Page 14 of A Wicked Viscount's Stormy Affair
“There are papers that must be signed, yes?” George said instead. “Shall we get that done now, while I am here.”
It seemed meaningless now. Gregory was going to sign his inheritance papers to get what he had clearly wanted his whole life, to officially be the new viscount, and it was worth nothing.
But the process happened anyway.
George could hardly believe it, but he watched his brother sign the papers, then he did the same, before the solicitor left them alone to adjust to their new reality.
“What do you plan to do?” George demanded as he rose to his feet. “How are you going to overcome the debts?”
Gregory waved this question away as if it was nothing. “I have a plan, you do not need to worry about that.” Gregory headed towards the door, ready to get back to the other guests who had attended the memorial party. “I am simply going to find a very wealthy lady to marry this season.”
George could only watch as Gregory stalked off, leaving him behind with only worry in his heart. He wanted to head back to Sweden immediately because there was nothing left for him here in London, but he also was not sure how he could leave knowing that Gregory was still the irresponsible fool that he had always been. He did not want his family name dragged through the mud by Gregory, but now there was nothing he could legally do about it.
Chapter 6
“Are you enjoying London?”
Sophie could hardly contain herself as her grandfather asked her this question. “Oh my! It is awonderfulcity. I truly love it. I cannot believe that this is my first time here, it feels like home.”
She enjoyed the city and the sights. The unique shops on offer were nothing like the ones in Sweden. The people seemed incredibly friendly and welcoming as well. But best of all for Sophie was spending time with the grandparents she had never been lucky enough to meet before.
The Gracemeadow Estate was a glamorous testament to who they were as people. Their wealth showing in the art work hanging on the walls and the exotic trinkets on every surface.
“Well, as you know, your grandmother and I have loved having you here too. You have been quite the breath of fresh air for us both.”
Sophie beamed brightly. She knew that they had come to London to care for her father’s mother, but she seemed to be improving day by day just by having her family close to her. To Sophie, it was a sign that they should have moved here so much earlier on.
And not just because her grandfather had just taken her shoppingagain, allowing her to purchase whatever she wanted. Dresses, jewelry, books… anything at all, as if they felt like they had years to make up for.
“Are there any more stores you would like to visit?” her grandfather asked. “Perhaps to visit the modiste for another ball dress?”
Sophie shook her head gratefully. “I think I have plenty of gowns. I am ready for the Season when it comes.”
She could not wait. To finally be at one of the infamous London balls where she could dress up in her finest, loveliest gown and be swept off her feet by some of the most handsome gentlemen that the city had to offer. That was a dream that she kept on having, one that would soon become her reality.
“Well, the Thompson’s will be holding their ball to kick off the season at the end of the week, so I want you to be ready.”
Her grandfather smiled at her with a cocked, knowing eyebrow. Sophie knew that she probably did not need any other dresses, but she could not resist the temptation. She had not yet explored the modiste’s store on this street and she could not wait.
“Alright, let us just take a look in this one last store,” she giggled. “See if they have the perfect gown in here. Then we shall go home.”
Her grandfather agreed eagerly. It was obvious that he wanted to spoil Sophie as much as he could, to ensure that she really did have everything that she needed to tackle this season. He probably wanted to ensure that she found the right man in London and wanted to stay forever.
Although Sophie was already in love with the city, so she did not need a man for that…
***
Sophie sighed and twirled around as she held one of her new dresses up to her chest to see what it might look like. She was grateful that her grandfather had suggested just one more store because the dress designer in there had been really special. The detailing on these beautiful gowns was just wonderful. She could just envision herself stepping out into London society officially, and letting herself be known by the ton at long last.
She could also imagine the eyes looking back at her.
Eyes including the hazel ones she had seen on the ship, pulling her from her doom, rescuing her.
Sophie’s heart raced as she thought about George, as it often did. She had not let that gentleman slip from her mind even in the whirlwind that had been London. Especially when she was alone in the evenings, after yet another wonderful dinner at the Gracemeadow Estate.
That was when she started recalling the touch of his hand as he grazed against her, and the chocolatey richness of his voice.
He had asked her to be friends with him, here in the big city. She had no idea what that really meant, but it still left her very keen to see him again. She prayed that he would also be at the Thompson family ball so their paths would cross once more.
