Recaptured Dreams by Justine Dell Read Free Book Online Page B

Caterers clanked silverware while preparing the food. There were several distinct pops of champagne bottles. People chatting and gossiping. Sophia touched a hand to her already pounding head and reminded herself that the clothes she would see tonight would be worth it.
    Sophia had been excited to see the fashion designs at the charity event, but now, flanked on both sides by her mother and grandmother, her mood was glum. The four women made their rounds, greeting and kissing what seemed like a million people. Sophia glanced behind her at Anne Marie, praying her friend would save her from the rest of the evening.
    When her grandmother curled her fingers around her hand and led her to a tall, good-looking young man with a hopeful smile on his face, Sophia knew any saving would be impossible.
    “Sophia,” Elise said with her bright, aristocratic voice, “this is Evan Moore.”
    The dark-haired man bowed slightly and took Sophia’s outstretched hand.
    “His grandfather was your grandfather’s business partner. Our families have worked together for years.” She touched a gloved hand to her glossed pink lips. “Now that I think about it, I’m surprised I never introduced you two before now.”
    Evan smiled proudly, his dark gaze twinkling beneath the golden lights. “Well, I’ve spent the better part of that last eight years going through undergraduate at St. Andrews and post-graduate studies at St. Leonard’s. It’s hard work preparing to take over Father’s company.”
    Sophia didn’t miss the look of pride on her grandmother’s face.
    “There hasn’t been time for socializing,” Evan continued. “I’m a little out of practice.”
    He laughed deeply. It was all Sophia could do to not roll her eyes. Another one of those types.
    “It’s wonderful to meet you, Lady Sophia,” he said in a smooth voice as he drew her hand up to his mouth and kissed it lightly. His lips were moist and warm, but the touch made Sophia’s blood run cold. “Your grandmother has told me a great deal about you.”
    She slid her hand away. “Don’t believe everything everyone has told you,” she said in her most grandmother-approved voice.
    “Sophia, dear,” Elise replied. The warning was in her tone, even if Mr. Handsome Face didn’t recognize it. He just smiled with a gleam of interest in his brown eyes.
    “Not to worry,” he countered. “I’m sure Lady Sophia is merely shy and unaware of her accomplishments. Or her beauty.”
    That earned Evan an airy chuckle from Sophia’s grandmother. Sophia did her best to hide the unease in her breathing.
    “Well,” she said after several silent seconds. “Thank you. I should be finding my seat; dinner will be soon.”
    “Of course,” Evan said in that same unshaken tone. “I’ll be sure to seek you out after dinner. That is, if you don’t mind.”
    Sophia opened her mouth to protest, but her grandmother’s hand had found her wrist and gave it an uncomfortable squeeze.
    Sophia plastered a smile on her face. “I would like that.”
    “Good. See you then.” Evan gave a quick grin, nodded, and walked off.
    Sophia could only frown. Evan was attractive, and he seemed nice enough. But Sophia was as sure as the grass was green that he was no different than any other man her grandmother and mother had set her up with. Handsome, charming, and rich, with their wicked smiles and good jobs, the men were just like her grandmother in a five-piece suit. They cared about themselves, their image, career, and lifestyle more than they cared about their wives.
    All the men Sophia had been set up with wanted an attractive, proper lady on their arm. They wanted not a life partner but a silent wife who supported her husband on every front, no matter what it was. Opinions were something the women weren’t necessarily expected to have, let alone share. The men, of course, wanted them to be faithful and giving in every way. But the men themselves? Sophia had seen too many devoted wives turn a