This was ridiculous. “I am sorry to say that I cannot,” he replied, watching Charlotte’s enchanting profile. Surely a tiny sigh escaped her lips when he said that?

Sophie looked a silent question.

“I have been informed by my man that if I do not make my way to Guthrie’s this afternoon he will leave my employ, and that would never do.”

Sophie giggled.

“You see the problem, don’t you, Lady Sophie? I would be vexed beyond all bearing if Keating decided to leave me. Ah, the life of a dandy. Guthrie will take all afternoon to fit me for one coat, and then it will take all evening for me to shrug myself into another one, and a good two hours to achieve a proper waterfall with my neck scarf.” He sighed deeply.

Despite herself, a small smile curled around Charlotte’s lips. She stole a glance at Alex. His coat was close-fitting but by no means could it promote him as one of the dandy set.

“Alas,” she said sweetly, “I fear that with such a low collar as the one you are sporting today, sir, and such a plain neck cloth … dear, dear. Indeed you must rush to Guthrie’s establishment. I would recommend some lemon-yellow pantaloons.”

“My goodness,” Alex said appreciatively, bending dangerously close to Charlotte and looking straight down into her green eyes. “Do you know, I believe you are the very first young lady who has had the temerity to mention my unmentionables, let alone criticize them?”

Charlotte flushed slightly. It was true. No proper lady would be caught discussing pantaloons in the company of a gentleman. Alex stared down at her, his eyes burning into hers. Suddenly his horse tossed his head and he reined back sharply in order to avoid bumping into Charlotte’s mount.

Sophie noticed with satisfaction that if Charlotte had turned pink, Alexander Foakes also seemed to be a little overheated. Alex met her eyes, and a rueful smile touched his lips for a second. The man could not be impotent, Sophie decided. In fact, she was going to do everything in her power to further a marriage between her closest friend and this particular earl.

“Charlotte and I were just discussing the Shakespeare play we see tonight,” Sophie said airily. “King Lear, I believe. Are you familiar with the play, sir?”

“I am much looking forward to seeing Kean in the role,” Alex replied, his smile turning into a positive grin.

Charlotte turned her head from Sophie to Alex, a rather bewildered look in her eyes. She wasn’t even aware that the two knew each other. Sophie had been at home most of the week; when had they become so friendly?