Page 36 of When She Was a Governess
Voices drifted from the entrance hall. Grimshaw’s deep murmur and a woman’s bright, musical laugh. Sophia’s stomach tightened.
The door opened.
“Her Grace the Duchess of Thornbridge,” Grimshaw intoned.
Charlotte swept in first, exactly as Sophia remembered her from the lane—golden-brown curls, warm hazel eyes thatcrinkled when she smiled, a gait that suggested the strength of a woman who spent time outdoors and on her horse. Today she wore a deep green walking dress with the confidence of a woman who knew exactly who she was and liked it.
“Miss Ashford, how wonderful to see you. Thank you for allowing me to intrude on what must be a busy afternoon for you.” Charlotte came forward at once with both hands extended.
Sophia dropped into a curtsy. “Your Grace, thank you falling calling on me.”
“Oh heavens, not that.” Charlotte waved her hand as if clearing a bothersome fly. “You must call me Charlotte. After all, you’re to be family in a matter of days.”
Despite her nerves, Sophia found herself smiling. “Then, thank you. Charlotte.”
“Much better.” Charlotte gave her hands an affectionate squeeze before releasing them. “Now, do let us sit and get to know each other properly.”
Sophia gestured toward the chairs near the fire. “Please.”
Charlotte settled, smoothing her skirts. Sophia sat opposite, keenly aware of every movement, every breath, every expectation of being hostess.
“Shall I ring for tea?” Sophia asked.
“If you please,” Charlotte said.
Sophia tugged the bell pull. Grimshaw arrived promptly with the tea tray, giving Sophia a discreet, encouraging nod before withdrawing.
“How do you take your tea?” Sophia asked.
“A little milk, thank you.”
Sophia poured carefully, managing not to spill a drop. She poured her own next.
“There now,” Charlotte said, accepting her cup with a pleased nod. “A cup of tea is just what I needed.”
Sophia could think of absolutely nothing to say. Fortunately, Charlotte seemed quite willing to take the lead.
“How are you holding up? All these changes in such a short amount of time must be overwhelming.” Charlotte’s hazel eyes were soft, inviting even, but it did little to assuage Sophia’s nerves.
“It has been strange. The last few days.”
“I can imagine. However, this union is the right thing to do for everyone. You. Henry. Amelia. I can only hope that from practicality comes affection.”
“Excuse me?”
Charlotte set down her teacup. “The marriage was my suggestion, and I am delighted Henry took it. I dare say, I know him better than he knows himself.”
“Oh. I see.” Charlotte’s idea? That fact had been left out of Henry’s proposal.
“Fortunately, he is a smart man and could see what was right in front of him. The perfect solution.”
“I am a solution?”
“You know what I mean.”
Sophia looked down at her cup, a weight on her chest. “I do not entirely know what you mean.”
“Many marriages start out this way. I have full confidence that, in time, the two of you will be as madly in love as Thomas and I are.”
