Page 53 of When She Was a Governess
Finally, the meal drew to a close. Rose set down her napkin and glanced at Sophia. “Shall we withdraw and leave the gentlemen to their port and cigars?”
“Of course.” Sophia rose, and the other ladies followed suit.
Henry and the other men stood as well, remaining on their feet until the ladies left the dining room. Only when the door closed behind them did they settle back into their chairs.
A footman appeared with a decanter of port and a box of cigars. Henry accepted both, filling glasses for Sebastian and James before taking one for himself. He didn’t particularly enjoy cigars, but the ritual was expected.
For a moment, they sat in silence, each man occupied with lighting his cigar and sampling the port.
“Montrose,” Sebastian said finally, his tone measured but serious. “We’re grateful Sophia will remain with the child she loves. But we need certain assurances about her future. Her security.”
Henry had expected this. He set down his glass and met Sebastian’s eyes steadily. “What would you like to know?”
“Everything,” James said bluntly, leaning forward. “But let’s start with the most important question: Do you love her? Or is she simply a convenient solution to your problem?”
Henry drew in a deep breath. It was a reasonable question, one he’d anticipated. James was protective, and he had every right to be. Henry took a breath, considering his answer carefully.
“I am not a man of impulse, in most situations. Nor am I one to catch on quickly to what’s right in front of my face. In fact, I can be quite obtuse. Which explains why it took me two years to understand that I’d fallen in love with your sister. However, had she not resigned from her position and told me who she really was, a marriage would have seemed impossible. As you both understand all too well.”
“Yes,” Sebastian said. “Of course we do.”
“But when she told me you had requested she have a Season and begin the life she should have had all along, it was as if I were struck by lightning. It became all too clear to me. I could not let her go. Not without a fight. Thus, I confessed to my feelings and begged her to put me out of misery and marry me.”
“Did she hesitate? Even a little?” James asked.
He paused, aware that both men were watching him intently. “She was surprised. But she admitted she had carried feelings for me for months and months. She felt sure I would be angry when she told me who she really was, so she’d put it off. Until her time, so to speak, was up. Once we shared how we truly felt, it was obvious to us both. We should marry, not only for Amelia’s sake, but for our own.”
“What took you so long to admit it to yourself?” James asked. “She’s been with you for over two years.”
“I was blind to her because of my past.” Henry met his eyes. “I was in love once before, and it ended in tragedy. I’ve been afraid to feel that way again. Not to mention the guilt I’ve carried over Eleanor’s death.”
“Tell us more, please,” James said.
“Who is Eleanor?” Sebastian asked.
“Eleanor was the woman I loved when I was a younger man. I wanted to marry her. However, my mother made sure I didn’t.” Henry set down his cigar. “She drove Eleanor to suicide with lies and threats. I’ve kept my upcoming marriage a secret from my parents for a reason. My mother is cruel. Manipulative. I know more now. I’m older and smarter. I will not allow her to do the same to Sophia.”
“What did she do? Exactly?” James said. “We must know everything.”
He told them about Eleanor—the special license, his mother’s visit while he was away. The forged letters, the threats to her father’s living, the psychological torment that had convinced Eleanor that dying would be the loving thing to do.
“She walked into the sea believing she was saving me,” Henry said, his voice raw. “Believing I would be happier without her. My mother murdered her with words and lies, and there was nothing I could do to stop it because I didn’t know until it was too late.”
“Christ,” James muttered.
“And Sophia knows all of this?” Sebastian asked.
“Yes, she knows it all. She knows what my mother is capable of. And I’ve taken precautions.” Henry looked at both men. “By the time they learn of the marriage, it will be done. Sophia will be my wife, protected by law and by me. My mother can try her tricks, but Sophia is stronger than Eleanor was. And this time, I’ll be ready.”
“Will you?” Sebastian’s tone wasn’t challenging, just concerned. “Your mother sounds formidable.”
“She is. But, in all truth, Sophia is stronger. Looking back, I can see clearly how vulnerable, how sheltered, Eleanor had been. Sophia is neither of those things. As she told me herself, given what she’s already been through, she can manage my mother and her trickery.
“Good,” James said simply. “Because if anything happens to Sophia—if your mother hurts her in any way—you’ll answer to me.”
“I understand.”
“Do you?” James leaned forward. “Because I mean it, Montrose. Sophia has been through hell. She’s survived things that would have broken most people. She deserves peace. Safety. Happiness. If you can’t give her those things, then we cannot allow this marriage to happen.”
