Chapter 10

Guilt flowed through George as he recalled the moment that Sophie smiled at him. She had blushed lightly as he let her know that he may well be planning to stay in London for a while, to see what the English city could offer him.

He felt bad because he liked the way her smile made his heart flutter, because her eyes lighting up spread a warmth through his chest that he simply could not ignore, and because he wanted to get closer to her every time she talked.

He realized that while talking to Sophie, it was difficult for him to recall that this was all just a plan, and that he was doing everything that he could to woo her, to keep her away from his scoundrel of a brother. He got so lost in her beauty that everything else simply ceased to exist. It was as if they were the only two people left on the planet, and that was just fine.

But alone, all George could think about was how this was only going to create an even bigger divide between himself and his brother. As soon as Gregory worked out what he was doing, he would never forgive him. Perhaps they had not spoken in years, but deep down George had always hoped that would change. He had never wanted to accept the idea that they might never speak again.

He wanted a relationship with Gregory, that man was the only family he had left.

But right now, it was more important for him to save poor Lady Dashwood, who had no idea what she might be walking right into. He felt compelled to do this because they had built up a friendship, and he knew that Sophie did not deserve any of this. She was worth so much more. If saving it severed things with Gregory completely, well that was something George would be forced to accept.

Hard as it would be, he had to accept that it would not change his life too much. Gregory hardly spoke to him at all at that point.

George glanced at his reflection in the mirror, before straightening up his tie once more. He already knew that Sophie would be attending the ball of Lord and Lady Jones that night. It had come up in conversation while they were at the museum, so of course he was going to be there too. He would take any opportunity that he could to spend more time with Sophie, and to keep her away from Gregory.

He had also secured the first dance of the evening.

He had felt a little forward, asking if he could be the first name on her dance card, but she had seemed very keen. She had not even hesitated before agreeing. She even seemed a little thrilled by the idea. George felt like she wanted to dance with him first too.

George did not want to get too carried away with himself, but he felt like Sophie was drawn to him just as much as he was to her.

It is time to go, he told himself once he was certain that he looked the best that he possibly could. Time to dance once more.

It was a little funny to find himself heading out for another fancy London ball. He truly did not think he would entrench himself in the events of the ton. After the funeral, he had been planning to quickly board a ship home, back to Sweden, where he did not have to worry about being watched and judged by the elite of London.

Yet there he was, throwing himself into the middle of the social scene.

George headed outside where the carriage was already waiting for him, with Sebastian seated inside. Of course George found his social butterfly of a best friend very eager and excited to spend more time with his new friends and connections.

"You are looking rather dapper, George," Sebastian teased. "We are going to have so much fun this evening. I have heard that the Jones family throw the most lavish balls in the city."

George just about managed to resist the urge to roll his eyes. He would never understand why the ton had to waste so much money on these balls and parties, simply to show off and compete with one another. He was grateful that he did not have to deal with any of that in Sweden.

"Yes, I am sure it will be just marvelous."

"Well, since you have already arranged a dance with the lovely Lady Sophie, I am sure you are looking forward to that."

George tried his hardest to keep his expression stoic, so Sebastian did not see what was going on underneath the surface. "Yes, well I have to ensure that I make a good impression on her otherwise she might be charmed by Gregory."

"This is all for the plan," Sebastian chuckled. "I know that. You simply want her to fall in love with you, so she does not fall in love with your brother."

It did not matter how much George tried to hide what was really going on, it seemed like his best friend could see right through him anyway. But it did not matter, George was not going to make a mess of this. He was not going to get all caught up in his feelings for Sophie and complicate it.

He was only there to rescue her, nothing more.

"Oh my!" Sebastian's excitement grew as the carriage got them closer to the Jones' home. "Look at this. It truly is grand. I can only imagine what it looks like inside."

George was not as thrilled as his friend to see the building and the décor the Jones family had used to show off their wealth. He was already starting to feel a little overwhelmed by the amount of people heading inside. People who had likely heard all the terrible rumors that Gregory had undoubtably spread about him to explain his disappearance years ago.

