Page 88 of When She Was a Governess
“Of course,” Sophia said, feeling almost dizzy with relief. “I will look forward to it.”
Mrs. Hartford offered a small smile as she departed. “You handled yourself well today, Lady Montrose. I look forward to seeing you at the Devonshire dinner.”
In the carriage ride back to Thornbridge House, Charlotte sat back with a satisfied smile. “We were brilliant, if I do say so myself.”
“I do not know why, but it had not occurred to me they would ask Georgiana and me questions,” Rose said.
“You handled it perfectly,” Georgiana said.
“As did you,” Rose said. “When they brought up your work.”
“I, too, was not expecting that,” Georgiana said. “In hindsight, it was rather naive.”
“You all three did a great deal of good for your reputations today,” Charlotte said.
“Three invitations,” Rose said. “In one tea. That’s better than we hoped.”
“It’s a start,” Charlotte said. “By the end of the week, half of London will know you’re not the scheming governess Constance has painted you. They’ll see what we see—a woman of integrity, intelligence, and warmth.”
Sophia felt tears prick her eyes. “Thank you. All of you. I will be forever grateful.”
“We must champion one another,” Rose said. “Always.”
“Here, here,” Charlotte said.
“I cannot wait to tell Henry the good news,” Sophia said. “He will be proud of all four of us.”
“We shall have champagne tonight,” Charlotte said. “To celebrate our first victory.”
They all nodded, and then, perhaps tired from the ordeal, fell quiet. Sophia leaned her head against the side of the carriage and closed her eyes. The pit in her stomach had vanished. There was hope after all. Henry’s mother would not win.
Chapter Nineteen
They had beenin London for three days when Charlotte’s butler knocked on the morning room door where Henry and Sophia were reviewing the day’s schedule.
“Lord Montrose, there is a gentleman here to see you. The Earl of Hartwell’s heir, Lord Pemberton.”
His brother was here? This could not possibly bode well.
“He asked to see you immediately,” the butler said. “I’ve shown him to the blue drawing room.”
Henry exchanged a glance with Sophia. “My brother. Edward.”
“Yes, please go to him,” Sophia said. “We can finish this later.”
Henry found Edward standing by the window, gazing out at the street as if he had no idea where he was. Edward was taller than Henry by a few inches and broader in the shoulders. He and Henry shared the same thick brown hair, but Edward’s eyes were a dark green with amber flecks. Depending on the light, they were either green or hazel. At thirty-two, his face was unlined but a weariness in his eyes hinted at an innate sadness, for which they could blame their mother.
“Edward?”
Edward turned. “Henry.” He crossed the room in three strides and pulled him into a fierce embrace. “My apologies for arriving unannounced. Are you quite well? My congratulations on your nuptials.”
“I’m fine,” Henry said. “And thank you.”
Edward pulled back, his hands on Henry’s shoulders. “Married life looks as if it suits you. You look ten years younger than the last time I saw you.”
“Sophia has brightened every aspect of my life,” Henry said, meaning every word. “I am a lucky man.” He gestured toward a chair. “Please, do sit. Tell me what brings you here. I would not have thought we would see you in London.”
They settled in chairs by the fire. The morning was cool and damp but the flames provided a nice reprieve. “Yes, well, I have been summoned by Mother to find a wife. I have not had the same luck as you, unfortunately. I do not particularly want a wife, but I would like Mother to leave me alone.”
