Page 3 of A Wicked Viscount's Stormy Affair
But he was not sure that he would be able to take another meal in his quarters. He knew the captain preferred it when people ate with him, so for a change, that was what George was going to do. With a deep sigh, he edged off the bed and forced himself to examine his wardrobe so he could find his finest suit. If he was going to eat with the rest of the patrons aboard this ship, then he needed to fit in.
He used to love wearing suits. He always felt the most confident when he was dressed in his finest clothing, especially when he was around his father because it made him feel worthwhile.
It made him feelright.
And that was his main problem. He had done everythingright, just as he was expected to do, and it had gotten him nowhere. He had lost everything, including the respect of his father, through no fault of his own. All because…
No.He screwed his fists up angrily by his side as memories of the past threatened to consume him.No, I will not think about any of that. Not until I have to.
Returning to London was going to take him back to the past and everything that he had left behind. Everything that he so desperately wanted to forget. He loved his life when he was traveling, but he loved it even more in Sweden. He had set roots down there, and made a happy life for himself. He had everything that he wanted in Sweden… or nearly everything anyway.
It was not a life that he wanted to leave behind.
It was onlythe letterwhich was bringing him home.
The letter from his childhood friend, Matthew, letting him know that his father had unfortunately passed away, and urging George to return home for the funeral.
Matthew might not have known what happened all those years ago, and what sent George running for the hills, but he still seemed to understand that if hedidcome back, it would be difficult for him.
That was why he never responded to Matthew’s letter, because he did not want anyone to know that he was coming back. He also was not sure that he would have the courage to get on the boat. But he had, and it was not long before he would have to face everything.
It would not be for long, that was the main thing he had to remind himself. He would not be in London forever.
“I amnottoo happy about the food they have here…”
George would recognize that voice anywhere, especially when it was complaining. Gustaf was a grumpy lord who thought the world owed him everything. He did nothing but moan and smoke the Prussian Cigars that came from his homeland, which according to him were the best in the whole world.
“Oh, I do not agree with you there,” he heard Lord Edward Abernathy reply as the two men passed George’s quarters, just as he had cracked the door open. “I think they always have the best fish on offer.”
Edward could not have been more different to Gustaf, it was strange that they were friends. Edward was kind but boisterous. Always laughing. Perhaps that was why their friendship worked, because Gustaf could never bring Edward’s spirits down. No matter how hard he tried.
Unfortunately, the one person in George’s life that he was truly opposite to, was someone that he couldneversee himself getting along with.
His twin brother, Gregory.
“Ah, there you are, George.” His best friend’s voice snapped him back to reality. “I was wondering if you would finally make it to the dining hall aboard this ship. It truly is wonderful.”
George forced himself to smile for Sebastian, who was always sunny. “Yes well, I have heard the fish is very good.”
Sebastian laughed as he brought George inside and sat him down at a very grand looking table. The captain was at the other end of it, but Sebastian was too busy introducing him to the people sitting near them.
“This is Lord Heath Dashwood, Marquess of Gracemeadow, and Amelia Louise Anne Frederick, sister to the Swedish queen.” George nodded along as if he was drinking all of this in. “And this is their lovely daughter, Lady Sophie Dashwood.”
George could not ignore this person.
She was a stunning young lady whose regal appearance really struck him hard, making his heart pound like crazy.
Her long blonde hair, those piercing blue eyes, the dimples that popped up when she smiled… she was truly captivating. For the briefest of moments, she actually took his breath away. She may well have been the most beautiful woman that he’d ever been lucky enough to lay eyes on.
But he rapidly reminded himself that he could not look her way, or waste her time by talking to her. Not when he was a disgraced lord who would only bring him down with her.
George forced himself to snap his gaze away.
“It is lovely to meet you, Lord Harrington,” Heath declared in a friendly tone of voice. “I hope you are enjoying your journey to London as much as we are.”
“The journey is just fine, thank you very much.”
The trip over to London was never going to be an issue. It was going to be what faced him on the other side of the ocean that troubled him. The feud with Gregory that had probably gone on for far too long, and needed to end now. With their father gone, they did not have any other family. Only one another.
