Page 85 of When She Was a Governess
“That is not true.” Georgiana laughed. “You are the volatile one in this marriage.”
James raised one eyebrow. “I would rather take care of it all with physical force, but that idea was quickly squashed by my wife.”
By the time they prepared to leave, Sophia felt more sure of herself and the possibility of success.
Back at Thornbridge House, Charlotte disappeared into her study and emerged with a more detailed schedule for the next two weeks—dinners, calls, a musicale, a small ball. Every event carefully chosen, every guest list analyzed for maximum impact.
“We start tomorrow,” Charlotte said. “With Lady Pembridge’s tea. She’s already on our side, and she’s invited several other influential women. It’s the perfect opening move.”
Sophia looked at the schedule, then at Henry, then at Charlotte.
“Let’s begin,” she said.
*
Lady Pembridge’s drawingroom was elegant, with cream walls, tasteful paintings, comfortable furniture arranged to encourage conversation. Sophia arrived with Charlotte, Rose, and Georgiana, all four of them dressed impeccably but not excessively. Charlotte had been very specific about that.
Standing in Lady Pembridge’s doorway, Sophia felt her stomach clench with nerves. This was it. The first real test of their campaign.
“Lady Montrose, how delightful.” Lady Pembridge crossed the room with genuine warmth, taking both of Sophia’s hands. “And Your Grace, Your Grace, Lady Somerville—how wonderful to see you all.”
There were warm greetings exchanged. Clearly these women all moved in the same circles. The Duchess of Devonshire greeted Charlotte with obvious affection. Rose received polite nods from the assembled ladies. It was an intimate gathering of nine, carefully curated. As planned, Charlotte had been strategic about the guest list. The Duchess of Devonshire held immense social influence; her opinion could sway a dozen other matrons. Mrs. Hartford was known for her sharp observations and sharper tongue. If she could be won over, her endorsement would mean something. Lady Ridgeway was a noted patron of education, with connections throughout society. And Lady Westbrook had a reputation for kindness and hosted one of London’s most sought-after salons.
A carefully curated audience. Not hostile, but not entirely sympathetic either. Women whose opinions would ripple through society.
“Ladies, I’m so pleased to properly introduce Lady Sophia Montrose,” Lady Pembridge said, drawing Sophia forward.“Many of you may remember her as Lady Sophia Ashford before her marriage. The Duke of Ashford’s daughter.”
“The Duke who was vindicated,” the Duchess of Devonshire said thoughtfully. “That was quite a scandal. Your brother proved his innocence, didn’t he?”
“My brother Sebastian, yes.” Sophia kept her voice steady. “The real murderer was discovered. My father’s name was fully cleared.”
“A terrible injustice,” Lady Pembridge said firmly. “I cannot imagine what you children endured.”
“Thank you, Lady Pembridge,” Sophia said. “Our lives changed after they took our father away. We had many hard years, living with distant cousins. However, we are here now, perhaps the wiser for enduring hardships.”
Tea was served, and the conversation began to flow. At first, it was the usual social pleasantries—weather, upcoming events, Lady Pembridge’s excellent cook. But Sophia could feel the undercurrent of curiosity, the unasked questions hovering.
It was Lady Ridgeway who finally asked. Not unkindly, but directly.
“Lady Montrose, forgive me, but I must ask. The rumors circulating about your marriage—there are so many versions. What is the truth?”
The room went quiet. Every eye turned to Sophia.
Sophia swallowed and set down her teacup with deliberate calm. “The truth is quite simple, actually. I was a governess to Lord Montrose’s niece, Amelia. Her mother—Henry’s sister, Rebecca—and her husband died in a terrible accident, naming Henry as guardian. He needed help caring for a small child, and I needed employment. We developed a deep respect for each other. Eventually, that respect became something more.”
“How romantic,” Lady Pembridge said warmly.
“But the courtship was rather brief, was it not?” Mrs. Hartford asked. Not hostile, but pointed.
“Yes, and I heard there were reasons he had to marry in haste,” Lady Ridgeway said.
“It was a short courtship.” Sophia nodded, smiling. “When we confessed our feelings, we felt no need to wait, especially because there was a child involved. We wanted to give her a family.”
“What of Lord Montrose’s melancholy?” Mrs. Hartford asked. “Is it true he was in a sanatorium?”
Charlotte leaned forward smoothly. “Henry showed remarkable courage in seeking proper help after the death of someone he loved. I find it admirable that he had the strength to face his pain rather than hide from it.”
“Quite right,” the Duchess of Devonshire said. “My own son struggled after the war. There’s no shame in seeking help. If anything, it shows character.”
