Page 61 of When She Was a Governess
As the guests settled and footmen began serving, Henry stole glances at his wife. She looked radiant in her wedding dress. Still, he couldn’t wait until it was a clump on the foot of his bed.
The meal progressed with easy conversation and frequent toasts. The wine flowed freely, and the room filled with warmth and laughter.
Then Sebastian stood, tapping his glass with a knife. The room fell quiet.
“I’d like to offer my congratulations to the bride and groom.” Sebastian raised his glass, eyes bright. “To Sophia and Henry. May your life together be filled with love, laughter and the joy of family. Montrose, we are happy to welcome you to ours. Thank you for making my sister’s eyes shine as they do.”
Everyone raised glasses, clinking with whoever was nearest them.
Before she could respond, James stood. “I, too, would like to make a toast. Today is the fulfillment of my deepest wish, which was to see my sister married to a man she loved. I had not predicted this man would also come with a little girl that hasstolen Sophia’s heart. There have been hardships in our family. Cruelty and grief. But today, we celebrate the future. To our family. They tried to ruin us, but we came back. Rather like a pesky rash.”
Everyone chuckled.
James glanced down at his wife. “I know how love can change everything. How it gives life meaning and purpose. Sophia, I wish for you and Henry the joy and contentment I have with my Georgiana.” He paused, his honey-colored curls falling over his forehead as he turned to Henry. “Montrose, my brother and I have felt responsible for the protection of our sister. Now, that task goes to you. I know you will do your job well.”
“I will,” Henry said, nodding.
James raised his glass. “To love.”
Everyone did the same, clinking glasses once more.
Henry looked over at his bride. She met his gaze, her eyes soft with emotion. He stood, his glass in hand. He looked at the faces around the table—her brothers who’d welcomed him, their wives who’d embraced Sophia with such warmth, Charlotte and Thomas who’d been his anchors through the darkest years.
“I’m not one for eloquent speeches, unfortunately. But I would be remiss if I didn’t say a few words.” He turned to Sebastian and James. “Thank you for entrusting your sister to my care. You can rest easy that I will cherish and protect her for as long as I live.” His gaze returned to Sophia. “Sophia, you have brought this broken man back to life. I cannot imagine life without you now. Thank you for reminding me what it is like to live, rather than merely exist. From this day forward, I will try my best to be a man worthy of your heart. To give you what you have given me.”
He raised his glass. “To my beautiful wife.” He grinned, glancing down at Sophia. “Wife? It feels strange to say but I have a paper that proves it to be true.”
“Thank you, dear husband” Sophia said, eyes shining.
The rest of the breakfast passed in a blur of conversation and celebration. The cake was cut and served, accompanied by champagne. Finally, their stomachs full, they all got up from the table and headed to the drawing room to celebrate further. Henry hoped the day would pass quickly.
*
The house grewquiet as the evening deepened. Sebastian and Rose retired first, pleading exhaustion from the journey and the emotion of the day. James and Georgiana followed soon after, James clapping Henry on the shoulder with a knowing look that made Henry’s collar feel too tight.
Finally, it was just Henry and Sophia in the drawing room, the fire burning low, the candles guttering in their holders.
“I should go up.” Sophia stood, smoothing her skirts. “Mrs. Shaw will be waiting to help me undress.”
“Yes, I’ll give you time.” Henry rose as well, his heart pounding. “How much time exactly?” He grimaced, unsure of himself and almost dizzy thinking of what lay beneath her dress.
She smiled and a giggle escaped. “I do not know, my lord. Having never prepared for my wedding night before.”
“I shall be patient, then.”
“Shall we?” She gestured toward the door. “Walk up together?”
“Of course.” He offered his arm, and they climbed the stairs without speaking. At the top, where the corridor branched toward their chambers, they both hesitated.
“Well,” Sophia said, her cheeks pink. “I suppose this is where we part. For now.”
“For now,” Henry agreed. His chambers were to the right and hers to the left. “I’ll knock on our adjoining door before joining you. To make sure you’re ready.”
“I’ll be waiting.” She rose on her toes and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, then hurried down the corridor before he could respond.
Henry watched her go, then turned toward his own chambers where he knew Davies would be waiting. His heart was racing so fast he felt lightheaded.
When he entered his room, Davies was indeed there, laying out Henry’s nightclothes. The older man’s expression was carefully neutral, but there was a hint of warmth in his eyes.
