Chapter Eight
Chapter Eight
Sophie couldn’t remember the last time she had slept so late and even after a maid brought her breakfast to her room, she still couldn’t manage to move from underneath the thick blankets and coverlet. She raised her arms over her head and stretched as she thought about how much her life had changed in just a few days.
“From the smile on your face, I would say that you had a pleasant night.”
Sophie sat up abruptly at the deep sound of his voice. “I wasn’t expecting to see you so early.”
Benedict came further into the room. “It’s past noon, I wouldn’t say this is early.”
Sophie almost jumped from the bed until she remembered she was just wearing her nightgown. “Oh, my goodness. I guess I was more tired than I thought. I can dress quickly.”
He moved to stand beside the bed. “There is no need to rush. I just wanted to come by and inform you of the plans I have made this morning. The archbishop had no problem granting a special license, especially since he owes money to The Lair. We should have it tomorrow.”
“So, we are to be married tomorrow?”
He nodded as he looked down at her lying against the pillows. “I see no reason to wait. Besides, the sooner we are married, the sooner you will be under my protection.” He sat on the edge of the bed, his fingers itching to touch her. “I have arranged for a modiste to arrive today. You will be fitted for a new wardrobe and any and all of the other fripperies a lady needs. Madame Lacroix should arrive within the hour or so. Since I have business with the Prince, I sent a note to Isobel, the Duchess of Avanley. Her husband is a close friend and will be with me at Carlton House. I have not explained all our circumstances, only that we are to be married, I will leave the rest up to you. You may feel free to tell her the truth, she will not judge you. I think you will like her, and she will be a good friend to have while we are in London. Especially since I will be spending the majority of my time at The Lair. Once my business is concluded at Carlton House, I will join you tonight for dinner.”
Sophie pushed her hair away from her shoulders, an action that showcased the porcelain smooth skin of her long neck.
Benedict stood from the bed and walked back toward the door before he did something that would complicate matters. “If there is anything else you require, make a list, and give it to Nathaniel. He has been given instructions to see that any and all of your needs are met.”
“May I ask one of the maids to prepare a bath for me? I would like to freshen up before anyone arrives.”
Benedict’s lips turned into a wide grin. “I will see to it for you, but you don’t need to ask permission for such things. You are the lady of the house or will be shortly. However, any time you need my assistance, especially with something as intimate as bathing arrangements, I am at your disposal.”
Sophie breathed out a heavy sigh after he left the room. Her heart was beating a bit faster. The extraordinary arrangement they had made seemed ridiculous, but she was more than willing to go through with it. She just hoped she was not leaving one dangerous situation for another.
Two Hours Later
“Excuse me, Miss Pettigrew but the Duchess of Avanley is seeking an audience with you. I showed her into the yellow salon, shall I tell her that you will join her momentarily?”
Sophie had been reading a book in the library when Nathaniel came in to tell her of the duchess’s arrival. Even though Benedict had warned her that the duchess would be coming to meet her today, she still was a bundle of nerves. “Yes, please. Thank you, Nathaniel.”
The older man bowed to her. “It is my pleasure, Miss Pettigrew.”
Sophie walked over to a mirror hanging between the bookcases and took a quick look at her appearance. She couldn’t help but wonder what the duchess would think of her. Would she think her a fortune hunter, only marrying Kingston for his protection and wealth? She sighed heavily, wasn’t that exactly what she was doing?
She walked out of the library and down the hall. She had only gotten a brief tour from Nathaniel and thankfully she remembered that the yellow salon was at the front of the house. She took a deep breath and prepared herself for whatever was to come.
When she walked into the room, she saw a petite lady standing on the opposite side of the room. She was dressed very fine in a fashionable dress. Her mahogany hair was styled elegantly and even from the short distance, Sophie could tell she was strikingly beautiful. When the lady turned and saw her, she moved across the room quickly with both hands outstretched.
“You must be Sophie.” She took both of her hands in her own. “I am Isobel Newberg, my husband is the Duke of Avanley and a very good friend of Benedict Kingston.”
Sophie noticed that while the duchess was smiling, her eyes were searching for more. She was curious about her and the situation. “It is nice to meet you, your grace. I suppose you have quite a few questions.”
The duchess’s eyes widened. “I don’t mean to seem rude, but I can’t help but be curious. The note Kingston sent to Avanley House only mentioned that you were staying here at Kenworth House, and he requested that I come to assist you with a modiste as the two of you would be getting married soon. While I rejoice that Kingston has finally found a bride, I must confess that since we have never heard him mention a lady before, Charles and I were both shocked, to say the least.”
