“I think you should make preparations to join me, regardless of the outcome with Miss Grant.”
“That is a cold summons, sir. You know I cannot just abandon Sophia.”
“I am sorry to say, you may not have a choice. If she rejects the idea of marriage, it would be wise to have something else to occupy your mind. Better to mend a broken heart in Italy than here, where you are constantly reminded of her.”
“There is no place in all the world where I could escape my feelings for her.”
Lord Carthige looked pointedly at him. “Yes, I imagine that is probably true.”
“Besides,” Tobias reminded him, “there is still the possibility of things ending well for us. I cannot see the path before me clearly, but I am determined to discover it.”
“All the more reason to plan for Italy. If Miss Grant chooses to elope, she will need that distance from her father. Allow the dust to settle, so to speak. I would not normally speak so flippantly of such a serious infraction against societal norms, but I see how these circumstances warrant the consideration of less-than-ideal solutions.”
Tobias did not like either scenario. There was pain, no matter what. All he wanted was to hold his darling Sophia and never have to leave her again. The price for love should not be this high. Why could they not be like other couples who met, fell in love, married—a thrilling spectacle enjoyed by all who observed? Why should her father withhold his blessing?
Tobias straightened suddenly.
Why, indeed?
“Uncle, would you excuse me awhile? I have a…”
“Letter to write? Of course you do. You are aware, I suppose, that the library will never be fully catalogued in my lifetime if I am the only one working at it?”
Tobias had the good grace to look ashamed.
“You have been more than patient with me. If you are willing to humor me a little longer, I will not only return to my task but may soon have the assistance of my wife to help us in our endeavor.”
“There is no need to sweeten the pot, Tobias. Just write to Miss Grant and let us get back to the work at hand.”
“Oh, it is not Miss Grant I am writing to. No, there is someone else who owes me a written invitation.”
Uncle Edmund raised an eyebrow. He shook his head and rolled his eyes heavenward. “I am reminded once again that I am not a young man. In many ways, I never have been. Youhave more energy and optimism than I have ever laid claim to, Nephew. I can only hope they serve you well.”
“They have not failed me yet,” Tobias called over his shoulder with a grin. Then he fairly skipped from the room.
Mr. Grant loved his children. Of that Tobias was certain. He just needed to remind the man of what love was supposed todo.
Chapter Twenty-Three
If her fathercould have called her into his study to stand, submissive, on the rug before him, Sophia was certain he would have done so. Instead, he loomed over her where she sat on the chaise lounge, Katie having been sent from the room.
“What have you to do with this?” he demanded, thrusting a paper toward her.
Sophia took the page, recognizing Tobias’s handwriting even from a distance.
Her father gave her no chance to read it before grumbling, “It’s unheard of. The audacity. He must have been encouraged.” He glared at her. “Well?”
“Give me but a moment, Father,” Sophia answered, rapidly skimming over the letter. And then, “Oh. I see.”
“Quite.”
“It is not, in fact, unusual for a neighbor to request a visit.”
“All our neighbors know better.”
“He is new to the area.”
“His uncle should have warned him.”
