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Sophia stepped closer, noting his pupils dilated as she approached him. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the tall form of her uncle stepping into the drawing room. With a deep breath, she leapt into the earl’s arms, springing up on her toes to throw her arms over his wide shoulders, and kissed him full on the lips.

As Sophia stumbled into his arms, Richard staggered back, startled by the unexpected impact. Her soft weight pressed against him, and before he could steady his thoughts, her lips met his in an impulsive kiss. The gesture was unpracticed and fleeting, but it carried a sincerity that left him momentarily undone. For the first time in years, Richard felt completely unguarded, his usual polished exterior giving way to raw, genuine emotion.

Sophia’s innocence and earnestness broke through his defenses, leaving him captivated. The connection between them felt undeniable, as though she were the earth and he a helpless moon drawn into her orbit. His heart raced, and for one fleeting moment, he allowed himself to respond, pressing his lips gently to hers in return, savoring the sweetness of the encounter.

“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?”

The furious voice shattered the fragile moment, and Richard blinked, his thoughts scrambling to catch up. Releasing Sophia’s slim waist, he turned slowly to face the source of the interruption—a middle-aged lord whose face was red with indignation.

As Richard pieced together the events leading to this moment, Sophia’s cleverness became clear. Her words, her timing, and now this—she had orchestrated the scene with precision. Yet, far from feeling manipulated, Richard found himself strangely relieved. Sophia had not forced him into anything; she had simply ensured he recognized what he truly wanted.

And now, standing before the furious lord and the young woman who had changed everything, Richard knew what he must do.

He rubbed a hand over his jaw and then dropped a respectful bow. “Lord Moreland, I wish to marry your niece.”

Lord Moreland ignored his declaration. “Sophia, where is your chaperon?”

A bleating snore echoed throughout the drawing room. Lord Moreland swung around to find Nancy sleeping in the chair by the door. He spun back.

“Nancy is your chaperon?” he growled at his niece.

Sophia looked unrepentant.

“Well, there is no foul. I am the only one who saw⁠—”

“Lord Moreland!” The viscount’s face fell.

“Now see here, dear—” Turning to the doorway, he attempted to placate his wife. He failed.

“Lord Moreland, an earl wants to marry your niece. I suggest you hear him out!” The viscountess was magnificent in her demands as she swept into the room. Richard mused that this was becoming a glorious muddle, but it was acceptable to him if he wound up betrothed.

“Christiana, he is a disgraceful rake!” The viscount was not yet defeated, it would seem.

“Lord Moreland, I suggest you hear what the earl has to say.” The lady’s voice was steely.

The viscount turned to Richard and demanded in a surly tone, “Are you not a rogue? Why should I even consider allowing my niece to marry you?”

“A reformed rogue, my lord.” Although Richard outranked the man, he decided discretion was the better part of valor in this instance, so he acted as the man’s inferior. “Your niece has captivated me from the start, and I have been putting my affairs in order.”

“Affairs!” The man responded with something between a snort and a sound of disgust. Richard could not blame him.

“Perhaps affairs is a poor choice of words. I stand before you, a reformed man, seeking your niece’s hand in marriage.”

“What kind of reformation results in a man taking advantage of a woman under her guardian’s roof?”

Richard was stuck for words. He could not very well reveal Sophia had flung herself into his arms. “I … I was … overcome.”

“Lord Saunton was overcome when I accepted his proposal, Uncle Hugh.”

Lord Moreland looked slightly mollified by Sophia’s announcement. “Is this true?”

Richard inclined his head in agreement.

“Is this about her dowry?”

“No, my lord. Whatever funds Miss Hayward brings to the marriage can be settled on her and our future children. I would be more than happy to settle additional funds in the marriage contracts for her future and to provide her with pin money out of my estates.”

Moreland relaxed further. The subject of funds appeared to be a sore point. Richard vaguely recollected that Sophia’s father had been an unwise gambler, which was rumored to have led to the premature death of Moreland’s younger sister.