Page 56 of When She Was a Governess
Lady Montrose. Her new name. Her new life.
Sophia touched the pearl and sapphire bracelet at her wrist, then followed Mrs. Shaw downstairs where Sebastian waited to escort her to the church.
To Henry.
*
The village churchwas small and ancient, its stone walls worn smooth by centuries of weather and prayer. Sophia sat in the carriage with Sebastian, her hands clasped tightly in her lap as they drew closer.
“Are you ready?” Sebastian asked gently.
“I think so.” Her voice came out barely a whisper.
“This is a fine match, Sophia. I wouldn’t have given my blessing otherwise.” Sebastian took her hand. “You’ll be happy. I’m certain of it.”
If only he knew the truth, he might not be so certain. She hated lying to her brothers. She truly did. However, it was necessary they believe everything was as it appeared. In time, perhaps it might be?
The carriage stopped. Sebastian descended first, then helped Sophia down. The March morning was gray and damp, more typical for Kent than the warmth of yesterday, but at least it wasn’t raining. A small crowd of villagers had gathered outside the church—tenants, shopkeepers, their families—all eager to catch a glimpse of their lord’s bride.
“God bless you, my lady,” someone called out.
Sophia managed a smile and a wave, though her heart was pounding so hard she thought it might burst from her chest.
Sebastian offered his arm. “Shall we?”
They entered through the church porch. The interior was simple—no flowers, no decorations, just the ancient stone and wood and the soft light filtering through stained glass windows. This was a place of worship, solemn and sacred. As it should be.
The small gathering stood as she entered. Rose and Georgiana in one pew, James beside them holding Amelia’s hand. The large man and the little girl looked so sweet together that Sophia was afraid she would burst into tears right then and there.
Amelia gave her a small wave. Sophia nodded at her, smiling.
Charlotte also smiled from across the aisle, with Thomas beside her. Mrs. Bromley and Grimshaw stood near the back, along with a few other household staff. That was all. A handful of people to witness what would change her entire life.
And at the front, beside the vicar, stood Henry.
He wore dark blue superfine, his cravat pristine white, his dark hair brushed back from his face. But it was his expression that made Sophia’s steps falter—the way his eyes widened whenhe saw her, the way his lips parted slightly, the way he looked at her as though she were something precious and unexpected.
As though he loved her.
Please God, let it be so.
Sebastian led her slowly down the short aisle. Sophia could not break her gaze from Henry. Everything else was forgotten. It was just Henry and Sophia, lost in each other’s eyes. When they reached the altar, Sebastian placed her hand in Henry’s, and the warmth of his touch sent a shiver through her.
“Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?” the vicar intoned.
“I do,” Sebastian said firmly, then stepped back to join Rose.
The vicar opened theBook of Common Prayer, his voice carrying through the quiet church. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony…”
Sophia barely heard the words about the purpose of marriage, about its sacred nature, about impediments and just causes. She wanted only to get to the end, where Henry would be forced to kiss her.
The vicar turned to Henry. “Wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded Wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”
“I will.” Henry’s voice was steady, certain.
Then the vicar turned to Sophia. “Wilt thou have this Man to thy wedded Husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”
Obey. Serve. The words that bound her to him forever.
