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“You’ll see.” Mister Shore kissed her hand, giving her fingers a squeeze. “Look after him, Lady Sophia. Thomas needs someone like you around him. It will do him good.”
Then he walked away, slowing as Thomas came into view. Thomas stopped when he saw Sophia, and his eyes seemed to turn a shade darker. Sophia couldn’t move, rooted to the spot when she realised he was there in front of her. Mister Shore said something to Thomas, murmuring in his ear but clapping his hand on Thomas’ shoulder and disappearing down the hall.
Thomas walked towards her, and Sophia was aware of Michaels standing behind her. If he wasn’t there, she would have thrown herself into Thomas’ arms. She had never been so relieved to see someone like this. She composed herself, clasping her hands in front of her as Thomas approached her.
“Mister Ford.”
“Lady Sophia.” Thomas gestured towards the morning room. “After you.”
Sophia walked on ahead, trying not to trip over her skirts, turning to see Thomas murmuring something to Michaels before closing the door on the man’s face.
“Aren’t you worried about not having a chaperone in the room with us?”
“Given that you and I have already ended up alone several times, I think we’re past that, don’t you think?” Thomas looked her over, his gaze apprehensive. “How are you? You look pale.”
“I’m fine.” Sophia smoothed her hands down her skirts. “I ended up locked in my room. I don’t know what my parents were planning to do, but they were furious. Mother said I would never see you again and that I would never be courted by you.”
“She told me the same thing as soon as she walked into the room and saw me there.” Thomas’ mouth twitched. “But I think I’ve given her something far more enticing than myself as a match for Aimee.”
“What do you mean?”
“Pierce knows quite a lot of people, especially those higher up in the ton. He also knows some across the continent.” Thomas held up his hands. “Don’t ask me how he knows these people. I don’t like to ask in case I get a response that will make my ears bleed.”
Sophia didn’t doubt it, but she was still confused.
“So, are you saying you found someone who would be willing to marry my sister?”
“There’s a nobleman in the area from Sweden. I don’t know his exact title, but it’s definitely better than viscount. He’s been looking for a wife for a while since he inherited the title.”
Then Sophia understood. She could see where this was going.
“And you told Father about this nobleman.”
“We did. Well, Pierce did. We spoke to the gentleman last night, and he was willing to meet Aimee and see if she was suitable.”
Sophia winced.
“Aimee’s going to have to be on her best behaviour. I don’t see her current attitude being enticing to a Swedish nobleman.”
“I don’t think we’re going to have to worry about that.”
“Don’t be so sure about that.”
Thomas smiled.
“Trust me; it’s not going to be a problem. I think your sister will be able to reel in her behaviour.”
Sophia didn’t know about that. She resisted the urge to twist her fingers together.
“What did she say about that?”
“Didn’t you hear the squeal just now? My ears are still ringing.”
“I did, but what did she say to you when you told her the news?”
Thomas rubbed the back of his neck.
“She said she was glad to be getting a better offer and called me a few names before she turned away with a grin on her face.”
