I looked down as I ran my hand over Sophia’s name. “It is. I was about to read the next entry before I have to go back home to work some more.”
Gael moved closer to me and I could practically feel him up against me. I had to fight the instinct to move closer to him. Even sweaty, the man smelled amazing. All musky. Focus. Focus. Focus. I’m here to read the journal.
“What were their names?”
Glancing up at Gael, he seemed to have a real interest in what I was doing. “My great-great-great-grandmother was Sophia Marie Montgomery and the guy she met was Daniel Stowe. They lived here in Savannah.”
Gael leaned back to look at me. “Daniel Stowe and Sophia Maria Montgomery?” His voice was curious.
“Yeah, does that ring a bell? I mean I know that they are over a hundred years old. But maybe you know some Stowes.”
He scrubbed his jaw. “Let me think on it and I’ll let you know. What do you know of them so far?”
I loved being able to share this story with someone. Gael was easy to talk to. “Let’s see. Sophia was here at the park. Her mother wants her to end up with a man name Devlin, but Sophia doesn’t seem interested. While they were at the park, Daniel Stowe and his father came up to them. There was an instant attraction between Daniel and Sophia. It was incredible what his first look did to her. Then it just so happened they had a dinner date at the Stowes’ house the next night. While they were there, Sophia saw Daniel and they—umm—they—broke some rules of society.”
My cheeks were warm and I looked away. I had retold the story without even thinking about where it had led to in the garden.
Gael bumped my shoulder and added low in a whisper, “Oh, this guy took your great-great-great-grandmother’s virtue.”
I nervously giggled. “Yes, he—umm—did kind of. I would say only half her virtue was taken since you know they umm—didn’t—you know.”
My eyes were trying to communicate the meaning behind my words. This was a little bit awkward and Gael seemed to enjoy it based on the sparkle in his eyes. His hand came up and rubbed his chin. “I may need you to explain it a little more.”
I bumped his shoulder back and noticed when I moved back to my original position, Gael moved with me. “Well, if you need the steps that lead up to the birds and the bees explained, then you have much bigger problems that I can’t help you with.”
Gael had a contagious laugh and I couldn’t help but join in. “Yeah, you’re right. Can I see what happens to Sophia and Daniel today? I’m intrigued.”
“You want me to read to you?”
I was a little nervous thinking what those two could be up to in this next entry.
“I’d love that.”
Those simple words from Gael blossomed within me. Opening the journal, I found where my metal bookmark had been placed. “I cannot be held responsible for anything my great-great-great-grandmother does. No judging.”
He shook his head. “No judging. Let’s see what these two naughty ones get in to.”
Looking down, I saw the next entry as I read aloud.
AS WE WALKED along Oglethorpe Street, my heart fluttered each time Danny touched me in a small way. My cheeks would flush as I quickly searched for prying eyes.
I had decided to wear my gray silk walking dress, Annie’s favorite, when I received notice that Danny would be calling on me today. It was an elegant dress with brown velvet appliqués. The bodice was lace and had the ever-present high neck. Heaven forbid an ounce of skin should show and provoke naughty thoughts from gentlemen passing by on the streets. I loved the skirt with the simple folds and ruffles. It was adorned with a silk bow on the front that added just the right touch.
“Sophia, you do know you are a part of my future, do you not?” His hand moved to my elbow as he led me around a corner, before quickly dropping his hand back to his side. Tingles coursed through my body at the mere thought of waking up each morning to his beautiful smile. I peeked up at him from under the brim of my gray hat.
I stopped walking and turned to him. “Tell me when we may steal a few private moments together.” My voice sounded needy. Who is this girl talking? I was so taken by Danny’s handsome looks, I could barely form words to speak. My eyes searched his perfect face. He smiled and my breath was stolen from me.
“Sophia, you drive me mad with desire. I’ve—” Danny looked around and closed his eyes before opening them and capturing my eyes. “I’ve never felt this way before. My mind is flooded with thoughts of you, always. I cannot concentrate, on anything.”
Smiling, I looked away. “I feel the same, Mr. Stowe. Especially with your promise to make me yours hanging between us.”
The left corner of Danny’s mouth moved up into a smile that was sinful. “Ah, yes, my promise of making you mine. Shall I take the rest of your virtue soon, darling?”
I desperately wanted to press my body against his. “Yes. The sooner the better, Mr. Stowe.”
Danny threw his head back and laughed as he extended his arm and I took it freely. We walked together in silence for a bit as I felt heavy eyes upon me. I was about to speak when a familiar voice stopped me in my tracks.
“Miss Montgomery.”