A Prince For Sophie by Morgan Ashbury Read Free Book Online Page A

would have missed it. The change in her eyes was subtle. The warmth and joy spilled away, leaving unhappiness in its wake. It was starkly obvious, to him at least, that the comparison to her mother wasn’t one that Princess Sophie enjoyed. Pondering this, he took a sip of his warming drink and resolved to find out why.
    “Thank you, Uncle Eduard . To be compared to my mother, who was a truly beautiful woman, is always a great honor.”
    Before she could bolt, which he saw she wanted to do, Stephan turned his attention to his host.
    “Uncle Alex, I was wondering if you could spare Sophie for a couple of hours? I would so enjoy a visit to your farm to see your horses.”
    “You’re most welcome, Stephan, to visit the farm. Sophie’s time is her own, however.”
    This was exactly what he’d thought Alex would say. Since all three of them were looking at her with, he was certain, various degrees of expectation in their eyes, Sophie’s training as a consummate hostess surged to the fore. He’d counted on just that.
    “I would, of course, be delighted to accompany you.”
    “As long as you are both back for dinner. I’d like everyone, family and dear friends, there tonight.”
    “Of course, Uncle Alex. Perhaps we should leave now, Sophie? Michael was kind enough to lend me one of his cars, and it’s right out front.”
    She mumbled her good-byes to his father and her own, and he gave her absolutely no time whatsoever to reconsider the matter, or change her mind.
    “Is there a reason you have your hand on my arm?”
    “Because I am a gentleman and am escorting you?”
    “ Roué and railroading is more like it.”
    Stephan roared with laughter. The butler opening the door smiled as they passed. Despite her comment, she wasn’t pulling away, and Stephan took that as a good sign.
    Another servant opened the passenger door of the car for Sophie. Stephan hurried around the vehicle, got in, and turned the key.
    “Seatbelt,” he said as he put his foot to the gas. The gates swung open just in time.
    “You’ll have to tell me where to go.”
    “That is what I have been thinking.”
    Stephan laughed again, then said, “I meant, give me directions to the farm.”
    When they had left the city behind, he slowed the car, opened his window, and turned to her.
    “I’m curious. You could have excused yourself from coming with me. Why didn’t you?”
    “Because I think we need to talk. And I didn’t want to do that where so many people could overhear or interfere.”
    Stephan had it in mind that they were going to do a hell of a lot more than talk. But he shot her a grin and said, “I propose we engage in a nice vigorous ride first. Then we can talk.”
    The look she shot him was priceless, shock and affront and arousal all rolled into one. Likely, poor Sophie had never been so confused in all her life.
    “I meant on horseback.”
    “I’m sure you did.”
    He almost had the feeling that she not only understood him well, but that she agreed with him all the way.

Chapter 6
     
    Aside from her home, there were two places Sophie felt most at ease. The first was among children, especially the children who were in her charge at the orphanage.
    The second place was on horseback.
    Why did she not make more time for this ? Riding had been the first thing she’d loved of which her mother had approved. Since Nanny Celeste had never ridden, when she’d been brought here for her lessons, she’d felt free. Then later, as a teen, whenever she had needed to get away from the stifling atmosphere of the palace, she would come here to ride. Here she had always been able to relax and breathe.
    When Stephan stopped the car near the base of the stairs that led to the house, she opened the door and inhaled deeply. This is exactly where she needed to be, and she didn’t know what to think about the fact that it had been this man, largely a stranger to her, who had suggested it.
    “The stables are down that path, not far. I wouldn’t