Before reaching Dijon the first day, Ash and Maura parted ways from the family to continue on their wedding trip, but the other Wildes provided lively camaraderie and laughter for Sophie during the drive through France, switching carriages frequently in order to entertain and quiz her.
For propriety’s sake, Jack couldn’t touch her as he wanted, nor could he share Sophie’s bed when they twice stopped overnight at inns along the way. The passion they felt for each other, however, was evident in the silent looks and subtle gestures they exchanged. At the same time, he knew they were both fighting the underlying fear that their mission to win her parents’ approval was doomed. Furthermore, despite Jack’s determination to bend fate to his will, he first had to placate Sophie?
??s crotchety great-aunt.
Upon arriving at the Hôtel Portois, they discovered that Mrs. Pennant had regained sufficient health and energy to ring a peal over his head for his scandalous conduct. But Jack’s declaration of intent stopped her tirade right in its tracks.
“I mean to marry Sophie, ma’am, and I would very much like your blessing, as well as your help in overcoming the Fortins’ objections to our union.”
His marital aspirations mollified the elderly lady enough that she sniffed. “What choice do I have but to keep this disgraceful affair quiet? You know very well I would never broadcast to the world that you abducted her. But you confirmed my belief that you are the worst sort of scoundrel.”
Sophie spoke up to defend him. “Jack is not really a scoundrel, Aunt. I’ve known he is a good man since I first saw him at the Arundel Home for Unwed Mothers, where he is a trustee and major patron.”
Her gaze sharpened. “Is he now?” she asked, sounding impressed in spite of herself. “I am only acquainted with the director there, not the trustees.”
Sophie smiled up at him. “Jack does not like to advertise his altruism, but it is one of many reasons I want him for my husband.”
“At least you have finally come to your senses,” Mrs. Pennant grumbled. “Very well, then, I shall do what I can to help you challenge your obstinate father, Sophie.” She pinned her gaze on Jack once more. “But if you ever attempt anything so outrageous again, my lord, I swear I will have your ears.”
Jack thought it wise to assuage the lady’s ill-temper with a bland reply, and he kissed her wrinkled hand for good measure, which set her to flushing and earned him an exasperated dismissal as she muttered something about charming rogues.
Jack expected his confrontation with Oliver Fortin to be far more difficult. Upon their return to England, the tension rose the closer they came to London. Sophie couldn’t hide her fear that her father wouldn’t relent. Accordingly, it was agreed that she and her aunt would settle in at the Pennant mansion before Jack made an appearance there.
He saw them safely to their front doorstep, where they exchanged fond farewells with his family. Afterward, the remaining Wildes traveled on to their own elegant Mayfair homes and Jack drove to Montagu Place, where he spent the afternoon catching up on his business and personal affairs. When Sophie’s note arrived by messenger, asking him to call after dinner, Jack dressed carefully and arrived at the Pennant abode feeling like a knight going into battle for his lady fair.
He was admitted by the butler and shown into the drawing room, where the family was gathered. Mr. Fortin was perusing a newspaper, while Sophie read aloud to her mother and her great-aunt.
Mrs. Pennant welcomed Jack readily and Sophie favored him with a quiet smile, but Fortin gave an abrupt start upon seeing him. “What the devil is he doing here, Eunice?”
“He is properly paying his respects to me,” replied Mrs. Pennant calmly. “Did I not tell you, Oliver? Lord Jack was in Paris with us for the last fortnight, at my invitation.”
At her bald announcement, Mrs. Fortin looked troubled, while a scowl pulled Mr. Fortin’s brows together.
“At your invitation? How could you have jeopardized Sophie’s betrothal so callously? Dunmore will be severely displeased.”
Thinking it time to state his case, Jack approached the armchair where Fortin was seated. “My circumstances have changed since I last spoke to you, sir. I am here to apply for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”
Fortin froze and stared up at Jack in disbelief. “Have you gone demented?”
“Not at all. I stand to inherit a princedom now. My father is Prince Raoul de Villars of Navartania, a small but very wealthy country that borders France, and I am heir to his throne.”
Fortin looked both incredulous and suspicious. “Is this some sort of spiteful jest?” he asked Mrs. Pennant.
She shook her head, not bothering to hide her satisfaction. “Indeed it is not. Lord Jack is now Prince Jacques of Navartania.”
As Fortin looked dumbstruck, Jack pressed his request. “I very much wish to wed your daughter, Mr. Fortin, and would like your permission to advance my suit.”
Fortin suddenly snapped out of his paralysis. “No, absolutely not. Under no circumstances would I ever consider such a ridiculous proposal. I will brook no connection with the villain who slew my grandfather.”
With great effort Jack bit back a sharp retort as Fortin went on muttering. “What nerve you have.… The blood of murderers runs in your veins, and I will not have it tainting my lineage.”
“Your grasp of your family history is sorely lacking,” Jack said curtly. “There is no rational reason to continue the feud, as you would see if you had bothered to read my great-uncle’s journal.”
Fortin’s jaw clenched. “My objection to your union is not solely because of the feud. My daughter will not turn down a duke for a foreign princeling who was born on the wrong side of the blanket. The very notion is anathema. I won’t have you besmirching the good name of Fortin.”
“Sir …” Jack began, striving for patience.
“Pray, not another word, my lord. I demand you keep away from my daughter. I intend to guard Sophie from the likes of such riffraff as you.”