Since her arrival in the ballroom nearly one hour earlier, Sophia had greeted several guests, most of whom she knew from London. There were the Earl and Countess of Yates, the Earl and Countess of Fielding, the Duke and Duchess of Huntley, the Duke and Duchess of Coventry, the Duke and Duchess of Redding, Redding’s brother Mr. Lowell and his wife, Mrs. Lowell, along with the notorious Duke of Windham – the former Scoundrel of St. Giles – and his duchess.
According to the gossip Sophia had managed to pick up, all of these peers had made unconventional matches. The Duke of Huntley, for instance, had been no more than a bare-knuckle fighter raised in the slums until circumstance had launched him into the midst of the ton. His sisters had since become the duchesses of Coventry and Redding. And then there was Jack’s friend Fielding who’d married a woman whose father had been condemned for treason.
Essentially, each and every one of these people had struggled to find their happily ever after, just like Sophia and Jack. She related to them and liked them all the more for their decisions to turn their backs on social expectation and make their own rules.
“Have you seen Jack?” she asked when she met with Felicity and Kaitlin. Both were accompanied by their husbands with whom they’d just danced a quadrille.
The sisters glanced at each other and Felicity said, “Not since he greeted us at the door.”
Sophia bit her lip and craned her neck for a better view of the room, only there were too many people milling about, and she wasn’t nearly tall enough to spot the man she sought.
“I’m sure he’ll find you as soon as he’s able,” Kaitlin told her.
Sophia wrinkled her nose. Since her arrival yesterday afternoon, she’d scarcely seen him at all. He’d vanished by the time she’d finished settling in and returned downstairs, and had remained absent when she’d set out with his mother to visit the Fenmores. Her only glimpse of him occurred during last night’s dinner, after which he’d once again made himself scarce.
Considering how eager she’d been to return and spend time with him once more, she had to admit she was rather disappointed by his seeming lack of enthusiasm.
“Perhaps you’d care to dance with me while you wait?” Edward asked.
Sophia forced a smile she didn’t quite feel and accepted his invitation. They approached the dance floor, only to halt and glance around when no new tune commenced. It seemed they weren’t the only ones wondering over the musicians’ sudden silence, the three violinists all standing about as if they’d no intention of playing any more.
How odd.
Sophia frowned and turned to Edward. “What do you suppose is going on?”
“I think you’re about to find out,” Edward said with a grin.
Turning, Sophia looked in the same direction as Edward and gasped. Because there Jack was, his dark eyes fixed upon her with such intensity she felt the heat of his gaze all the way to her bones. Heavens, he was handsome, and lord help her if he did not possess the ability to make her go up in flames. She needed a fan. Desperately.
“Esteemed guests,” Jack began, “I am honored to welcome you all to this Yuletide fete at Eastgate Abbey. Some of you have journeyed far in order to be here, for which I and the rest of my family thank you. And since you are here, you’ll have the chance to bear witness to something I doubt you ever imagined you’d see.”
Sophia stilled, her every nerve on keen alert. She glanced to her right and caught her brother’s eye, relief spilling through her when he met her gaze with approval. This was it – Jack’s big moment – his chance to make everything right. If he pulled it off as he’d promised he would, Maypoole would let them marry.
Around her, the room came alive with whispers as guests began placing wagers on what might occur.
“The redemption of a rake,” Jack said, a glint of devilish charm in his eyes. “Tonight you shall watch a rogue humble himself before your very eyes. And you will be given the power to grant him forgiveness. Or to deny it.”
Claps and cheers resounded, shaking the air.
Sophia swallowed. She’d known Jack had to make a grand gesture, but she’d not realized how daring it would be until he placed their fate in everyone else’s hands. Jack had a reputation after all, and it wasn’t a good one. In fact, she’d learned just how ill-reputed he was while in London when she’d overheard a scandalous conversation between two married women. They’d mentioned a craving for strawberries dipped in champagne, which as it turned out, had not referred to the fruit or the drink, but rather to the manner in which Jack seduced. They’d given it its own name!
She tried not to think of that – of all the women who’d come before her. What did it matter? She was the one he loved, and if she’d ever been in doubt, he’d proven himself this past year with the sacrifice he’d made.
“Now, allow me to make my pledge,” Jack said, his voice cutting through the din. He spread out his arms like some dark and dangerous angel in search of acceptance, and holding her gaze, he dropped to one knee. A buzz of excitement swept through the crowd. Sophia’s pulse leapt in response to the blood rushing through her veins. “I, Jack Nathaniel Lancaster, beg your pardon for my sins. I’ve been a cad, a scoundrel, a good for nothing debaucher. Please hear me repent.
“I swear to you I have cast off my wicked ways and that I shall never again take a woman to bed unless she’s my lawfully wedded wife. And if I ever give you cause to think I’ve strayed from this oath, then you shall be honor bound to have me flogged.”
Sophia parted her lips in shock.
Jack’s eyes blazed with relentless intensity. “Can you forgive me so I may make peace with my past and lay claim to the future I so dearly want?”
