Page 26 of When She Was a Governess
24thFebruary 1819
Lord Montrose,
Your letter arrived this morning and I confess my wife and I read it twice through, hardly believing our good fortune—or rather, Sophia’s.
When we asked our sister to come to London for her Season, we hoped she might find a gentleman worthy of her. We did not dare hope she had already found him in Kent, caring for the child she clearly loves as her own. I must confess to feeling guilty about insisting she have a Season, knowing how she felt about Amelia. I hope you can understand why I wanted her to have her rightful place in society and do not think ill of me.
Though we have met only briefly at various society functions in London, I have always taken favorable note of your character and conduct. My recent inquiries into your circumstances have only strengthened that impression. More importantly, the evident sincerity of your feelings for my sister and your devotion to your niece recommend you as a man I would be proud to call brother.
My wife insists I convey that she wept with joy upon reading your letter. Rose has long worried that Sophia’s tender heart would make it difficult for her to find a gentleman who truly appreciated her. Sadly, too many men mistake gentleness for weakness. That you have seen my sister’s strength, honored her devotion to Amelia, and had the good sense to fall in love with her speaks very well of your judgment indeed.
You have my blessing, enthusiastically given.
My brother James shares my sentiments, and his wife Georgiana has already begun planning how to best celebrate this happy news. We will all descend upon youwithin two days’ time, prepared to stand witness to what promises to be the beginning of a very happy union.
I am grateful you chose to write to me before the wedding rather than after. It speaks to your respect for Sophia and for our family. Be assured that the Ashford name will lend its full support to this marriage. Should your parents prove… less than welcoming… upon learning of your choice, you may rely upon me to make clear to any who question it that this match has our family’s complete approval and enthusiastic endorsement.
I look forward to welcoming you as my brother and to meeting the niece who has so thoroughly captured my sister’s heart.
Until we meet in Kent,
Sebastian Ashford
Duke of Ashford
P.S.—Rose asks me to warn you that she is already planning to spoil Amelia beyond all reason. Apparently she has been longing for a little girl to dote upon, and the prospect of a ready-made niece has quite transported her. You have been warned.
Henry let the pages fall to his lap and pressed both hands to his face. His throat was tight. Sophia had written about Amelia—about her devotion, her tenderness, the depth of her attachment. And now Sebastian believed Henry felt the same for Sophia. Rose had wept with joy. Georgiana was already planning. They all thought this was a love match, a fairy-tale ending for a sister who had suffered more than her share of hardship.
And it was all a carefully constructed fiction.
He forced himself to breathe, to settle. Then he drew fresh paper toward him and dipped his pen in ink.
Montrose Manor, Kent
28thFebruary 1819
Your Grace,
I cannot adequately express my gratitude for your blessing and the warmth with which you have received news of my engagement to your sister. Your confidence in me is both humbling and deeply appreciated.
I give you my word that Sophia’s happiness and welfare will be my constant concern. She has indeed endured more than her share of hardship, and it is my intention that her life here will be one of security, respect, and genuine affection. I count myself extraordinarily fortunate that she has agreed to be my wife.
Your family’s willingness to travel to Kent on such short notice is a gift beyond measure. Sophia should be surrounded by those who love her on our wedding day, and I am grateful you will all be present.
Please assure Lady Ashford that her determination to spoil Amelia is most welcome. My niece has known too little family in her short life. I suspect your wife’s attention and the presence of Sophia’s entire family will bring light to this house that has been too long absent.
I look forward to meeting you all and to becoming, in truth, a member of your family.
Henry Montrose
He sealed the letter and set it aside, his gaze lifting to Rebecca’s portrait above the mantel. Forever twenty-two, forever smiling, forever out of reach.
“I’m doing this for Amelia,” he said aloud. “As you would want me to.”
But the words rang hollow.
Was he? Truly? Or was there something else at work—something he wasn’t ready to examine?
