Chapter 22
Sofia wasn't sure if she was relieved or disappointed that James had left. Wanting to share her body with him, to learn what being a woman really meant, wasn't something a well brought up young lady should even contemplate.
She'd never thought to marry, her circle of acquaintances was narrow and all the men within it had not been to her taste.
It had never occurred to her that she'd suddenly find herself elevated to the ton, be about to marry a charismatic, handsome, gentleman that she'd only known for so short a time.
The fact that he was also an aristocrat and incredibly rich was incidental – it would make life easier of course – but she'd have married him if he was penniless.
How could she have been so lucky? And her sisters, and Annabel, they too were going to have a wonderful life because of James's generosity.
Another man in his position might just have taken a cursory interest, ensured that they had sufficient to live on and then left them to it.
Surprisingly she slept well but woke early.
The birds outside in the garden were barely awake, the sun hadn't quite risen, she thought it probably not quite five o'clock.
Even her efficient new maid wasn't awake so early.
This presented no problem for Sofia as she was used to getting herself ready for the day.
She completed her ablutions, donned her undergarments and selected a pretty, blue dimity gown with scalloped neckline and puffed sleeves. The day was going to be warm so there was no need for a shawl or spencer, but she would need gloves and bonnet before she went out later.
Although this house was three times the size of Hilltop House after Avon Court it was easy to negotiate and she had no difficulty finding her way to the staircase and then downstairs.
As she was approaching the bottom step there was a loud knock on the front door and the waiting footman rushed to open it. A tall, fair-haired man, in the scarlet uniform of the militia stepped in. She noticed at once that he had an empty sleeve.
He didn't see her and with his shako under his arm he followed the footman down the passageway that she thought led to the library.
A slight sound behind her made her look over her shoulder in alarm. 'Mr Haven, it appears I'm not the only one up with the lark today. I believe the visitor you and James are expecting, a military gentleman, has just arrived.'
'Good morning, Miss Brotherton. I didn't expect to see you up and I'm quite sure that his lordship would be equally surprised if you went in search of him.'
'I'm not entirely without sense, sir, I've absolutely no intention of interfering with anything that's been planned. I'm going to explore the garden and possibly visit the stables as well. By then I'm sure there will be servants around so that I may break my fast.'
He coloured knowing that for the second time he'd blundered.
She stepped to one side so he could pass her and watched him hurry away.
James seemed to think highly of this young man, but she wasn't as impressed as he.
Haven, or Michael as James called him, might be loyal and diligent but he wasn't especially intelligent.
She enjoyed her early morning stroll in the garden at the rear of the property and was pleasantly surprised by how well laid out it was, far bigger than she'd expected. She found an arbour surrounded by honeysuckle and roses and decided to sit on the marble bench for a while.
Now the militia were involved the various culprits would soon be rounded up and brought to justice.
The whole thing was quite extraordinary and quite unbelievable.
How different the three cousins were from each other although they'd come from the same stock.
Her father a second cousin, the culprit a first.
Her father had been light-hearted, had loved his family and worshipped Mama.
Life had been good before her mother had died so unexpectedly.
They were comfortable, happy, wanted for nothing compared to some.
After this tragedy he'd changed, become dour, distant and spent most of his time in his study and certainly took no interest in his daughters or his responsibilities.
Appeals to him for pin money, new gowns, were denied as were requests to visit Bath or anywhere at all.
She sighed. If she hadn't taken over the finances, the running of the small farm and the household then things would have been even worse than they'd become by his death. How her life had changed, and this had only happened because he'd died.
The first cousin, presumably wealthier, was different again. He was obviously evil if he wished to take the title by murdering James.
James bore no resemblance to either of them but then quite possibly being born into so much wealth and the expectation of holding a title had helped to make him the man he was.
The sun was up and shining gently into the arbour and made her sleepy. She closed her eyes and was dozing when the man she was thinking about arrived at her side.
'Good morning, my darling, I was told I'd find you here. Are you to join me for breakfast before we go in search of fripperies and folderols?'
She held out her hands and he pulled her gently to her feet. 'No, we can eat later. I find that I'm fatigued. I've no wish to do anything but retire to my bedchamber.'
He understood her meaning immediately. 'How strange, I too am in need of extra sleep, shall we retire together?'
This time they took the back stairs and he guided her into his own bedroom. 'Are you quite sure about this? Last night you were adamant you didn't wish to —.'
'I love you. Tonight, we'll be married. So this is our wedding day and I hardly think it matters if we celebrate that fact a few hours early.'
*
Jenkins appeared in his master's bedchamber at the usual time of half past seven with his hot shaving water. He set things out in the dressing room and then knocked quietly on the door and stepped in as he always did without waiting for permission.
His eyes widened. For a second he was frozen in the doorway then stepped backwards closing the door behind him.
He'd never been so shocked in his life. Naked limbs and unclothed females were not something he was familiar with.
He was scarlet from head to foot and feared he'd be dismissed instantly for intruding.
Then he heard the earl laughing and his future countess joining in. His hands stopped shaking and he leaned against the door in relief. His lordship was happy. He'd never heard him laugh like that.