Page 52 of When She Was a Governess
“It was a mad idea, to be sure,” Sebastian said. “One fraught with danger, and yet, here I sit, with my beautiful wife and my siblings, everything as it should be.”
“How did the staff feel about the match?” Henry asked. “Once they all learned the truth.”
“They were delighted,” Rose said. “Or they seemed so anyway. If not, they’re good actors, for I have never sensed anything but respect and admiration for Sebastian.”
“The staff has been steady and loyal,” Sebastian said. “They weathered several storms over the years. It’s not talked about, as far as I can tell, but I think they’re much happier now that Rose and I are married.”
“And my father’s gone,” Rose said, her expression dimming. “He terrorized the staff almost as much as he did me.”
“Thank goodness, it is all over,” Sophia said.
Henry peered at Sophia, taken in by her beauty. The candlelight caught in her fair hair, making it shimmer like spun gold. Her eyes sparkled, too, perhaps with the joy of having her family near. He wanted to give it all to her, whatever she wished for.
As if sensing his gaze, she glanced over and their eyes met. She smiled, just slightly, and Henry’s stomach fluttered. God, she was beautiful.
“What are your plans for the spring planting?” Sebastian asked.
Henry forced himself to focus. “We’re increasing the acreage for wheat this year. The market price has been good, and the weather patterns suggest another favorable growing season.”
But even as he spoke about crop rotation and field drainage, part of his mind remained on Sophia. On the way she’d smiled at him. On how right she looked sitting at his table.
The meal progressed through roasted duck with cherry sauce, saddle of lamb with mint jelly, and a variety of side dishes. The footmen kept the wine flowing and the courses coming with practiced efficiency.
“I understand you spent time in London during the season, Montrose,” Rose said as the savory course was cleared. “Did you enjoy it?”
“Not particularly, I’m afraid. I’m not much for balls and assemblies.”
“Neither am I,” Sebastian said. “Though Rose dragged me to enough of them last year. I spent most of my time counting the minutes until I could escape to my library.”
“That’s not entirely true,” Rose protested, laughing. “You enjoyed Lady Wells’ musicale.”
“I enjoyed watching you enjoy it. I will admit to nothing further,” Sebastian said.
The affection between them was obvious. What would it be like to share that with Sophia? Not the pretense of affection they were performing for her family, but real intimacy? Real partnership? Real love? The thought should have terrified him. Instead, it felt more like an inevitability.
“Will you be receiving visitors this spring?” Georgiana asked. “Now that you’re Lady Montrose, the local families will want to call.”
Sophia glanced at Henry. “We haven’t yet discussed it.”
“We’ll do whatever makes you comfortable,” Henry said. “If you’d like time to settle in to your new role before receiving calls, that’s perfectly reasonable.”
The dessert course arrived—a spectacular array of jellies, creams, tarts, and sweetmeats. The conversation turned to lighter topics: the latest books, upcoming elections, mutual acquaintances in London.
Throughout it all, Henry found his attention drawn again and again to Sophia. The way she listened intently when others spoke. How she asked thoughtful questions. The musical quality of her laugh when Rose told a story about Edward’s latest mischief. The graceful movement of her hands as she selected a lemon tart from the dessert tray.
He’d known her for two years, had seen her nearly every day. But he’d never really looked at her back then. Perhaps he’d not let himself notice how extraordinary she was. Now, however, he could hardly keep his gaze elsewhere.
“Are you nervous for the wedding tomorrow, Sophia?” Rose asked.
“A little,” Sophia said. “It’s all happened so quickly.”
“The best things often do.” Rose glanced at Henry, then back at Sophia, and something knowing flickered in her expression. “Though I must say, watching you two together this evening, it doesn’t seem rushed at all. It seems exactly right.” She paused,seemingly searching for the right word. “Harmonious. That’s what it is. You’re in harmony with each other.”
Henry felt heat rise to his own face. “I am a lucky man and smart enough to know it.”
“I am the lucky one.” Sophia tilted her head, smiling at him. “After tomorrow, I shall have everything I’ve ever dreamed of. A husband who loves me. A child to cherish. A home to run.”
For a moment, Henry forgot this was all a ruse and he filled with pride at the idea that he had given her everything she’d dreamt for.
