Page 49 of When She Was a Governess
Sophia felt her cheeks warm at the compliment. She glanced at Henry, wondering if he meant it or if he was simply saying what her brothers needed to hear. But his expression was sincere, his dark eyes meeting hers for a moment.
“Sophia has brightened every room she’s ever entered,” James said. “That you see her clearly gives me hope for a happy union.”
“It is impossible not to see her as she is,” Henry said. “Even a blind man would sense her goodness, her radiant beauty.”
“Yes, I believe you are correct,” James said.
Regardless of what James said, Sophia knew he would be watching them all evening, looking for cracks in their story, searching for any sign that this marriage was not what it seemed. She and Henry would have to be very, very convincing. She, for one, would have no problem playing the part of a besotted fiancée. As for Henry? She could only pray that he play his part well. Maybe well enough that he started to believe it to be true.
Chapter Eleven
Henry arrived inthe drawing room before the others. He waited nervously by the fire, watching as a footman entered with a tray of decanters and glasses, setting them on the sideboard before withdrawing with a bow.
Sophia entered first. His pulse quickened at the sight of her. This was Sophia Ashford as she was meant to be—a duke’s daughter, elegant and radiant, her fair hair gleaming with pearl pins, the deep blue silk bringing out the extraordinary color of her eyes. He filled with pride, watching her graceful movements. She looked like someone who belonged in a ballroom, at court, in the finest drawing rooms of London. And she would be his wife.
She came to stand by his side, taking his hand, as Sebastian and Rose entered.
“Lord Montrose, what a lovely room. So welcoming.” Rose had changed into an evening gown of deep pink silk, her dark hair arranged simply but elegantly. She came forward with a smile.
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Henry bowed. “Please, sit wherever you’re comfortable. May I offer refreshments? Wine? Sherry? Brandy?”
“Sherry would be welcome,” Rose said, settling near the fire.
Henry moved to the sideboard and poured sherry into a crystal glass, bringing it to her.
“Montrose.” Sebastian’s greeting was warm as he shook Henry’s hand. “Thank you for your hospitality. The rooms are excellent.”
“I’m glad they suit. Brandy?”
“Please.”
James and Georgiana were the last to arrive. Georgiana looked quietly elegant in a pale lavender silk that complemented her delicate coloring.
“Your Grace.” Henry offered James brandy as well. “I trust your chambers are satisfactory?”
“Very.” James accepted the glass, his gaze moving to Sophia. “We’re eager to meet Amelia. Will she be down tonight?”
“Yes, she’ll be brought down shortly. Just for a few minutes before her bedtime.” Henry glanced at Sophia, who was sitting beside Rose. “She’s quite excited about meeting her new aunts and uncles.”
“Am I remembering correctly that her birthday is in April?” Georgiana asked.
“That’s correct. She’ll be three.” Henry moved to stand near the fire, acutely aware of being the center of attention. “But she is very articulate for her age. She has thrived under Sophia’s care and guidance.”
“Sophia spoke of her often at Christmas,” Rose said, her eyes soft. “We’re glad she’ll be able to stay with her now. As her mother, rather than her governess.”
“It’s what we both want,” Henry said. “Amelia needs a mother and she will have the best one in the world.”
“Henry, not really,” Sophia said, laughing. “He exaggerates my mothering skills.”
“Not at all,” Henry said. “My betrothed is both gentle and fierce. She loves with her entire heart, as I’m sure you all know.”
“We certainly do,” Rose said, smiling indulgently in Sophia’s direction.
“She was that way as a child. Has she told you much about her past?” James’s question was casual, but his eyes were sharp.
The directness of it caught Henry off guard. Regardless, he met James’s gaze steadily. “Yes, we have spoken at length about our pasts.”
“That is correct,” Sophia said. “We know much about each other. Although, I am sure there is always more to learn.”