Sophie smiled timidly. “It’s a long story. Would you like some tea?”
Bella tilted her head to the side. “Yes, thank you. Do you mind if I take a seat?”
Sophie followed her to the settee and took a seat beside her. “It is true that Mr. Kingston has asked me to marry him, but it is more of a business arrangement. He is offering me protection from my brother, and I am here to help him navigate through the ton when he becomes the Duke of Kenworth.”
Sophie watched as the color drained from the duchess’ face.
“I think I need something stronger than tea.”
Sophie nodded and went to the door to call for Nathaniel. She asked him to bring some brandy. She wasn’t sure if the duchess would drink it, but it was the strongest thing her father kept in his office when he was alive. He hurriedly brought in a tray with a bottle and two glasses.
“Do you drink brandy, your grace?”
Bella shook her head. “Not on a regular basis, but I have had a sip or two when the occasion called for it, and for this occasion, I think it would be appropriate.”
With shaky hands, Sophie poured a small amount of the amber-colored liquid into a glass and handed it to the duchess who surprisingly drank the contents rather quickly. Her eyes squinted and her nose wrinkled as she tried to cover her cough.
“It burns, but I think I am ready for you to continue with your story.”
Sophie smiled sweetly and took a seat. She conveyed the story of how her brother had lost her family’s fortune gaming and how she had visited the Devil’s Lair to plead with Kingston in order to hold onto the ancient abbey which was where she was living. She reluctantly told her of her brother’s betrayal and his plans for her and how Kingston had offered her a way out that benefited them both. When she was finished recanting the details surrounding her relationship with Mr. Kingston, the duchess looked a bit overwhelmed.
“I can’t believe your own brother would suggest something so vile. I am sorry you had to go through that. But you did mention that Kingston was to become the new Duke of Kenworth. How is that to be? To my knowledge, none of his close friends even knew he was related to the Duke of Kenworth.”
Sophie clasped her hands in her lap. “I’m not entirely sure how it all came about, but the duke is his uncle and is very ill and not expected to live much longer. I suppose you would have to ask Mr. Kingston for further details.”
“There is just so much to take in. I can scarcely believe it all. And all of this has happened within the last few weeks. When is the marriage to take place?”
Sophie stood and walked over to the window. “Tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow!”
“He came to tell me he secured a special license and would have it tomorrow. He feels it is best to proceed with our business arrangement quickly.”
The duchess stood and began pacing the floor. “Well, that certainly doesn’t give us much time. He did say in the note that Madame Lacroix would be coming today.”
As soon as the words left her mouth, Nathaniel came back into the room. “Excuse me, Miss Pettigrew, your grace, but Madame LaCroix has arrived.”
“Thank you, Nathaniel. Please take her to the duchess’s dressing room. I will be there as soon as possible.”
Nathaniel nodded and left to do as instructed.
Sophie looked back at the duchess. “I know it is a lot to take in, and I understand if you would like some time to process everything…”
She was surprised when the duchess moved swiftly and embraced her. “If Kingston has chosen to marry you, then I am positive he feels there is something special about you. And if we are to become friends, please call me Bella.” She took a step back and looked over Sophie from head to toe. “Come, we have lots to do, and Madame Lacroix doesn’t like to be kept waiting by anyone.” She reached out and took Sophie’s hand and they both walked up the stairs to the duchess’ dressing room where the famous dressmaker was waiting for her.
The Devil’s Lair
“Have you lost all your bloody senses?!” Charles, Duke of Avanley said as he slammed the door to Kingston’s office.
Benedict looked up from his account books. “I would appreciate it if you would cease yelling. Is that a ducal trait, bellowing? It has been a harrowing few days and my head is throbbing from lack of sleep and lack of drink.”
Charles took a seat in front of his friend’s desk. “Just tell me this, is it true? Are you really about to marry Miss Pettigrew, the impoverished sister to reckless Lord Pettigrew who just recently lost his family’s fortune here at The Lair?”
Kingston pinched the bridge of his nose and pushed the account books away. “You are not leaving anytime soon, are you?”
Charles leaned forward and studied his friend’s face. “I am trying to decide if I should call a doctor. Perhaps my personal physician should come examine you.”
Kingston reached for the decanter of brandy and poured himself a drink. “Why do you always have to be so dramatic? Did Bella get my note? I hope the short notice wasn’t a problem.”
