Page 22 of A Wicked Viscount's Stormy Affair
The insinuation was that George did not have money. Perhaps Katherine was right, and he was a reckless rake.
Sophie was more than a little disappointed, but she tried to push that aside for the time being. She did not want to be sad with Gregory and her other visitors here. They had taken the time to buy her gifts to see her, and they deserved the best of her.
It was just a shame that she knew now for certain that George wouldnotbe coming to see her…
***
It had been a long morning.
Sophie had talked to so many people and accepted so many gifts that it had all become jumbled in her head. She could hardly recall who she talked about what with, and who had given her what gift and what it all meant. How she felt about each and every person.
Thank goodness it was all over, and she had finally met with everyone who wanted to see her.
Of course, George had not been one of them, but perhaps that was for the best…
Even if she did have a sunken heart now.
“Sophie, would you like to go out for the afternoon?” her grandfather asked her kindly, seemingly understanding that she needed a break from everything. “There is a rather fine exhibit on Africa in the London Museum that I have been dying to see.”
Sophie smiled and nodded. “Yes, that sounds absolutely lovely. I would very much like that.”
She would not have to think about everything while she was there, she could just forget about all these worries for a little while, to justbe, which was exactly what she needed.
Eagerly she got herself ready and she climbed in to the carriage with her grandfather and her father who had also decided to join them for an afternoon of fun. Thankfully, much to Sophie’s relief, neither of them asked any questions about all the gentlemen who had visited her today, so she did not have to explain herself at all.
The museum stood tall, grand, and looming over the streets of London. It was impressive, and as there were crowds entering the building, Sophie could only imagine what was inside. An exciting exhibition for sure.
Her grandfather climbed out of the carriage, followed by her father. Her father extended a hand to her, so she could climb down from the carriage without tumbling. She most certainly did not want to make a fool of herself in front of the ton.
Sophie and her family joined the queue and slowly made their way inside the building. There was so much chatter and gossip surrounding her that it took her far too long to realize that her father was trying to speak with her.
“Is that him?”
“Pardon?” she asked, trying to lean in closer to her father. “Is that who?”
“The gentleman from the ship? Lord George Harrington?”
As soon as Sophie heard his name, her blood ran icy cold. Could hereallybe here now after avoiding her all morning?
Despite the fact that she told herself that it was for the best, knowing that he might be in the vicinity made her heart race like crazy.
She paused for just a second, but soon continued to get swept inside. She was not as convinced as her father that George was here, but even the idea that she might see him had her on edge. It felt like her whole body was fizzing with excitement.
That was until she lay eyes on him, standing in front of a giant beautiful African vase.
She did not know if she should say anything. If she should just walk by him or not.
But she could not seem to help herself. She drew nearer to him like she was being pulled by a magnetic force, and she started talking rapidly. “Are you following me?”
When he turned to see her, Sophie was amazed by the way his face lit up with excitement.
He was clearly happy to see her as well.
Every fiber of her being reacted to this man. This was not a meeting she would forget or that would blur in to others.
There was no denying the effect that George had on her. It was overwhelmingly powerful.
“Oh no, I am not following you. I did not even know that you would be here. I just enjoy this museum and I have not been here since I was a young boy.”
