Page 25 of A Wicked Viscount's Stormy Affair
As their conversation progressed on to the most fascinating books that they had ever read, George could not seem to stop his hands from moving. Just a little. Every movement was subtle and discreet, not enough for the ton to pick up on, but he ached to feel her gorgeous silky skin. The parts of her that he knew he should not feel. Especially as he was never going to become her husband.
But how could he resist when she was just so beautiful and perfect? Sweet as well, and very charming. He could not stop himself from being lured in by her.
Dancing with Sophie only reinforced to George that he was doing the right thing. Ensuring she did not get trapped by his brother was the kindest thing that he could do for her, even if it left Sophie hating him too. Which she would, once she realized that he was only acting like he was serious about her…
Though in truth, maybe he was acting like he was not serious.
Either way, the outcome was the same.
They would have to part and that would be the end of it.
As the music came to an end, and they were forced to part because ofcoursethey could not share another dance together, George felt an intense tug in his chest. Just a small sensation compared to what it was going to be like when he finally did leave London to head back to his real life in Sweden.
It was truly going to be terrible.
Chapter 11
Sophie needed a break from the dance floor.
It was wonderful that so many fine gentlemen wanted to show her a good time, but her feet had grown tired, and she needed a little break. Plus, Sophie had spotted Katherine at the refreshments table, and she was dying to gossip and catch up with her friend.
So she took a break from her dance card and excitedly grabbed Katherine’s arm. “It is so lovely to see you again. How are you?”
“I am wonderful,” Katherine replied with a soft smile. “I did not know if I would get a chance to speak with you tonight. You have been quite in demand on the dance floor. Is there a gentleman here that you have not yet spoken to?”
Sophie giggled. “I am not sure, but I have to admit that I cannot recall the majority of the conversations I have had tonight. No one has really inspired much interest.”
“I would not say that is exactly true. You looked like you were having quite a wonderful time with Lord George Harrington. You did not stop laughing.”
Just hearing his name made her heart skip a beat.
She could not stop the fizzle of excitement from racing through her body as she thought about him. His smile, his voice, his laugh… she liked it all. It was as if he sparked an intense energy within her that she had never experienced with anyone else before.
“Yes, well I have to admit, he is quite charming.”
But Katherine’s face fell at Sophie’s words. “He may well be quite charming, but do not forget that he is rumored to be a rake who gambled all his family money away.”
That rumor again… Sophie did not like the way it made her feel. She could not imagine George doing such a thing. It made her uncomfortable to imagine the man that she had grown so close to doing such a terrible thing to those in his life.
She recalled the moment on the ship when she promised to be his friend in London, so she did the one thing that she knew a friend should do. She defended him.
“That is a rumor only, it is not true.”
“How do you know this?” Katherine insisted. “I do not wish for you to be fooled.”
Sophie swallowed hard before continuing. “Because he is a very successful lord in Sweden. One with many businesses and booming profits. There is no way a man like that would risk anything on a gamble. I believe that rumor started as mere gossip because people did not understand why he had left London. They never bothered to learn that he went for a business opportunity. One that would actually help his family.”
Sophie hoped that not only would Katherine believe these words, but that she would go on to let others know. George most certainly did not deserve to be treated as an outcast when no one knew for sure what he had done.
“Well, that is wonderful news, Sophie. I do not even need to question the authenticity of this because you are from Sweden. If anyone would know how successful he is there, it is you.” Katherine smiled widely. “And that is very good news for you, because he seems to have taken a very keen interest in you.”
Now that made Sophie’s whole body light up with delight. She felt like one of those candles, flickering in the breeze.
“How do you feel about him, Sophie? Is he someone that you like also? Because youdoseem to light up while you are talking to him. You do seem to enjoy his company.”
Sophie parted her lips, about to give her friend a very honest answer, but she did not get a chance to respond.
“Lady Dashwood… it is so good to see you this evening. May I have your hand for this dance?”
