“We need to speak.”
“Yes,” she agreed. She wasn’t sure what was happening tonight but she felt like her life was about to change. Whether or not for the better, she couldn’t be certain. But she had her own concerns to air. For although she did not believe she and Jack stood a chance of being together, how could she speak her vows to Edward when he and she both loved other people? To do so would be wrong. And when it came to Edward and Felicity, Sophia believed Jack to be the only person who might be able to help.
“This way,” Jack said once the dance had ended. He’d caught her by her arm and was guiding her toward a door at the opposite end of the room. He tried the handle and, finding it unlocked, ushered her into the dimly lit salon beyond.
“We can’t be in here alone.” Sophie pulled away from him and turned. “What if someone saw us sneaking away together?”
“No one did. I checked.” He crossed his arms and studied her. “Now come here, Sophia, so I may kiss you.”
“Jack, I…”
“Yes?”
Confusion and want collided. “What are you doing?”
“Being as forthright as I know how.” He unfolded his arms and moved toward her. “You and I have spent years hiding our feelings, playing pretend, and hoping things would sort themselves out in the end. But they won’t. Not unless we can be honest with each other, which I’ll admit may require some courage.”
She searched his eyes, the depth of emotion she found there so intense she caught her breath. “What are you saying, Jack?”
He raised one hand and cupped her cheek, the soft abrasiveness of his thumb sliding over her skin to produce a surge of warmth deep within. “I love you, Sophia. I’ve done so for years, but my father…” His jaw tightened and she saw him flex his fingers. When he spoke next, his voice was strained. “I left because of him, added distance and tried to force us both to stop dreaming of something impossible so we could face reality instead. It was stupid. Of course it didn’t work. And then I learned you were marrying Edward.”
“Only because I knew I could never have you.” Her eyes stung in response to his words. She felt a tear slide between her lashes. He brushed it aside with his thumb, then leaned in and kissed her. Not with overwhelming passion this time, but tenderly, as though he sought to give her comfort.
“I’m sorry for the pain I’ve caused you.” He leaned his forehead against hers and pulled her into his arms.
“You told me you wished I wouldn’t get married because at least then I could be your mistress.”
He took a deep breath. Released it. “I never said any such thing. You made the assumption that I would have said mistress rather than wife. My mistake was failing to correct you.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Because the situation was complicated. I didn’t want to give you false hope. But that has since changed. I’ve spoken with Edward and know now what I must do.”
“And what’s that, Jack?”
“Risk it all – everything – for the one thing that matters.” He leaned back and focused his gaze on her with forceful resolve. “My father won’t approve and neither will Society, but they can all go hang as far as I am concerned, because this is my life, my future, and I mean to spend every waking moment of it with you. If you’ll have me, that is. Marry me, Sophia, be my wife, and let me love you with all that I am.”
“But I…I mean… How would we manage to do so?” She blinked. “You said you spoke with Edward?”
“I did and he has given his blessing. He’ll even marry us in secret if that is what we wish. My thought was to procure a special license and get the deed done before anyone has a chance to protest.”
“That’s not a good plan.” She worried her lip. “Edward will be ridiculed if his fiancée marries another. Especially now that the first set of banns have been called. So will his parents, and after all they have done for me, I cannot treat them so thoughtlessly.”
“Officially breaking off the engagement will likely have a similar effect,” Jack said.
“Unless it became known that Edward’s heart was engaged elsewhere. If he were to form another attachment, then you and I would be free to marry immediately after without being criticized for it, I should think. Most people love a good romance. They also appreciate a good story of thwarting adversity. So they might be inclined to forgive and forget how the happily ever afters came about. Provided we play this right.”
Jack frowned. “Are you saying Edward would rather marry someone else?”
“Yes.”
“But who?”
She steeled herself for his reaction. “Your sister. Felicity.”
His mouth dropped open. Shock widened his eyes. And then, as if she’d just handed him the missing piece to a complicated puzzle, he said, “He never suggested any such thing. I wonder why?”
“Isn’t it obvious? Edward doesn’t think he stands a chance. Felicity is an earl’s daughter and he’s just a vicar’s son.”
