Page 33 of Seducing Sophia (Scholars of Seduction)

“I see I must earn your trust,” he said. “My offer relates to Henry. He’s a bright boy and would benefit from a proper education.”

“As all boys would.”

“Agreed,” he said, “but my concern is Henry. It would be my pleasure to fund his education. At Harrow, and then, should he wish it, at Oxford, to complete his education. I’m on good terms with the dean of Oriel College.”

She shook her head. “No, I cannot allow it.”

“Why ever not?”

“Well, the expense, for one thing,” she said. “I couldn’t hope to earn enough to be able to pay you back.”

“Consider it a gift.”

“I cannot place myself under obligation.”

He took her hand again and drew it to his breast.

“Mrs. Black—Sophia—do you doubt me, even now? I ask for nothing in return. That is the nature of a gift, I believe. Have you never been given a gift before? Something that carries no obligation?”

“My papa gave me many gifts,” she said.

“No one else?”

She shook her head.

His eyes darkened, and he squeezed her hand. “You must have led an unfulfilling life if you were never given a gift. Did your husband not…”

“I’d rather not speak of him,” she said.

“I understand,” he replied. “But I beg you permit me this indulgence. It would be a pleasure to see Henry well educated.”

“Mr. Brown conducts lessons in…” she began, but he interrupted her.

“Mr. Brown does his best, I’m sure, but he can hardly compete with the finest tutors in the country.”

Sophia hesitated. FitzRoy’s offer was a generous one—but William had studied at Harrow and Oxford—he’d boasted of it often enough. If Henry—William’s son—were to go there, would he turn out to be just like his father? It was too great a risk to take.

“I-I would not wish Henry to grow up a gentleman,” she said. “Not with their ideals and disregard for those beneath them. I don’t want to see him break a woman’s heart, then abandon her.”

“Wasn’t your late husband a gentleman before he became a soldier?” he asked. “Surely you’d not object to seeing Henry grow up to be like his father.”

“Please—no!” she cried.

His eyes widened and he shrank back.

“Forgive me,” she said. “I-I’m a little tired from the journey.” She looked away, but could still feel the burning heat of his gaze.

“No, Sophia, it is I who should ask your forgiveness, for pressing the matter. It is, of course, your decision, but I would ask you to consider it. Spend your time here—thinking it over—before you give me your answer, and I promise you that if that answer is no, then I shall not pursue it.”

“Very well,” she said.

He squeezed her hand. “But let me say one final thing. You are a woman to be admired. You have secured an independent income for yourself, and for your son. I wish to help him become independent also, to build on the lessons that you, as his mother, have already taught him. Your kindness and compassion will be instilled in him and ensure that he grows up to be a fine man with good morals and consideration for those less fortunate. And if you wish him to also distinguish himself and earn his own living, then what better way to give him the best start in life than the best education he could possibly have?”

His words made sense—her son would be given the chances his father had denied him, the day he’d abandoned her. Her heart yearned to accept, but she could not shake the memory of William and the last words he’d spoken to her.

Gold-digging harlot.

“I cannot place myself under obligation,” she said, shaking her head. “I simply cannot.”

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