Page 27 of A Wicked Viscount's Stormy Affair
That was the most honest that Sophie had ever been about her feelings for George, but it was actually very freeing to admit all of that. If her parents knew who had caught her eye, then maybe she would not need to bother politeness with other gentlemen at these balls.
Instead, she could focus on the one person who actually brought a smile to her face. The one person who listened to her and seemed to care what she had to say.
She watched her parents exchange a look. Her pulse pounded a little because she was a little nervous about how they would respond to this. Their opinions meant the world to her.
But her father beamed, and her mother nodded acceptingly.
“Whoever you chose to marry is your decision,” her mother continued. “But he seems like a very nice man, and I am sure that he will find a way to make you very happy. Just be patient, my love. Remember that true love is not always the easiest path to find, and it is always possible that there will be bumps in the road. But we trust you to do what is right for you.”
Her mother’s words warmed up Sophie’s heart and she allowed her imagination to run away with her. Knowing that George enjoyed reading as much as she did, made her wonder if that would make it easier to spend the rest of her days with him,ifthey were to end up married.
Would it mean they always had a lot to talk about? They could spend many a peaceful Sunday afternoon silently losing themselves in their own literary worlds by the fireplace, before then discussing what their reading had taught them that day.
She was starting to think that there was a reason he had been the one to save her, preventing her from plunging into the dark waters below, to her sudden death. George had been her hero because they were always meant to meet.
Perhaps because they were meant to be together forever…
Chapter 12
The bright sunshine streaming through her bedroom window woke Sophie up in a sweet and gentle way. Not that she necessarily wanted to wake up—considering she had been floating through the most beautiful dream ever. A dream where she was still dancing with George, talking and laughing with him, to a song that was never going to come to an end.
But as the heat washed over her body and she allowed herself to bask in the sun, Sophie found that she did not mind another day coming for her.
It was another opportunity to work out what her next step in life was going to be.
After lying there for a while, smiling to herself, Sophie finally rose from her bed and dressed herself for the day. She wore a sage green day dress which she hoped would be the perfect look for when she took a walk after breakfast. Sophie was feeling far too tightly wound to simply spend the day sitting indoors.
“Good morning,” she declared happily, the moment she spotted her father already seated at the breakfast table in front of a delectable looking spread. “What a lovely day.”
“Yes, your grandfather was just recommending that we take a walk in Hempstead Park,” her dad said. “The ton likes to make the best of a day like today, so who knows who we will see picnicking in the sunshine.”
That was a perfect idea. It fit in really well with Sophie’s plans for the day. And if she were to head to a place where the ton might be found, then there was a good chance that she would be able to see the man from her dreams for real.
It would be extremely wonderful to see George again this morning. Without the restrictions of music and dance, she might be given more time to speak with him, to learn more about his personality, and to see if her heart really was drawn to him most of all.
“I would love that. What a good idea, Father.”
“I will ensure that the kitchen staff pack us some lovely food to share there.”
“Will Grandfather be coming with us?” Sophie asked curiously.
“I think he wishes to stay behind with your grandmother today, to ensure she is feeling well. But your mother and I will come. I am very much enjoying introducing her to the ton.”
Sophie laughed. “I am sure Mother is enjoying it too. She has always enjoyed making new friends.”
“Yes, and the London elite very much like her too. Just as they seem to like you.”
Sophie grinned as she started to eat her breakfast, mentally planning how the day might turn out. If she spotted George, then she would make her way straight for him and see if he was keen to talk as well. She would try and work out if he had been thinking about her all night long, just as she had been him.
Whatever was to happen, it was certainly going to be an interesting day.
***
“Grandfather was right,” Sophie exclaimed once her and her family set foot on to the park. “There really are a lot of people here. It seems like everyone from the balls are spending the day here today.”
She had not been expecting this. Sophie thought that she might recognize a few faces, but it really did seem like everyone wanted to be there that day. Hempstead Park was the place to be seen. She was grateful to be a part of it.
As she glanced at her parents, she could see her mother already distracted and waving to someone she had met and befriended in England. It would not be long before her and her father got caught up in some long-winded conversation with new friends, leaving her a little bored. She wanted to see if her own friends were here before they settled into a picnic spot.
