Page 39 of A Wicked Viscount's Stormy Affair
As she said those words, it made Sophie realize just how truthful that was. She knew once her family got on that boat, they would not be returning to Sweden, but she had treated it more as an adventure at the time. But now it was real life, and that made it so much better. She really did want to be here forever, she felt like she belonged here.
“Well, it seems like youwillbe here all the time,” her grandfather chuckled. “If you decide to wed one of the many men who is trying to woo you.”
Sophie’s smile faltered a little. “Yes, I suppose you are right.”
He cocked his head curiously to one side. “Why do you seem unsure? It seems to me like you have as many options as your grandmother.”
“But how can I be sure that I will pick someone as wonderful as you?”
Her grandfather chuckled. “Oh, Sophie, I do not doubt that you are capable of choosing the right man for you. You have a very smart head on your shoulders. I am sure if you dig deep, you already know who it is you are most drawn to.”
Sophie felt her cheeks heat up as she bit down on her bottom lip. “I do not think I need to dig deep for that.”
“And I am sure he is drawn to you as well. How could he not be? You are perfect.”
Sophie giggled. “I do not know about that. I am notperfect, but I do hope that he likes me too.”
“Is it the gentleman from the battleship?”
Since her parents already knew about this, she saw no reason to hide the truth. “Yes, it is. What do you think of him?”
“Oh, I already like him very much. I think he is a fine gentleman. But is his home not in Sweden?”
“Yes. He does live in Sweden, but he is still here, and he has been attending a lot of the society events. It has me wondering if he will ever return.”
Although he did have his business there. He had only come for a visit, so maybe she was getting ahead of herself. Losing herself in the fantasy of him because it was what she so desperately wanted.
“It sounds to me, dear Sophie, that you need to have a talk with this gentleman, to find out where his heart lies too.”
That was easier said than done, since she had no idea where he was…
She smiled gratefully at her grandfather, despite the worries currently coursing through her veins. “Thank you for your advice. It means a lot to me to hear you say that.”
“When it comes to matters of the heart, you must trust yourself entirely.”
With those words still ringing in her ears, Sophie headed back inside, hoping that she might be able to figure out what she should do next. She hoped that she could think more clearly now about everything. Knowing that her family liked George, and that they were not swayed by rumors most certainly made it easier for her to feel the same way. Her mother and father had always been god judges of characters, which is why she typically followed their lead.
“Lady Dashwood…” But the footman caught her attention before she got all the way inside. “There is a package for you.”
Surprised, she took the parcel and retreated to her bed chambers to open it in peace. It was likely to be some flowers or another thoughtless gift from a gentleman who did not know her at all…
“Oh my!”
But much to her surprise, this was the parcel that could easily put all of her fears to rest. It was a letter, written in George’s lovely handwriting, letting her know that he was still in the country.
To my friend from the sea, I saw this postcard and thought of you. I look forward to seeing you again soon, Lord George Harrington.
Perhaps it did not explain why he had not attended the ball, but it gave her some much needed relief anyway. She thought he might be saving that explanation for when they next saw one another in person. Maybe he reallydidhave business to attend to, but Gregory was wrong when he assumed George would never have time for love.
For her.
At least now she knew that he was safe and sound, and still in the country. He had not left her without saying goodbye which meant her heart did not have to break. Not yet anyway, and the more that time went on, the more convinced Sophie became that her heart was not going to be broken by George. Not ever.
Examining the post card brought a delighted smile to Sophie’s face. This gift was even more touching than the book. The image was just perfect. A man and woman aboard a ship with a little dog running around their feet. It reminded her of the moment it really was just the three of them, in the rainstorm. The first moment they really truly met.
Sophie’s heart raced at the memory, especially now that she had all these feelings towards this man. She instantly recognized a spark of desire the moment he held her, and she thought he was incredibly handsome, but now he meant so much more to her.
She knew that she was falling for him.
