Page 11 of A Dreamy Match Made in Heaven
“So you have been away for another two years, correct?” Officer Kingsley asked.
“Yes, two full years,” Thomas sighed.
“And have you heard of anything regarding your Lady Sophia in all that time?” he asked.
“Well, I have not seen her since I left again. But for the first year I did try to maintain an awareness of how things were progressing for her. I was surprised that they did not marry within that first year. But I am certain that they have by now,” he noted.
“Well…” Officer Kingsley began.
“What is it?” Thomas asked.
“There is something that I am surprised you have not heard. Particularly as you were so fond of her and your families are close,” he said.
“Is she alright? Do you know something of her? You did not mention being aware even of who she is,” Thomas said, his thoughts bouncing in all directions.
“Forgive me, but I was curious as to what you may or may not already be aware of. But since you seem not to know this, I ought to tell you that the Earl of Bastion has run off with a country woman far inferior to his own position. The rumours say that the lady he had been courting was abandoned, and has not been seen in society since,” Officer Kingsley told him.
Thomas felt his heart still. He could scarcely believe this news. All this time, he had been certain that he had to let her go because she was most assuredly married by now. But alas, that was not the case.
For two full years she had been courted by the Earl, only to experience this?
“You didn’t know any of it?” his friend asked.
“Nothing. Where did you hear this? When did it happen?” Thomas asked.
“I heard it a while ago, perhaps a month or two. I was in town with some of the men, enjoying a day off. It was being spoken of all around. Apparently it is the talk of London and all of English society is aware that the Earl has done this. He has shamed his family and caused all manner of havoc for everyone involved,” he said.
No matter how angry he had been at Lady Sophia for her actions, it pained him to know that she had been hurt in return.
Although he had longed for her to return to him, begging forgiveness and bringing her apology, it was a shock to hear how she had been betrayed. He had never once wished for her to feel the hurt that he had felt.
Thomas wondered what state she was in now. He had always known her to be a woman of great emotion. There had been many a day in which she had been saddened and angered to be reminded of that and told what a flaw it was. He had grown to be sensitive of her sensitivities.
But Lady Sophia did not deserve this sadness. She did not deserve the shame and embarrassment that she was most assuredly feeling now.
All he cared about now was his desire to protect her. For all the jealousy he had felt against the Earl when Lady Sophia had accepted his attention, Thomas had never imagined this. There was such a great amount of mistreatment against her in this that he thought he might have no choice but to rage against the foolish Earl.
“I can hardly believe it,” he whispered, angry and uncertain how to contain his emotions.
“Well, it would seem that she is now available,” Officer Kingsley teased.
Thomas looked at him sharply, not appreciating the jab.
“She shall find another suitable man. Of that I have no doubt. She is a beautiful woman, who captivates all who meet her. But beyond that, she is a kind, feminine, sweet portrait of what it is to be a lady,” he explained.
Officer Kingsley raised an eyebrow at him, still in a manner of teasing or as if suggesting something that Thomas truly had little desire to deal with.
“It doesn’t matter. She will be alright. That is all I care about. And I am certain that things will come together for her. I only wish that he had not caused her to wait an entiretwo years,” he added, seeming particularly perturbed about the length of time.
“Listen, it is clear to me that you are still in love with her,” Officer Kingsley noted.
Thomas began to shake his head, ready to deny it.
“Do not lie to me. I am not a fool. I understand that you loved her most of your life and that is all very sweet, but I ask that you simply hear me out on one matter,” he asked.
“And what sort of matter would that be?” Thomas asked.
“Would you ever be willing to move on?” he asked.
