Chapter Nineteen
They had been in 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.”
“Yes, well, that is not her strongest quality.”
“I arrived only yesterday, and already I’ve received several reports of Mother spreading horrible gossip about your wife. I assume you are aware?”
“Yes, I’m aware.” Henry sighed. “In fact, that’s why we’re here in London, as I prefer the country too.
Charlotte is leading us in a counter-attack against Mother.
She has us calling on whomever she believes will help in our endeavors.
Sophia deserves none of this. She is good and honest, not at all as Mother has portrayed her. ”
“Like a manipulative fortune-hunter who trapped you into marriage?”
“Yes, that’s the one.” Henry explained further about Sophia’s family—her brothers, the scandal and subsequent restoration of their titles and wealth.
“Mother was enraged that I did not tell her beforehand and has struck like the poisonous snake she is. Ironically, Sophia’s brother gave me a generous dowry. She was not seeking wealth. Only love.”
“I take it is a love match, then?” Edward asked.
Henry debated about how much to tell him.
They had once been close allies, united against their mother’s cruelty, but after Henry moved to Kent, they had not spent much time together.
Edward had traveled a great deal as a younger man—he’d negotiated that freedom by promising to eventually marry and produce an heir.
Now, at thirty-two, Edward had run out of extensions.
Their mother had given him an ultimatum: find a wife this Season or face her wrath.
Edward had spent the intervening years well, including extensive time in America where he had bought land as investments and participated in lucrative import activities between the two countries.
He’d made a fortune for the family, yet their mother still hounded him to choose a wife or have his allowance halted.
Now Edward was back, facing the same trap Henry had once feared: marrying to satisfy duty rather than desire.
“Do you want the truth?” Henry asked his brother. “About my marriage?”
“Yes, please.”
“Sophia and I started out as a practical solution. She wanted to stay with Amelia, feeling as if the child belonged to her, and I needed a mother for Amelia and a wife. It was Charlotte’s idea, actually.
Sophia agreed to marry me but in name only.
However, as Charlotte predicted, I have fallen in love with my wife and she with me. ”
“And you kept the marriage from Mother because of what she did to Eleanor?” Edward asked. “Afraid for history to repeat itself?”
“That’s correct.” Henry waited for the dart of pain that usually came upon the mention of Eleanor but it didn’t come. Instead, it felt like merely a scar—no longer the open wound that had festered for so long. “Which angered her immensely.”
“Of course it did.” Edward looked into the fire for a moment, the muscle in his cheek flexing. “I have long felt regret over my part in Eleanor’s death. Had I not been away, perhaps I would have been of more help.”
“It was not your problem to solve, but I appreciate the sentiment.”
Edward had been in America at the time and had not been there to intervene as he had so often done when they were younger. Edward had always been the favored son. The steady one. Less sensitive than Henry. More obedient that Rebecca.
“I will not let you down again,” Edward said. “My days of travel are over. I shall marry and do as I’ve promised. As duty would dictate. My years roaming the earth were a cheat of a kind, you know? It’s time for me to pay back the devil.”
Henry chuckled. “The price for selling your soul.”
Edward gave him a grim smile. “Exactly. In addition to all of that, I have missed you. I’m afraid I didn’t take Rebecca’s death well.
I was devastated, mostly because I did not love her as well as I should have.
Instead of staying and fighting for her and you, I ran away to America.
I never had the chance to say I was sorry.
Or that I loved her. Regret is the worst emotion of all. ”
“Rebecca knew how you felt about her. She loved you. And she understood you.”
“Thank you for saying that.” His expression grew mournful. “Still, I feel as if I let you both down. I shall not do it again. Whatever Mother is up to, I will help fight her. I have connections of my own. Men of influence. Whatever you need, I will do.”
“That is very kind of you. We could use your help, no doubt,” Henry said.
“Is Sophia here? I would like to meet her. Introduce myself properly.”
Henry smiled at the mention of his wife. “Yes, she’s here. I know she would enjoy making your acquaintance. She is very loyal to family, especially because of what they went through. It would make your blood run cold to hear what was done to them as children.”
“It’s a sad tale. I’m delighted to hear they have had justice at last.”
“Let me ask for her to join us,” Henry said.
“Wonderful.”
Henry rose and went to the door, asking Charlotte’s butler to send for Sophia. A few moments later, she entered, and Henry’s chest expanded with pride at the sight of his exquisite wife.
“Sophia, may I introduce my brother, Edward—Lord Pemberton, heir to the Earl of Hartwell. Edward, this is my wife, Lady Sophia Montrose.”
Edward stood immediately and bowed. “Lady Montrose. It’s an honor to finally meet you. I apologize for calling unannounced.”
“Not at all,” Sophia said, offering a slight curtsy. “You’re very welcome here, Lord Pemberton. I’m delighted to meet you.”
“Please, call me Edward. We’re family now, after all.” He smiled, and Henry saw some of the warmth that had been robbed from his brother’s eyes appear. “Facing the devil herself.”
“That’s what he calls Mother,” Henry said.
Sophia’s lips twitched. “I dare say it is not inaccurate.” She glanced up at Edward. “Have you heard the rumors?”
“Yes, that’s part of the reason why I wanted to come by as soon as I could,” Edward said. “To pledge my support. My brother has told me the story of your union.”
Sophia’s eyes widened slightly, and Henry saw her composure waver for just a moment as she looked over at him. “All of it?”
“Yes, all of it,” Henry said.
“Do not be worried,” Edward said quickly. “I shall keep it to myself. Anyway, it hardly matters how it started, only that you are both happy. And Amelia is taken care of.”
“Oh, she’s the sweetest, prettiest child,” Sophia said. “You must come to stay with us soon. She would love to meet her Uncle Edward.”
Edward frowned. “I would love to say I’d visit soon, but I have this whole marriage mart to attend to.
I must marry soon or my mother will wreak all kinds of revenge.
However, I will be here to help. I know men of influence.
This afternoon, I’ll send word to several friends. Men who trust my judgment.”
“What will you tell them?” Sophia asked.
“The truth. You’re a duke’s daughter. Your family’s name has been restored.” Edward glanced at Henry. “And my brother is happier than I’ve ever seen him. They’ll help spread that version of events.”
“That is so kind of you.” Sophia’s voice was thick with emotion.
“It is the least I can do” Edward said.
Sophia’s eyes filled with tears. “Thank you, Edward. Truly.”
“Now then,” Edward said, his tone brightening. “Tell me more about Amelia.”
“Oh, she’s wonderful.” Sophia’s whole face lit up. “Clever and funny and so full of life. She makes Henry and me laugh every day.”
“Is it true that she looks like Rebecca?” Edward asked.
“Very much so,” Henry said. “So much so that it kept me from her. It was hard, at first, to see her…looking so much like Rebecca.”
“I understand,” Edward said, glancing over at Sophia. “We adored our little sister. Losing her left a deep hole in my heart. However, it gives me great peace to know her little daughter is so well loved.”
“I do love her very much,” Sophia said. “The thought of leaving her was like imagining an amputation of some kind.”