Page 8 of A Wicked Viscount's Stormy Affair
The poor dog was shaken up by the whole experience, barking pitifully as she did what she could to dry him. Sophie had stopped realizing that she was cold as well because she was so concerned about her dog. She stopped shivering, worrying only about him.
It was only when her mother banged on the door, demanding to know that she was alright, that she realized how affected she was.
“I am fine, Mother,” she called back, actually a little glad that the door would not open because she did not wish to be seen again in this state. “Just climbing into bed now, trying to get some rest.”
“Well, keep warm, alright? And we will see you in the morning.”
After tucking Douglas under a blanket to make sure that he was warm enough, Sophie peeled her own night dress off too, needing to change in to a completely dry one if she was to hope to get any sleep for the rest of the night. Although again she found herself wondering if that was possible.
Now, she could not stop thinking about the man who’s face she had only really seen in the flashes of lightning as he dragged her to safety.
The man who her father had calledLord George Harringtonas if he really knew him.
Perhaps that really was someone that she had met before, but she could not place him before that very moment. The intensity of his handsome eyes as they locked on hers and the way his strength seemed unmatched as he tugged her upwards, saving her from an untimely death. That was a look that she would never forget for the rest of her life.
She had not even had the chance to thank him. Not really. She wanted to let him know that she would never forget him, and that she would always be grateful to him.
Perhaps in the morning she would be able to seek him out; to speak with him.
She climbed into bed and pulled the sheets up to her chin, shivering as the cold washed over her. Every time the curtain blew up, she was given a glimpse of the ocean. That was a sight she had enjoyed when she first climbed aboard, but now it filled her with dread. Knowing that she could be in that water, left behind as the boat kept on aimlessly traveling without her, was just too much.
Sophie had to spin on to her stomach, to press her face into the pillow so she did not have to see it again.
It was not long until Douglas was tucked underneath her arm to provide her with comfort and warmth, and most likely to keep himself safe from any more terrible noises that might occur if the storm were to continue.
Chapter 4
This is it,Sophie thought to herself as she stood in front of the mirror, checking out her reflection.The last day of the journey to London.
It was strange now that all she could see in her reflection was the present moment, not what was to come. She could not even begin to imagine what life would be like in London now, she was stuck firmly on being the girl who almost fell overboard last night, and was rescued byhim.
By the man who had been on her mind all night long, dancing in her dreams when she did manage to sleep.
I am going to find him,she told herself eagerly, smiling at her reflection.And do what is right.
She needed to thank him, to make him understand just how grateful she was. She had to ensure that he took something from her family, so she was not stuck in a debt of gratitude forever. He might have refused payment from her father last night, but that did not change a thing.
He was probably in shock as well.
The whole incident must have thrown him off kilter, so maybe today he would be thinking much straighter, and he would be happy to take a well-deserved payment.
“Oh, Sophie, you still look a little pale this morning. Shall we see if there is a physician on board who can take a look at you? Me and your father have been worrying all night long about you.”
“Well Douglas and I are quite alright.”
Her mother pursed her lips together. “You know, you do not always have to chase after that dog, especially if he is doing something silly. You should have woken up your father and I, we could have helped you. I do not like the idea of something bad happening to you. Last night… well, it could have been terrible had it not been for Lord Harrington.”
“I know, Mother.” Sophie didnotneed reminding. “But I would not leave Douglas to be hurt either. I do not know what I would do without him.”
Her mother just about resisted the urge to roll her eyes, but Sophie felt it none the less. She was always saying that Sophie spoiled her dog, as if Douglas did not deserve it.
Well, she was never going to change anyway, so it did not matter what anyone else said.
“Well, it is time for breakfast, is it not?” Sophie asked brightly, trying to change the subject. “I am quite looking forward to eating this morning.”
Sophie did her best to ignore the way that her mother and father exchanged alook. She already had too much on her mind, she did not need to have their stresses piled on top of her as well. Right now all she needed to do was get to the dining hall so she could seek out her savior and have a chat with him.
That was the most important thing.