He did not care to correct everyone, he would not be in London long enough for that to matter, but it was still very challenging to be surrounded by that.

If it were not for Sebastian already leaving the carriage to head inside, he might not have built up the courage to do so.

Oh my! George had to admit that he was more than a little stunned by the décor inside the ballroom. The candles flickered rhythmically, almost in time with the orchestral music, creating dancing patterns all over the art decorated walls. There seemed to be gold as far as the eye could see, which only highlighted the opulence of the gowns worn by the ladies in attendance.

But there was only one lady that caught George's eye. Her pale lavender colored dress instantly drew his gaze, as did the very pretty, complicated looking chignon styled in her hair.

Why did Lady Sophie have to be so heart-stoppingly beautiful? It made it so challenging for him to keep an emotional distance from her. All he wanted to do was race towards her and to embrace her gently in his arms, to claim her as his own in front of everyone in the room.

Luckily it was not long before the music took things up a notch, so he could make that fantasy somewhat of a reality.

"Good evening, Lady Dashwood," he declared as soon as he was within ear shot of her. "I am looking forward to our very first dance."

He bowed as he took her hand, and she curtsied in return. When their eyes met again, he could not help but notice that she was blushing once more.

They moved onto the dance floor and held one another in a way that was deemed appropriate by social standards. But George wanted more. All he really wanted to do was take liberties; he wanted to allow his hands to roam all over the bare parts of her skin that were on show.

"So, my friend," he said with a light chuckle, trying his hardest to take his mind off the urge to touch her. "Tell me more about yourself. I would love to know what you like to do."

"Ah, you are asking me about my hobbies?" Sophie smiled. "Well, I have enjoyed learning to crochet with my lady's maid back in Sweden, although I have to admit it is not one of my talents. I do not think it is something I am good at. Same with art. I went through a phase of desperately trying to learn how to paint, but I could never quite manage to make my work look like those of the great artists of our time."

George could not help but laugh. "I have a similar experience with the pianoforte. My mother truly wanted me to learn how to play, and I wanted that too. But my fingers simply would not do as I commanded of them."

"Now that is something I would love to see."

The musical sound of Sophie's laugh brought George to life. He felt as if she had injected something new and thrilling into him, which he simply could not get enough of. Talking to her was always the most fascinating time of his day.

To make her laugh again, he would play the pianoforte for her, even if he once vowed to never touch the ivory keys again.

"I of course have an interest in history," Sophie continued. "As I am sure you gathered from the museum visit the other day. But I would say my favorite pastime is reading. I truly love losing myself in the plot of a novel. Especially if I have something troubling me. It gives me some much-needed space from the real world and my problems. For a little while anyway."

George's brows raised. "Ah, I see. Now that is something we share, because I too enjoy reading. What is your favorite book?"

"I love anything by Sir Walter Scott," Sophie exclaimed excitedly. It was clear that she did not get enough time to talk about her interests, so she was going to take great advantage of that. "Waverly has always been a book I can go back to over and over again. How about you?"

"I cannot stop reading the books written by Charles Dickens. Especially David Copperfield and The Tale of Two Cities."

As their conversation progressed on to the most fascinating books that they had ever read, George could not seem to stop his hands from moving. Just a little. Every movement was subtle and discreet, not enough for the ton to pick up on, but he ached to feel her gorgeous silky skin. The parts of her that he knew he should not feel. Especially as he was never going to become her husband.

But how could he resist when she was just so beautiful and perfect? Sweet as well, and very charming. He could not stop himself from being lured in by her.

Dancing with Sophie only reinforced to George that he was doing the right thing. Ensuring she did not get trapped by his brother was the kindest thing that he could do for her, even if it left Sophie hating him too. Which she would, once she realized that he was only acting like he was serious about her…

Though in truth, maybe he was acting like he was not serious.

Either way, the outcome was the same.

They would have to part and that would be the end of it.

As the music came to an end, and they were forced to part because of course they could not share another dance together, George felt an intense tug in his chest. Just a small sensation compared to what it was going to be like when he finally did leave London to head back to his real life in Sweden.

It was truly going to be terrible.