A Holiday by Gaslight

by Mimi Matthews

No, Sophia Appersett was no porcelain figure to be placed on a shelf. He’d recognized it from the first moment he saw her. If hardship came, she wouldn’t shatter into a million useless pieces. To the lucky gentleman who won her, she’d be a friend. A partner.

He’d wanted her from the first. Had known as soon as he looked at her that she was someone worth having in his life, no matter the cost. It hadn’t been love at first sight. That was too trite. Too simplistic. But something within him had recognized something in her. Had understood that she would be important to him.

“A partner,” Sophie repeated. “Is that how you think of me?” He made a soft sound of assent as he enfolded her back into his embrace. “Not very romantic, is it? But I don’t want you to feel powerless with me. I value your intelligence and your strength. I’d rather you stood at my side than in my shadow.”