They’d wanted her to have passion and respect and love. The kind she could have had with Reese.

“If I may interrupt the festivities for a moment,” Charles announced loudly, “I’d like to make a toast.”

The room immediately quieted, and every head swiveled toward the handsome marquess.

“I apologize for keeping you in suspense all evening,” he said with the sort of self-deprecating charm that made several ladies titter. “But I do hope you’ll agree with me when I say that the happy news will have been well worth the wait. It is with great pride and pleasure that, at long last, I can officially announce my engagement to my lovely fiancée … Miss Kendall.”

Dear God. A chorus of cheers and a smattering of applause rose above the crowd as every person in the room turned to stare at Sophie. Her limbs froze and her body turned to ice so brittle that one tap would have left her in shards on the parquet floor.

Charles cleared his throat and continued, “Miss Mary Kendall.”

The ballroom erupted in a mix of disbelieving gasps and shocked exclamations.

Sophie thawed and gave her sister’s clammy hand a reassuring squeeze. “Go to him,” she whispered. “All will be well.”

Mary sheepishly joined Charles and accepted the arm he offered. Her demure smile and timid behavior created a stark contrast to the passionate scene in the library, but Sophie was delighted to know that her normally reserved sister had a wild side. Who knew? Perhaps she’d even join the Debutante Underground one day.

All around Sophie, the ballroom exploded in a cacophony of clinking glasses, effusive cheers, and excited murmurs. As well-wishers swarmed the dais, she hurried to her parents, who stood just outside the throng, each wearing the distinctly confused expression of one who bit into a tart thinking it was raspberry only to discover that it was, in fact, marmalade.

Mama reached for Sophie’s hand, patting it consolingly. “I don’t understand what’s happened, my dear, but I’m certain your father will set it to rights.”

Papa grunted. “I’ll not let Singleton toss you aside like this,” he said firmly. “Even if it is for my other daughter. It isn’t right.”

Sophie hugged each of her parents in turn, warmed by their devotion. “Everything is exactly as it should be,” she assured them. “Mary cares for Lord Singleton and is delighted by the arrangement. He’s warmed to the idea as well. I think they’re going to be very happy together.”

“But what about you?” Mama asked. “This must have come as quite a shock. I do hope you’re not heartbroken.”