Sophie's Halloo Read Online Free

countenance. She gave Sir John a hardy slap on the chest, which nearly knocked him into the passageway.  “Of course, I am, you impudent dog! There is more to life than fox-hunting, you know, though I miss it, of course. And as long as that cur of a doctor don’t tell me otherwise, I aim to enjoy it.”
    Lady Corby, fearful that an exchange of brotherly blows might lead to some breakage in the hired furniture, hastily suggested that they sit and chat. Surprisingly, they seemed to have no objection, so she breathed a sigh of relief. Then no more than a few moments passed before brother and sister were deep in discussion of the losses to Sir John’s stable that year.
    Sophie listened with only half an ear, letting her mind roam as she usually did during such discussions.  Her thoughts over the past day and a half had tended to dwell on their host at the Black Swan. Her curiosity about him had only increased, and she wondered if she should see him again. But her mental wanderings were interrupted suddenly by the sound of a knock at the door, and presently the butler entered to announce a visitor. It was Sir Tony.
    He strolled into the sitting room with that attractive ease Sophie had noted in him, tipping his beaver off and into his hand with one swift, graceful movement of head and wrist. Then resting with one hand on an elegant cane, he paused and scanned the room briefly before giving them all an engaging smile. Sophie’s eyes widened, and she smiled shyly as Lady Corby rose to her feet to greet him.
    “Sir Tony,” she said in her gentle, welcoming way.  “How kind of you to call on us so soon. However did you find us?”
    He answered her readily, “I took the liberty of making a few inquiries about the square, Lady Corby.  It was not really difficult. I hope I do not come before you are ready for visitors.”
    “No, no,” she said. “Please do come in.”
    Sir John by now had risen to his feet with less than his wife’s enthusiasm. “Farnham,” he said, nodding briskly. “Let me make you known to my sister, Mrs. Brewster.”
    He started to extend his hand to Aunt Sadie, but she spoke quickly, “There is no need, John. I already know Sir Tony, though I did not know that you had made his acquaintance. What brings you here, you sly rascal?”
    Lady Corby was rather startled by this familiar form of address, but Tony just grinned. “Why, I had hoped to find you here, Miss Sadie. I was fortunate enough to meet your brother and his family on the road, and I fancied I detected a resemblance.”
    Sadie scoffed, and Lady Corby could only be glad that her sister-in-law was not near enough to give Sir Tony one of her cuffs on the chest. “That is just like your impudence! More like you came hoping to see my niece. You may wipe that silly grin off your face. You are not a villain in the hen house, you know.”
    But Tony only grinned wider and turned to speak to Sophie, who was beginning to feel rather left out of his greeting. “I will confess,” he said. “I am delighted to see Miss Corby in such fine health. Good day to you, Miss Corby.”
    Sophie was not used to gallantry, but she managed to smile without lowering her eyes. A dimple appeared briefly on one cheek, and Tony was gratified to find that she was interested enough by his coming to appear more alert than at their first meeting. He noticed, too, that the brighter light of day did nothing to diminish the tempting lure of Sophie’s dimples.
    Lady Corby invited Tony to sit down, and he placed himself diplomatically near the elder ladies. Before long, Sir John had resumed his lament over the losses to his stable.
    “I lost Dolly this year, Sadie,” he said. “I had meant to write you, but couldn’t bring myself to put it to paper. Knew you would be upset.”
    “What happened?” his sister asked with evident dismay.
    Sir John shook his head sadly. “Lost her flat out beneath me. It was a long run, near on two and three-quarter hours. Just too much