Air whooshed from his lungs. His heart seemed to stumble. Because there she was, exactly as he remembered her and yet so very different.
Jack blinked. When he’d last seen her he’d become aware that she was maturing, growing up and turning into a woman. Apparently this transition had since been completed. There were curves now where there had been straight lines before. High cheekbones had replaced the plump features she’d had during adolescence. Even her dark blonde hair looked more vibrant, her lips a deeper shade of rose. And then her gaze swept toward him, herbright green eyes shimmering with a mixture of joy, familiarity, and something else he couldn’t quite place.
He started forward, drawn to her as if by some unseen force. Her smile deepened and his heart thumped hard against his chest.
“Sophia,” Felicity said, intercepting Jack’s path as she rushed to greet her friend. “I’m so glad you came.”
“I did say I would,” Sophia told her, and now Kaitlin had approached as well, blocking Sophia completely from Jack’s line of sight. He frowned, but continued his approach, undaunted.
“And Mr. Fenmore,” Felicity said. “I trust you are well?”
“Indeed,” Edward replied. “Thank you for inviting us.”
Jack reached the small group at the same time as his parents.
“Miss Fenmore,” Mama said. “And Mr. Fenmore. You’re most welcome.”
Papa seconded the sentiment and then it was Jack’s turn to offer his greetings. “It’s good to see you again, Edward.” He kept his gaze on his childhood friend for an extra second before allowing it to slide across to Sophia. “Miss Fenmore.”
He wanted to say something else – to offer a compliment or…something. But as his eyes locked with hers, all sensible thought disappeared, and he could not for the life of him form a coherent sentence. So he just stood there like an imbecile – the most famous flirt in London, a reputed rake, reduced to a blithering fool on account of a woman.
A tight smile was all he could manage.
Sophia broke the gaze, effectively cutting him loose and sending him reeling as she gave her full attention to everyone else. “We’re thrilled to be here. Especially since it gives us a chance to share our wonderful news with you directly.”
Jack frowned. Why was she speaking as if she and Edward were one singular unit?
“You see,” Sophia added with a glorious smile directed at Edward. “Mr. Fenmore has asked me to marry him, and I have accepted.”
Exclamations of joy mixed with congratulations and squeals of excitement ensued, the cacophonous sound churning the air until it became a roar in Jack’s ears. He stood as if paralyzed, not entirely certain of what he was feeling, though one distinct sensation did fill him, namely that of defeat.
“Come,” Mama said. “Let me introduce the two of you to the rest of our guests.”
Jack balled his hands into fists as Sophia and Edward moved off with his parents. He couldn’t breathe. The air entering his lungs didn’t seem to be working.
“Are you all right?” Kaitlin asked.
Somehow, in spite of the numbness, he managed a nod.
“You look a bit pale,” Felicity said.
Jack turned his head toward her. “I need a drink.”
“I’m so happy for Sophia and Edward,” Felicity said, ignoring his comment. “It’s about time they realized how perfect they are for each other.”
Jack clenched his jaw. He couldn’t wait to go hunting tomorrow. As of right now, he had an absurd need to shoot something while envisioning Edward’s head.
“I quite agree,” Kaitlin said as she and Felicity strolled away. “And winter weddings can be so romantic.”
Jack gnashed his teeth and turned to the sideboard. A tall glass of brandy was in order. Right now. He poured himself a good measure and downed it, then poured himself another. Heat swept through him, easing some of the tension in his muscles.
As if by instinct, he glanced toward Sophia and Edward. They were conversing with Mr. Madsen and Mr. Dover while Cumberland, Irving, and Lambert kept Kaitlin and Felicity company.
Jack frowned. He took another sip of his drink and pondered the strong reaction he’d had upon learning Sophia and Edward were going to wed. It had felt like a blow to his skull, as if the predictable world he was used to had come crashing down around him. It felt…wrong. Sophia and Edward. He shook his head. His gut strained as if it wished to revolt against an unfavorable food. They couldn’t be serious, could they?
And why the devil did he suddenly care so much about what Sophia decided to do with her life? What did it matter if she married Edward? It wasn’t as if he wanted her for himself. Was it?
Of course not.
