Page 55 of When She Was a Governess
“I wish she could have been here,” Sophia said, sounding as wistful as she felt.
“She would be very proud.” Mrs. Shaw smoothed a wayward strand of Sophia’s hair, which she’d dressed earlier in an elegant style with pearl pins woven throughout. “As would your father.”
Before Sophia could respond, a knock sounded at the door. Mrs. Shaw opened it to reveal Rose and Georgiana, both already dressed for the wedding.
“Oh, Sophia,” Rose breathed, her hand flying to her mouth. “You look absolutely beautiful.”
“May we come in?” Georgiana asked. “We wanted to give you something before the ceremony.”
“Of course.” Sophia gestured them inside.
Rose produced a small velvet box. “This is from both of us. A gift to welcome you into our sisterhood.”
Sophia opened the box. Inside lay a delicate bracelet of seed pearls interspersed with tiny sapphires.
“The pearls are for new beginnings,” Rose said. “And the sapphires match your eyes.”
“We wanted you to know,” Georgiana added, her usual composure softening, “that you have sisters now. We are looking forward to making many new memories together.”
Sophia’s vision blurred. “Thank you. It’s beautiful. You’re both so kind.”
“We’re family,” Rose said simply, fastening the bracelet around Sophia’s wrist.
“How are you feeling?” Georgiana asked.
“Nervous. Happy. All of it at once.” Sophia managed a smile.
“That’s exactly how I felt on my wedding day,” Rose said. “It’s perfectly natural.”
“And you look perfect,” Georgiana assured her. “Henry won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”
The door burst open and Amelia flew in, Lucy hurrying behind her.
“Mama!” Amelia stopped short, her eyes going wide. “You look like a princess. Like Cinderella.”
Despite everything, Sophia laughed. She crouched down carefully. “Do I? Do you like my dress?”
“Yes.” Amelia reached out to touch the lace with one careful finger.
Lucy cleared her throat apologetically. “I’m sorry, my lady. She insisted on seeing you before we left for the church.”
“It’s quite all right.” Sophia released Amelia reluctantly. “You look very pretty in your dress, too, my love.”
“I know.” Amelia twirled. “Lucy said I can ride in the carriage with Aunt Rose and Aunt Georgiana.”
“That’s right. You’ll be a very important person at the wedding.”
After Lucy had coaxed Amelia away, promising she’d see Mama at the church, Rose dabbed at her eyes. “That was unbearably sweet. I’m going to cry through the entire ceremony.”
“As will I,” Georgiana said.
Mrs. Shaw stepped forward. “The carriages will be ready shortly, my lady. We should finish.”
Rose and Georgiana took their cue. “We’ll see you at the church,” Rose said, kissing Sophia’s cheek. “You’re going to be a beautiful bride.”
After they left, Mrs. Shaw arranged Sophia’s veil—a delicate length of lace that had belonged to Henry’s aunt. Then she stepped back.
“Perfect. Lady Montrose, you are ready.”
