“He’s gentry, though, and the Fenmores are respectable people. My parents have always spoken highly of them.”
“But would they approve a match between Felicity and Edward?”
Jack firmed his lips. “I’ll do my best to ensure it, though doing so may be easier if he’s no longer attached to you. Sophia, you’re absolutely right to formally break things off with him. It must be done. For everyone’s sake.”
“And if I do, you’ll marry me?”
“In a heartbeat.” He hugged her tightly before seeking her mouth with his own. His hands drew her flush against him, molding her to his more solid frame. Unlike the previous kiss, this one was fierce, hungry, and full of promise.
“You won’t mind facing your parents’ condemnation?” she whispered while pressing her cheek to his chest moments later. “I fear they’ll be angry with you for throwing your future away on me.”
His hold tightened and she felt his chest vibrate in response to a growl. “Like I said, I don’t care if they disapprove. You’re the woman I want – the woman I choose – and nothing is going to stand in my way of winning you any longer.”
Comforted by his fortitude and slightly awed by it too, Sophia leaned back and smiled at him with all the love she held in her heart. “Then I must speak with Edward.”
8
While Sophia workedon undoing her attachment to Edward during the following days, Jack decided to have a heart-to-heart conversation with Felicity. However, it had been nearly impossible for him to seek her out in private since the assembly hall dance, during which it appeared she’d attracted Viscount Cumberland’s and Mr. Irving’s interests. The two men had practically been glued to her ever since.
So Jack eventually decided to knock on her bedchamber door one afternoon while everyone else enjoyed an afternoon nap. It took a moment before she admitted him, her expression one of surprise when she saw who had come to call. “How out of the ordinary, Jack. I rather expected Kaitlin, Mama, or one of the maids.”
“I hope I’m not disturbing your rest?”
“Not too much. I was working on a drawing if you must know.”
“I see.” He glanced beyond her shoulder and spotted her sketchpad on the bed. Returning his gaze to hers he asked, “May I come in?”
“Of course.” She moved aside and he stepped past her. The door closed with a soft click. Once he knew no one else would overhear, he turned toward his sister and said, “I’ve asked Sophia to marry me.”
“What?”
“Perhaps you’re not aware, but the fact is, I’ve loved her since forever, and when I learned I might lose her I—”
A squeal of delight cut him off and then Felicity’s arms were around him, squeezing him with all her might. Good grief. He coughed and sputtered, prompting her to release him.
“Sorry, Jack. I’m just so incredibly pleased.”
“I thought you might be.” He met her gaze evenly. “Especially since this means Edward won’t be getting married either.”
Felicity sucked in a breath and spun toward the window. Her fingertips pressed into the pane of glass as she stared out across the barren winter landscape. “What are you implying?”
“I think you know.”
She swallowed, appeared to straighten herself, and finally faced him. “He doesn’t feel the same way about me or he would have said something. At the very least, he would not have asked Sophia to be his wife.”
Her eyes, which had grown watery as she spoke, spilled over. She sniffed and averted her gaze once more, clearly embarrassed by her lack of composure.
Jack pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her. “There’s a good chance he’s as big an idiot as I am.”
“Pardon?” She dabbed her eyes and blew her nose.
“I didn’t tell Sophia how I felt either, mostly because I tried to ignore the yearnings of my heart. Instead, I made some drastic decisions which could have had serious consequences on all of our lives.”
“You should have fought for her when you realized you loved her. I’m sure Papa and Mama would have given their blessing. After all, they’ve welcomed Sophia into our home since that one time when Kaitlin and I invited her over to see our kittens. We met during Sunday tea at the vicarage after church, if you will recall. I don’t think Kaitlin and I were older than four.”
“I remember it well.” Seating had been limited so his sisters had sat in his lap. Until they’d scampered off and hidden beneath the table with Sophia. No one had minded. In fact, the adults had all pretended there was nothing amiss. “However, this realization of mine has been rather recent. Struck me like a punch to the face if you must know. And Papa will not give his blessing. Right before I left he said…”
Felicity tilted her head in question. “What?”