A hesitation followed. Sophia could scarcely breathe. There was an intolerable silence, during which she believed she might shatter if she tried to move. And then, just when she feared all was lost, the room exploded with cheers and applause. Whistles pierced the air as wild shouts rose to the ceiling. Sophia glanced at Maypoole and saw he was clapping. A distinct smile of approval curved his lips. His wife said something to him, prompting him to nod in Sophia’s direction.
That was all it took for her to rush toward Jack, who’d just managed to rise by the time she flung her arms around his neck and hugged him with all her might. He swept one arm about her waist and grinned. “I feared I’d overdone it for a moment.”
“It was perfect, Jack, just perfect.”
“I’ve yet to have your brother’s consent, but if he grants it, will you agree to be my wife, Sophia?”
“Of course.”
He gazed into her eyes and the connection that had always existed between them tightened. “I have loved you forever and this past year without you has been a hell unlike any other.”
“I rather feel the same way, which is why I would recommend that we move this proposal along so we can get married as soon as possible.”
“I think that can be arranged.” Maypoole’s voice rumbled next to Sophia’s right shoulder. “My wife and I wish you both happy.”
Jack’s grin broadened as he pulled a small box from his jacket pocket and flipped it open to reveal a gold band adorned by diamonds. He took the ring and slipped it onto Sophia’s finger, then lowered his mouth and kissed her, right there in the middle of the overcrowded ballroom.
Fortunately, in spite of the unpredictable weather one might expect in late December, the sun shone on the day of Sophia and Jack’s wedding. Frost clinging to tree branches shimmered, the clear sky added a bright splash of blue, and the air – crisp with the promise of new beginnings – was wonderfully invigorating, though perhaps a bit chilly.
Sophia didn’t mind. She was far too happy to notice the cold. Especially during the ride to London after the wedding breakfast had been concluded. She’d happily snuggled up to Jack while he held her close in his arms.
Now, alone with him in the bedchamber they would share at the townhouse where he’d made his home before Maypoole forced him to stay away from London, Sophia enjoyed a glass of champagne while admiring the furnishings.
“You’re welcome to redecorate if you like,” Jack said. He stood near the fireplace, watching her with inquisitive eyes.
“Thank you, but that won’t be necessary, Jack. I actually love what you’ve done. You have excellent taste.”
A smile formed upon his lips. “As proven by my decision to marry you.”
Heat flooded her cheeks. She took a sip of her cool drink and savored the fruity flavor. Her gaze met his and the air shifted, crackling slightly with increased awareness. He set his glass aside and silently held out his hand. Sophia’s pulse leapt and her skin tightened over her shoulders. She took one step toward him and then another, ever aware of his darkening eyes. Her stomach fluttered, a shiver swept down her spine, and then she was in his arms. A sigh of pleasure escaped her throat the second before his mouth met hers.
Since their engagement, she and Jack had managed to sneak the occasional kiss, but none were as perfect or passionate as this. This one could be enjoyed without restriction, without ever having to end unless they wished for it to, and was destined to lead to more.
Jack’s fingers found hers and gently removed the glass from her hand. It made a soft clink as he set it aside, his mouth never leaving hers. And then his arms came fully around her. His hands pressed her flush up against him. A gasp of surprise parted her lips and he immediately took advantage.
Solid and strong, Jack held her while kissing her breathless. His capable hands coaxed a wanton response from her body, instilling in her a craving for increased contact, fewer clothes, and something so primal she feared she’d go mad if she were denied it. Desperate, she raked her fingers through his black hair, heedless of the whimpers she heard herself make. This was Jack. She’d known him all her life and she would not be embarrassed by her love or her want for him.
Her fingers moved to his cravat, untying and pulling until it came free. It was as if the action undid the restraint he’d placed on himself for he suddenly growled and roughly began unfastening her gown while kicking off his shoes. Frenzied movements followed, heightened by a shared need to bring their union to its climax before they perished from hunger. He helped her remove his jacket and shirt while dragging her gown away from her body. Frantic fingers tugged at her stays until they were carelessly flung aside. Her chemise and stockings soon followed along with the rest of his clothes.
Jack pressed his mouth hard against hers as he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. He followed her down, his added weight pressing her into the mattress. Sophia dug her fingertips into his broad back and marveled at the resistance of his lean body. Apparently, her husband was made of incredibly hard muscle.
“Sophia,” he murmured, gentling the kiss while trailing one hand down over her hip. “My wife and lifelong friend. I love you so much my heart aches.”
His sweet words brushed over her skin, the warmth of them curling their way around her until she was filled to the brim with joy. Reaching up, she cupped his cheek, the light stubble abrading her skin in a strangely delicious way. “I love you too, Jack. With every fiber of my being.”
His eyes held hers, locking her to him, before he lowered his mouth once more and kissed her as if he were starving. He loved her with his mouth, his every touch, and gentle caresses. And as they joined, Sophia hugged him to her and savored the moment. Because this was where she belonged. It was where she had always belonged.
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