Page 44 of A Wicked Viscount's Stormy Affair
He absolutely had to break the spell before they really did lose their minds and they ended up doing something wild in the gardens. Something they could not take back.
“Perhaps we should head back,” Sophie gasped as her hands flew up to her flushed cheeks. It was clear that she was on the verge of losing her mind as well. “Before our absence is noticed.”
There were so many things George wished to say at that moment, but a thick ball of emotion had lodged itself at the base of his throat.
He could not say a word.
Instead he nodded and followed Sophie back to the party where the other guests were still playing games.
Fortunately, there was only one set of eyes upon them, which meant no one had really noticed their disappearance.
Unfortunately, the one person who was staring at them did not look impressed at all. He seemed positively angry, like he knew exactly what he had just witnessed.
Gregory.
Chapter 20
Everyone started to leave the party, but George was not going anywhere. Not while Sophie was still there. Ever since Gregory had spotted them leaving the tour of the garden together, he had not seemed keen to let Sophie leave the house which was troubling.
Surely, he had not seen them kissing? That could lead to some real issues. But he seemed to sense that something untoward had gone on, and that was enough.
Gregory did not need much to cause a scene.
George was incredibly worried about Gregory and his manipulation tactics. He knew how far his twin brother was willing to go to get what he wanted, and that could easily send George running again to escape the horrible consequences.
But George did not want to run this time. He could not even begin to imagine leaving Sophie behind, even if that was supposed to be the original plan. Just to take her away from his brother, to keep her safe, before returning to Sweden and the life he had there.
After that kiss, and the desire that had coursed through his veins as he held her beautiful frame in his arms, he was not sure that he wouldeverbe able to leave her behind. Even thinking about heading back home was like a powerful wrench in his heart. That wasnotsupposed to happen, but he could not seem to prevent it. She had gotten under his skin without even trying.
“So, do you think the party went well?” Gregory asked Sophie as she rose to her feet in a subtle hint that she was ready to leave yet again. “That is the first time that I have ever been responsible for holding an event all by myself.”
“Oh yes, it was just wonderful. Everyone had the loveliest time.”
George was just about to roll his eyes, when Gregory turned to him, as if he wanted his opinion. He sat up a little straighter to respond. “Yes, Gregory, you did a great job. I did not see anyone looking displeased through your party. I am sure the ton will only have positive things to say about you.”
Either Gregory simply missed George’s sarcasm, or he simply chose to ignore it, but he turned his attention back to Sophie and continued to monopolize her time. If he thought that George was simply going to leave, then he was very much mistaken…
“Oh my!” All of a sudden, George noticed the sky had started to darken somewhat. “It seems rain is coming.”
Relief flooded Sophie’s face as this was finally her excuse to go. “Well, I think I should get into my carriage before the rain ruins my dress.”
“I will escort you.”
Gregory did not hide his displeasure, but he also knew that there was nothing he could do anymore. He could not keep Sophie here with a storm brewing in the skies, so he had no choice but to let her slip through his fingers.
“Well, it was wonderful to have you here. I am grateful for your attendance.”
Sophie said a quick goodbye to Gregory and George did the same thing. He could feel his brother’s disdain as they bade farewell to one another. George knew that he had effectively ruined all of his brother’s plans for the day, but the coldness did not help them at all.
At this rate, there was no hope for them ever to make things right.
It already felt like it would be impossible, but George could not help but hold out just a little glimmer of hope. Even if it was now gossamer thin.
George felt a little tug in his heart as he waved goodbye to Sophie. There was still so much that they needed to say to one another, so much they needed to discuss, especially after that magical moment in the gardens. But they had to be careful, they needed to make sure they never connected in that way in public. Much as he wanted to keep Sophie away from his brother, he did not want to ruin her reputation, leaving her with no marriage proposals coming her way.
He forced himself to climb into his own carriage, to head back home. He knew that Sophie was going to be on his mind all night long, however. He was going to be dreaming about that kiss as he tried to sleep.
The rain came down quick and it came down hard. It lashed on the top of his carriage so much that George became worried. He did not like traveling in the wet weather, he knew the horses would not be happy and that could lead to accidents. He bolted up straighter in his seat as the sky began to rumble.
