Chapter Eleven #2
“Just over two thousand acres. Much of it is let to tenant farmers, though we keep the home farm under direct management.” Henry was grateful for the familiar topic. Estate talk was safe territory. “The soil here is excellent for wheat and barley. We’ve had good harvests the past three years.”
“And the tenants? They’re well-treated?” James asked.
“I believe so. My uncle taught me that a landlord’s prosperity depends on his tenants’ welfare. Fair rents, well-maintained cottages, reasonable terms.” Henry met James’s eyes steadily. “I take my responsibilities seriously, Your Grace.”
“I can see that.” James’s tone had warmed slightly. “It’s good to hear. Too many landlords squeeze their tenants dry and wonder why their estates decline.”
“Sebastian is the same,” Rose interjected. “He reduced rents last year when the harvest was poor.”
“It was the right thing to do,” Sebastian said. “And this year, when the harvest was good, the tenants worked harder because they knew I’d been fair when times were difficult.”
The conversation flowed naturally through the soup and into the next course of turbot in a delicate wine sauce, accompanied by early asparagus from the glasshouses.
“I must say, this asparagus is remarkable for this time of year,” Georgiana observed. “You have extensive glasshouses?”
“Three,” Sophia answered, and Henry felt a surge of pride that she knew enough of the estate to answer herself. “They’re quite impressive. We grow everything from vegetables to exotic orchids.”
“Orchids?” Rose’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I’d love to see them. I have never been brave enough to try to grow them.” She turned toward Henry. “I am quite fond of the gardens at our estate, which perhaps explains why I fell in love with Sebastian when he was believed to be a simple gardener.”
“It’s rather extraordinary what people will do for justice. Or for love,” Georgiana said, with a glance at her husband.
“Indeed,” James said.
Henry nodded, thinking about what courage it must have taken for Sebastian to disguise himself to prove his father’s innocence. “I imagine that must have been difficult. Hiding your true identity to uncover the truth.”
“It was a mad idea, to be sure,” Sebastian said. “One fraught with danger, and yet, here I sit, with my beautiful wife and my siblings, everything as it should be.”
“How did the staff feel about the match?” Henry asked. “Once they all learned the truth.”
“They were delighted,” Rose said. “Or they seemed so anyway. If not, they’re good actors, for I have never sensed anything but respect and admiration for Sebastian.”
“The staff has been steady and loyal,” Sebastian said. “They weathered several storms over the years. It’s not talked about, as far as I can tell, but I think they’re much happier now that Rose and I are married.”
“And my father’s gone,” Rose said, her expression dimming. “He terrorized the staff almost as much as he did me.”
“Thank goodness, it is all over,” Sophia said.
Henry peered at Sophia, taken in by her beauty. The candlelight caught in her fair hair, making it shimmer like spun gold. Her eyes sparkled, too, perhaps with the joy of having her family near. He wanted to give it all to her, whatever she wished for.
As if sensing his gaze, she glanced over and their eyes met. She smiled, just slightly, and Henry’s stomach fluttered. God, she was beautiful.
“What are your plans for the spring planting?” Sebastian asked.
Henry forced himself to focus. “We’re increasing the acreage for wheat this year. The market price has been good, and the weather patterns suggest another favorable growing season.”
But even as he spoke about crop rotation and field drainage, part of his mind remained on Sophia. On the way she’d smiled at him. On how right she looked sitting at his table.
The meal progressed through roasted duck with cherry sauce, saddle of lamb with mint jelly, and a variety of side dishes. The footmen kept the wine flowing and the courses coming with practiced efficiency.
“I understand you spent time in London during the season, Montrose,” Rose said as the savory course was cleared. “Did you enjoy it?”
“Not particularly, I’m afraid. I’m not much for balls and assemblies.”
“Neither am I,” Sebastian said. “Though Rose dragged me to enough of them last year. I spent most of my time counting the minutes until I could escape to my library.”
“That’s not entirely true,” Rose protested, laughing. “You enjoyed Lady Wells’ musicale.”
“I enjoyed watching you enjoy it. I will admit to nothing further,” Sebastian said.
The affection between them was obvious. What would it be like to share that with Sophia? Not the pretense of affection they were performing for her family, but real intimacy? Real partnership? Real love? The thought should have terrified him. Instead, it felt more like an inevitability.
“Will you be receiving visitors this spring?” Georgiana asked. “Now that you’re Lady Montrose, the local families will want to call.”
Sophia glanced at Henry. “We haven’t yet discussed it.”
“We’ll do whatever makes you comfortable,” Henry said. “If you’d like time to settle in to your new role before receiving calls, that’s perfectly reasonable.”
The dessert course arrived—a spectacular array of jellies, creams, tarts, and sweetmeats. The conversation turned to lighter topics: the latest books, upcoming elections, mutual acquaintances in London.
Throughout it all, Henry found his attention drawn again and again to Sophia.
The way she listened intently when others spoke.
How she asked thoughtful questions. The musical quality of her laugh when Rose told a story about Edward’s latest mischief.
The graceful movement of her hands as she selected a lemon tart from the dessert tray.
He’d known her for two years, had seen her nearly every day. But he’d never really looked at her back then. Perhaps he’d not let himself notice how extraordinary she was. Now, however, he could hardly keep his gaze elsewhere.
“Are you nervous for the wedding tomorrow, Sophia?” Rose asked.
“A little,” Sophia said. “It’s all happened so quickly.”
“The best things often do.” Rose glanced at Henry, then back at Sophia, and something knowing flickered in her expression.
“Though I must say, watching you two together this evening, it doesn’t seem rushed at all.
It seems exactly right.” She paused, seemingly searching for the right word.
“Harmonious. That’s what it is. You’re in harmony with each other. ”
Henry felt heat rise to his own face. “I am a lucky man and smart enough to know it.”
“I am the lucky one.” Sophia tilted her head, smiling at him. “After tomorrow, I shall have everything I’ve ever dreamed of. A husband who loves me. A child to cherish. A home to run.”
For a moment, Henry forgot this was all a ruse and he filled with pride at the idea that he had given her everything she’d dreamt for.
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.