Now Sophie’s eyes flashed and she looked directly at her mother, who was, however, gazing at a spot on the far wall.

“You have insisted on wearing gowns that are little more than scraps of tissue. Your neglect of a corset must be obvious to all, and sometimes I have wondered if you are wearing a chemise. I have many times been embarrassed by your behavior, your flirtatiousness, if one can call it that. You have the chance of an excellent marriage here and I demand that you not ruin your prospects by encouraging the Earl of Slaslow to take liberties.”

Sophie could feel her heart beating angrily in her throat. “Are you implying that my behavior has been less than correct, Maman?”

“I certainly would say so,” her mother responded. “When I was your age, I would no more have dreamed of spending time alone with a man than I would of going to America. No man kissed me before your father. I knew my place and what was proper to my position. You, on the other hand, have shown no respect for the position to which you were born. You have consistently embarrassed your father and myself with your fast behavior.”

Despite herself, Sophie felt a curl of mortification in her stomach. “I have never done anything out of the proper, Maman,” she protested. “Everyone wears these clothes, and manners are more liberal than they were when you were my age.”

“I take part of the responsibility; I have allowed your extravagant escapades to continue, and I have overlooked many of your lapses. But now you are to be a countess, and what may possibly be overlooked as youthful spirits in a girl can never be done so in a countess.”

“What lapses? I have never allowed a man to take liberties with my person!”

“I know that chastity is an outmoded word, but it is not an outmoded concept,” her mother rejoined sharply. “Your constant joking and flirting makes you seem more accomplished than you are. In fact, Sophie, you have precisely the manners of a top-flight courtesan!”

For a moment Sophie stared at her mother in outrage, then consciously took a deep breath. “I have never done anything out of the proper, Maman,” she repeated firmly.

“How can you say that when Lady Prestlefield found you in the arms of Patrick Foakes, alone in a reception room?” her mother retorted. “When you chose to be indiscreet, improper, you were discovered by one of the most talkative women in all London.

“It would have been one thing if you became engaged to Foakes. But to be found kissing in a corner! You embarrassed me profoundly, Sophie. So I will tell you again—I forbid you to allow the Earl of Slaslow more than the most token gesture of affection. Any more of these heated embraces and your reputation will be ruined forever. Moreover, Slaslow will be justified in calling it off if he suspects your rackety nature.”

“Maman!”