly would like to get to know her better.”

“You'll have ample chance to get to know her while you're working together at the theatre. I know all about you, Newland. I know you have a girl in every port and you've had many mistresses.”

“That's absolutely not true!” Zach pounded his hand on the cherry desk. “I'll not deny that I've had my share of women in the past, but what young man hasn't? I've never kept any of them. I promise you that. I am serious about Lady Sophie, and I will again reiterate that I did not know about the dowry. I am asking only for courtship at this time, my lord, not for her hand in marriage. We must find out whether we suit together.”

Brighton shook his head. “I can discuss it with my wife. However, I'm not holding out much hope for you, Newland. We both want a better match for Sophie. Theatre management is by no means a sure thing these days. Your venture is still new, less than a year old at this point. What if we have an economic downturn? The first thing people will do is look for expenses they no longer need to have. Theatre tickets will be at the top of that list.”

“My lord, I have been in the theatre since I was nineteen years old. I'm now over thirty, and I not only manage my own theatre, I own it. I'll not deny that I've had benefactors in the past, but at this point, I am making it on my own. I have a good name in the theatre, and that is not going anywhere. We run only top-quality productions, and we have steered clear of the burlesque-type shows, even though they would be an easy way to bring in money to the theatre. I run a fine business, Lord Brighton, and I don't appreciate you alluding otherwise.”

Who did this man think he was? Zach was a perfect match for Sophie. He wanted to do this the correct way, but her stepfather wasn't letting him.

“I am making no such allusions, Mr. Newland. I am simply stating facts. Operation of a theatre is by no means a reliable income.”

Zach drew in a breath and paused for a few seconds, getting his bearing. “What will it take to get you to agree to let me court Lady Sophie?”

“As I said, I will discuss it with her mother.” Brighton held out his hand.

Zach reluctantly shook hands with the earl and then left the room somberly. What could he say to Sophie? She had been relying on him, and he had no doubt that she would refuse to see him after this. She wanted to do everything properly. She was a lady, and he didn't blame her.

Of course, they had done many things already…

He stole down the hall to the conservatory, where Sophie was practicing her music. She was bent over the pianoforte, her lips in a tense line, her forehead beaded with tiny balls of perspiration. She was plunking out notes on the piano and singing them, working through her pieces. Zach hated to disturb her and hated even more to give her bad news.

He gently cleared his throat.

Sophie looked up and smiled. “I didn't realize you were still here.”

“I was talking to your stepfather. He says your sister is on the mend.”

“Yes, the doctor thinks she will make a full recovery.”

“I'm very glad for all of you.” Zach fidgeted with his fingers, making a steeple of them and then lacing them together.

“I've been working through this music, Zach, and it's quite difficult. I hope your faith in me is founded.”

“I assure you I have complete faith in you, Sophie. You were born to play this role.”

“So are we formally courting now?” she asked, her eyes bright.

Zach sighed. “I'm afraid that…your stepfather has refused my suit.”

Sophie's lips formed an O. “He what? Why would he do such a thing?”

Because apparently I'm not good enough for you.
But Zach didn't say those words. “He feels we are too…different. That you, a lady of the peerage, would never be satisfied with a working man like myself. He feels the theatre is not a reliable income and that I would not be able to support you.”

“But it's what I want.”

“It's what I want too, Sophie, more than I ever thought I'd want anything. In fact, I didn't know exactly how much I wanted it until he told me I couldn't have it. You're unlike any woman I've ever known.” He'd never known any woman so beautiful who had no idea how beautiful she was. So talented and had no idea how talented she was.

Sophie's cheeks turned rosy, and she bit on her soft pink lips, turning them into a luscious raspberry color.

“I still would like to see you, Sophie, but if you say no, I will understand.”

“This doesn't change how I feel about you, Zach. You've shown me such… Oh, I can't even say the words.”

Zach lifted his lips into a small smile.

“Honestly, no man has ever paid me a lick of attention. Why my stepfather thinks that some gentleman of the peerage will come by and snatch me up, I couldn't tell you.”

“Then no gentleman has bothered to look beneath the surface and find the real you, Sophie. I feel I've scratched the surface, and I want to know you deeper, more intimately. I think I'm… I think we could have something special, beautiful.”

Her dazzling mouth dropped into an O shape again.

He could hold back no longer. He took her hands and pulled her up from the piano bench, wrapped his arms around her, held her close, and kissed her sweet pink lips.

Already, he was hurting inside his trousers. This woman affected him like no other ever had. So alluring and so naïve, yet open to exploring her sexuality. Clearly she'd never let another man take liberties with her. For some reason, she had allowed Zach to do so. He had no idea why, but he wasn't going to question it. He needed her. Whether her stepfather agreed or not, he was going to have her.

He dipped his tongue into her soft, warm mouth, drinking of her essence, partaking of her sweet honey goodness. When he needed a breath, he broke the kiss and nibbled across her cheek to her neck, down to the soft skin of her shoulder.

“Zach,” she said against his shoulder, “we mustn't do this here. Especially after my stepfather…”

“Please, Sophie,” he whispered against her earlobe. “Please say you'll agree to see me, even without your stepfather's approval.”

His heart was beating so wildly he felt sure she could feel it against her breast. What would he do if she refused? He couldn't even imagine it. She had become so important to him in so short a time. He still wasn't sure he understood why, but did it matter? She had something that drew him, that spoke to the very innermost chambers of the soul. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her.

“Please, Sophie. Please don't leave me.”