Chapter 20

Everyone started to leave the party, but George was not going anywhere. Not while Sophie was still there. Ever since Gregory had spotted them leaving the tour of the garden together, he had not seemed keen to let Sophie leave the house which was troubling.

Surely, he had not seen them kissing? That could lead to some real issues. But he seemed to sense that something untoward had gone on, and that was enough.

Gregory did not need much to cause a scene.

George was incredibly worried about Gregory and his manipulation tactics. He knew how far his twin brother was willing to go to get what he wanted, and that could easily send George running again to escape the horrible consequences.

But George did not want to run this time. He could not even begin to imagine leaving Sophie behind, even if that was supposed to be the original plan. Just to take her away from his brother, to keep her safe, before returning to Sweden and the life he had there.

After that kiss, and the desire that had coursed through his veins as he held her beautiful frame in his arms, he was not sure that he would ever be able to leave her behind. Even thinking about heading back home was like a powerful wrench in his heart. That was not supposed to happen, but he could not seem to prevent it. She had gotten under his skin without even trying.

"So, do you think the party went well?" Gregory asked Sophie as she rose to her feet in a subtle hint that she was ready to leave yet again. "That is the first time that I have ever been responsible for holding an event all by myself."

"Oh yes, it was just wonderful. Everyone had the loveliest time."

George was just about to roll his eyes, when Gregory turned to him, as if he wanted his opinion. He sat up a little straighter to respond. "Yes, Gregory, you did a great job. I did not see anyone looking displeased through your party. I am sure the ton will only have positive things to say about you."

Either Gregory simply missed George's sarcasm, or he simply chose to ignore it, but he turned his attention back to Sophie and continued to monopolize her time. If he thought that George was simply going to leave, then he was very much mistaken…

"Oh my!" All of a sudden, George noticed the sky had started to darken somewhat. "It seems rain is coming."

Relief flooded Sophie's face as this was finally her excuse to go. "Well, I think I should get into my carriage before the rain ruins my dress."

"I will escort you."

Gregory did not hide his displeasure, but he also knew that there was nothing he could do anymore. He could not keep Sophie here with a storm brewing in the skies, so he had no choice but to let her slip through his fingers.

"Well, it was wonderful to have you here. I am grateful for your attendance."

Sophie said a quick goodbye to Gregory and George did the same thing. He could feel his brother's disdain as they bade farewell to one another. George knew that he had effectively ruined all of his brother's plans for the day, but the coldness did not help them at all.

At this rate, there was no hope for them ever to make things right.

It already felt like it would be impossible, but George could not help but hold out just a little glimmer of hope. Even if it was now gossamer thin.

George felt a little tug in his heart as he waved goodbye to Sophie. There was still so much that they needed to say to one another, so much they needed to discuss, especially after that magical moment in the gardens. But they had to be careful, they needed to make sure they never connected in that way in public. Much as he wanted to keep Sophie away from his brother, he did not want to ruin her reputation, leaving her with no marriage proposals coming her way.

He forced himself to climb into his own carriage, to head back home. He knew that Sophie was going to be on his mind all night long, however. He was going to be dreaming about that kiss as he tried to sleep.

The rain came down quick and it came down hard. It lashed on the top of his carriage so much that George became worried. He did not like traveling in the wet weather, he knew the horses would not be happy and that could lead to accidents. He bolted up straighter in his seat as the sky began to rumble.

Almost instantly, he found himself transported back in time, back to the ship when the storm raged over head. He had seen Sophie before that moment and even been introduced to her, but that was the first night he really started to see her, that was the first time he talked to her.

She had been afraid. Deathly scared. So now he was a little worried about how she was doing in her own carriage.

Was this bringing back memories for her just as it was him?

It was not much of a surprise when his carriage screeched to a halt. With lightning flashes now filling the sky, he knew that the horses would be struggling. It was only when he peeked out into the storm that he realized where he was. Nowhere near home, but very close to Matthew's giant estate. He had not yet been lucky enough to see his friend since he had returned to England, to thank him for the letter, but fate might be intervening here.

If this storm was too much for the horses, then this would be a good option for him.

"Sophie," he cried out the moment he realized that her carriage had stopped as well. That it might have been her horses that were really struggling. "Are you alright?"

She nodded, but the color had completely drained from her face. It was obvious that she was very much not alright. George could almost see the trauma of the storm on the ship flowing through her veins. All he wanted to do was make her feel better, but until he could get her dry, there was nothing he could do.

"I do not think we can continue with our journey," he informed her sadly, not knowing how she was going to take this. "But I know the gentleman that owns this estate, and he will allow us to shelter from the storm."

She did not look certain. "But what if the storm lasts all night long?"

George smiled, hopefully reassuringly. "Matthew will allow us to sleep here until the morning. He is a true friend of mine. One of the only people I genuinely trust in London. I am sure your family would much rather you be safe than in trouble in this terrible weather."

She pursed her lips, but as her eyes darted upwards, Sophie realized that they simply had no choice in the matter. The storm had seemed to come from nowhere, and was relentless. The sky was black with clouds, and showed absolutely no sign of letting up.

So she nodded. She allowed George to lead her up towards the manor house while the carriage drivers guided the poor horses to the stables, where they would be safe for the night. She was shaking, he could feel her beside him, but he could not say any words to make her feel better because the wind was absolutely howling. He knocked hard on the door, hammering until Matthew's foot man opened up the door to greet the drenched pair.

"Is that you, George?" Matthew cried out behind his foot man. "My goodness, what on earth are you doing in the storm?"

"We got caught on the way back from a party, and were hoping for some respite."

Matthew glanced his eyes between the pair of them before inviting them inside. George knew that he would because he was such a good person. He treated them both like they were old friends, welcoming in Sophie as soon as he was introduced to her.

"My, my, I must get the staff to help you dry and dress," Matthew declared. "I cannot leave you soaking to the bone like this. You must be freezing."

A female maid came for Sophie and led her away. Sophie's eyes clung on to George for a little too long as she walked away from him which pulled on every single one of his heart strings. He wished that he could follow her, so he could embrace her once more, but he needed to explain himself to Matthew first. George could already feel the questions coming and he had not even spoken yet.

"So, who is the beautiful young lady?" Matthew asked with a twinkle in his eyes.

"She is a friend I have made. I met her on the boat from Sweden."

"Just a friend?"

George sighed. "I think I am going to need to dry off and share a drink with you before we get into this conversation."

Matthew laughed good naturedly. "That sounds good to me. We have a lot to catch up on, I am sure."

Matthew was one of the people that George could speak freely with, and he would also have the same returned. If anything had happened with Gregory over the years while George was away, this was going to be his one and only chance to find out.

Maybe fate really had intervened at just the right moment. The storm was ugly, but the consequences were to be great if he could finally get all the information that he needed from someone he had always had a good bond with.