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“I don’t know much about your sister, Sophie,” Zach said, “but from what I can tell, she is an incredibly strong woman. If anyone can get through this, she can.”
Sophie nodded. “Yes, she is strong. She is the strongest person I know, except for maybe my mother. They’ve both been through so much.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Zach said. “Would you like to talk about it?”
Sophie shook her head. “It’s not something we talk about.”
Zach cleared his throat. “I understand. But if you ever do want to talk about it, please know that I am here and am always willing to lend an ear.”
“Thank you.” She didn’t know what else to say.
“Tell me about your two new nieces. I understand you were present for their birth.”
“Yes, it was the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen. We had no idea Ally was having twins, so it was a complete surprise. She went into labor quickly, and the babies were actually delivered by one of our maids, Elspeth. The first one is named Maureen Iris, after both Evan’s mother and Ally’s and mine. The second one doesn’t have a name yet. Evan is waiting until Ally wakes up to discuss it with her. Right now, she’s baby no-name.” Sophie sighed. “If only Ally would wake up. She lost so much blood, Zach. I nearly emptied my stomach, watching it happen.”
“Well, she has the best doctor money can buy. Dr. Michael Blake is the finest in Bath.”
Sophie nodded. Dr. Blake had saved Lily’s womb after a bad fall over year ago. He hadn’t been able to save Ally’s, but he probably could have if he’d gotten there sooner. Sophie hoped he had at least saved her life.
She stayed quiet for a while, simply walking, enjoying the green surroundings and Zach’s company. When they came to a large boulder, Zach gestured for her to sit.
“There’s something I’ve been thinking about, Sophie.” He took one of her hands and held it in his.
She looked up into his beautiful eyes, dazzling in the late-afternoon dim sunlight. “And what is that?”
“I find that…I’m having feelings for you that I don’t think I’ve ever had for any other woman.” He shook his head. “That didn’t come out right at all. I am feeling very fond of you, Sophie. I’ve never actually courted a woman before, but I would like your permission to ask your stepfather if I can formally court you.”
Sophie dropped her jaw open. Had she heard him right? All those liberties she had allowed him, and he still wanted to court her? Perhaps Ally’d had the right of it along. Holding back liberties had gotten her nowhere with Van Arden or anyone else. On the other hand, she was certain many women had allowed Zach many liberties, yet he hadn’t asked to court any of them. Was it possible he actually had feelings for her? Feelings that went beyond his love of her voice? His enjoyment of her company?
“Aren’t you going to say anything? Surely I haven’t offended you, have I?”
“Of course not. I’m flattered. I truly am. I just never thought…” Deep breath. “I mean, you and I have already… And please, please don’t think I’ve ever done that with any other man, because I haven’t.”
He smiled. “I believe you. I know you haven’t been with any other man.”
“But you’ve been with many other women, haven’t you?”
He smiled, a glint in his eye. “I will not lie to you, Sophie. I’ve been with many women in my life. But never have I asked to court any of them.”
Sophie let out a sigh. “I just never thought…”
Zach let go of her hand. “I understand. You’re not interested.”
Sophie shook her head. “No, that’s not what I mean. I am interested. I just… I’m of an age… And I had pretty much resigned myself to… Oh, this is embarrassing.”
Zach took her hand once more, rubbing his thumb lightly over her knuckles, making her shiver.
“You needn’t be embarrassed with me, Sophie. I like you very much, and I think these feelings I’m having might blossom into something more. You’re a beautiful woman, so much lovelier than you believe. Will you allow me to court you?”
Sophie quivered, her whole body turning to marmalade. Why she was so nervous, she couldn’t say. She had already been naked in front of this man, had allowed him to spank her bare bottom. “Yes, Zach, I would be honored to have you court me.”
She smiled. Perhaps this would work out. Perhaps babies as angelic as little Maureen and her sister were in Sophie’s future after all. Of course, courtship didn’t automatically mean marriage. And Sophie had been through so much. Could she be an adequate wife and mother? She didn’t have Ally’s strength.
But she needn’t worry about all that at the moment. A wonderful man wanted to court her, and she would allow it, provided her mother and the earl were amenable.
Zach leaned toward her and pressed his lips softly against hers. “The honor will be mine, Lady Sophie MacIntyre. I will speak to your stepfather as soon as I can.”
Zach took Sophie’s hand, and they walked back to the estate.
