It was some consolation when her mother nodded.
When Sophie went to find her father, she discovered he’d taken refuge in the study. At first he refused even to look at her, but then he raised his head sharply. “I forbade you to associate with that Wilde scoundrel, and now I learn that not only have you been conniving with the family who is our mortal enemy, you want to marry him!”
Sophie tried to quell her frustration. “If you had read the journal, Papa, you would see the Wildes were not to blame for your grandfather’s death.”
“Blast the damned journal! I vehemently object to his suit for other reasons, and you know it. A foreigner, no matter how noble, is nothing compared to an English duke. You would be a grand duchess, Sophie.”
“And I would be a princess if I married Jack. Papa, his father lives in a splendid palace. Prince Raoul’s fortune is fifty times greater than the duke’s. Besides, a title is not important to me. You are the only one who cares about rank. Lord Jack doesn’t care either. In fact, he adamantly does not want to be a prince. He is only making such an extreme sacrifice for my sake, so you would approve our union.”
Her father’s gaze grew even darker. “And what of the sacrifices I have made for you? Your mother has made? This is the thanks we get—betrayed by our own daughter.”
Pain cut Sophie deeply, but she would not back down.
Perhaps recognizing her resolve, her father continued more stridently. “I cannot express how grieved I am. But even though you care nothing for my feelings, you should consider your poor mother’s. You will break her heart, you well know.”
She couldn’t refute him, Sophie reflected. She was trying to form a response when she realized her mother and great-aunt had followed her into the study.
“I mean to put my oar in,” Mrs. Pennant announced, moving to stand before him. “You are behaving like a veritable ass, Oliver.”
When his scowl intensified, Rebecca chimed in with a quieter, placating tone, attempting to play peacemaker and mediator. “Perhaps we have been too hasty to judge, Oliver.” Rebecca turned to Sophie. “Tell me, my love, do you return Lord Jack’s affections?”
A sliver of hope blossomed inside Sophie. “I do, Mama.”
Rebecca searched her face earnestly. “I did not realize it had gone so far.”
Her father made a scoffing sound. “Because you had no idea of her deception. An ungrateful child is sharper than a serpent’s tooth.”
Ignoring his accusation, Rebecca held Sophie’s gaze. “I would never recommend his lordship as a reliable husband, but if he makes you happy …”
“He does, truly.”
“Well then …” She turned back to her husband. “Oliver, would it be so very bad if we released Sophie from her obligations to us and to the duke and allowed her to wed Lord Jack?”
“Certainly it would! She is not breaking her engagement to Dunmore only a few weeks after she accepted his offer. Can you imagine the scandal?”
When her mother refrained from replying, Sophie took a deep breath. “Thank you for understanding, Mama. Papa, I am truly sorry to cause you pain, but I will not be marrying his grace, whether or not you approve of Lord Jack.”
Moving forward, she kissed her mother’s soft cheek. “Now, if only you could persuade Papa to read the journal, I would be forever grateful,” she murmured. “I believe it is still in his possession since he never had a chance to return it.” Then Sophie addressed her great-aunt. “Aunt Eunice, may I borrow your carriage for a short while?”
“For what purpose?”
“I urgently need to speak to Jack.”
“But of course. I would drive you myself if I weren’t so fagged from the journey.” Far from appearing fatigued, however, the elderly lady looked as if she was relishing the fireworks.
Her gibe only made Oliver more irate—an emotion that was compounded when Sophie turned and headed toward the door.
“Sophie, don’t you dare walk away while I am speaking to you.”
“I must, Papa.”
“If you leave this house, you will regret it!”
“I know, but I will regret it more if I don’t.”
She kept moving. She had no choice. She had to discover if Jack had meant his startling declaration of love.
She paused only long enough to fetch her cloak and reticule before making her way out to the mews behind the house, where she ordered her aunt’s carriage harnessed.