Page 47 of When She Was a Governess
Sophia stared at her reflection. “You have created a masterpiece.”
“Thank you, my lady. I do pride myself on my skills.” Mrs. Shaw went to the wardrobe, taking a look at the dresses hanging there. “I see we have much to do. This is by no means adequate for a lady.”
“A dressmaker came the other day. She’s promised to have the wedding dress done by late afternoon. I shudder to thinkhow hard she’s had to work to have it ready. She has a long list of other items as well. Mrs. Bromley was there to guide me, thank goodness.” Sophia cocked her head, watching as her new maid pulled out one of her few dresses. “What did Mrs. Bromley tell you of my current situation?”
“That you are marrying Lord Montrose after falling in love with him while taking care of his niece? Yes, so she did. It is remarkably romantic, if you don’t mind my saying.”
If only it were true. Or was it?
“It is for the child. The marriage, that is,” Sophia said. “The world, including my family, will believe we are in love, but it is not true. I could not bear to lose Amelia. He needs a wife. It is all very practical.”
Mrs. Shaw’s eyes were far too knowing. “Practical. There are worse things from which to start a marriage. But you care for him, do you not?”
“Yes, unfortunately, my sensitive heart appears to be falling for him.”
Mrs. Shaw moved to the dressing table, examining the few items laid out there. “And why is this unfortunate?”
“Because he does not believe he can love again.” Sophia told her briefly about Eleanor and Henry’s mother’s evil interference. “He says he is unsure if he give his heart to anyone again.”
“And yet, you have found yourself falling for him?”
“Yes. There have been moments though, where it seems he might return my affection.”
“Perhaps he will find his heart more open than he thought it to be,” Mrs. Shaw said. “I find it hard to believe that he could be married to you and not fall madly in love with you.”
Sophia’s composure crumbled as she found herself telling Mrs. Shaw the truth. “I want him to. God help me. I didn’t expect it to happen, but here it is.”
“Often, life requires us to have two things—faith and patience. You will see, my lady, that all will turn out as it should.”
“What makes you so sure?”
“I cannot say exactly, other than my gut tells me this will be a happy marriage, blessed with more children and many years of wonderful companionship between you and Lord Montrose.”
“How I hope you are correct.”
“Come now, let us get you dressed. You will want to look perfect for your brothers and their wives.”
Sophia smiled, nodding her head. “I am yours to mold as you wish.”
*
Sophia and Henrywaited together in the library, ready to greet their guests. She clasped her hands tightly to keep them from trembling. Despite her excitement at seeing her brothers and their wives, she was nervous too. Sebastian had given his blessing, but James might prove to be difficult. Her second brother was protective, skeptical by nature, and would not easily accept this sudden engagement.
“You look ravishing,” Henry said, turning to look at her.
“Thank you. Mrs. Fletcher brought a new dress just this afternoon. She is a wonder.” Sophia wore the deep sapphire silk evening gown, her hair arranged elegantly by Mrs. Shaw with small pearl pins catching the light. Henry had taken one look at her when she’d descended the stairs and gone very still, his dark eyes widening.
“And Mrs. Shaw is proving helpful?” Henry asked.
“Yes, she is excellent.” She hesitated, wondering how much to tell Henry about Mrs. Shaw’s connection to her past. But she needn’t have worried. Mrs. Bromley had already told him.
“Is it all right that she worked for your family previously?” Henry asked. “Does it bring up too many sad memories?”
“Not at all. She knew my mother. She’s already told me several stories I had not previously heard.”
They heard the sound of the carriages.
“Shall we?” Henry asked, offering his arm.