Charles reached for the decanter of brandy and moved it from his friend’s reach. “Isobel was shocked. I had not even told her about you being Kenworth’s heir yet. The sudden marriage announcement was surprising enough. I have no idea how she will take the rest of this information.”
Kingston grinned before drinking down the entire contents of his glass. “I’m sure Isobel will handle this better than you.”
“Is this because you are to inherit a dukedom? When I sat in your office a few days ago, I was only jesting about the search for a bride. I certainly didn’t mean for you to snatch up the first eligible female you encountered. I assume this isn’t a love match.”
Kingston’s raked a hand through his hair in frustration. “It’s a business arrangement, nothing more.”
“What kind of business arrangement could possibly involve you marrying a woman that you do not know?”
Kingston stood from his chair and started pacing the floor behind his desk. He knew the conversation would have to be had, but he was hoping for at least a day to adjust to the idea. “What you said about needing a wife was true. While I may have mingled with members of the ton, I have never truly been a part of it. Miss Pettigrew was raised to be the wife of a nobleman. Other than her brother, her pedigree is sound. She will be most efficient in helping me cement my place as the Duke of Kenworth upon my uncle’s demise.”
“There are many ladies that have the same if not better qualifications eagerly waiting to become the wife to a titled lord. Why Miss Pettigrew? Why such a hasty marriage?”
Kingston sighed heavily debating on the wisdom of sharing any more information concerning his reasons for his hasty marriage. “This is not to leave this room. I do not want her name sullied about London or for anyone to know of the circumstances surrounding our marriage.” He saw Charles ‘expression darken as he nodded his agreement. “Her brother is the worst kind of bastard. After losing everything of value that his father had owned, he wanted to make Sophie a high-priced courtesan and was planning on selling her virginity to the highest bidder, and as she still has not reached her majority, you know as well as I do that her brother has full control over her. It was only a matter of time before he sold her to his low-life friends to use as they saw fit.”
“Bloody hell! I knew Pettigrew was an arse but that is beyond anything I imagined.”
Kingston stopped pacing and faced his friend. “While I have never felt responsibility for the troubles of the men that lose their fortunes to me at The Lair, I simply couldn’t allow Sophie to suffer at the hands of her own brother. I went to where she was staying in Abingdon, I will not even begin to discuss the deplorable conditions of the abbey and offered her a deal. She will marry me and assist in helping me navigate the ton as a respectable member of society, and I will offer her marriage and the protection of my name. There is to be no passion or love. It would only complicate matters. You know as well as anyone how much time I spend at the Liar and where my priorities lie. She is a sensible woman and agreed to my request.”
Charles put a hand to his forehead. “I wish Hawk were here. There has to be some way to save you from this sham of a marriage and to protect Miss Pettigrew from her brother as well.”
“There is nothing to do, Charles. Prinny has already been informed. In fact, he has insisted that the ceremony be held at Carlton House. I would like for you and Isobel to be there.”
Charles stood from his seat. “We will be there, but I still think this is ridiculous. The two of you will be business partners, so to speak. You are to share a house with the woman, but not her bed, and trust me, I know how difficult that is going to be. Is she to remain faithfully celibate for the duration of your marriage?”
Kingston arched his eyebrows never really considering that. “While the thought of being a cuckold is not appealing, I suppose after an appropriate amount of time it would be acceptable for her to take a lover. Of course, she would have to be discreet. As you know, I am not a man to refrain from a woman’s bed for long. It wouldn’t be fair for me to partake in the pleasures of the flesh and insist that she maintain her virginity.” He gave his friend a wicked wink.
Charles huffed out a deep breath. “You are a bloody fool if you think that is going to work?”
“Why would it not?”
“Tell me, is Miss Pettigrew attractive?”
Kingston narrowed his eyes. “Yes, but I don’t see where that has anything to do with it.”
Charles grinned. “I wish you well, my friend on your…business arrangement. Isobel and I will be more than happy to join you at Carlton House. I am only sad that the rest of our friends have already left London.”
Kingston sat back down at his desk after Charles left, but his mind was not on the account books before him. He had not thought about Sophie taking a lover. He knew of several married ladies who did. It was not an uncommon practice; he had just not thought about the fact that she would one day desire to share a man’s bed. She was young and beautiful, and he knew men would seek her out and while the thought shouldn’t bother him given their arrangement, it wasn’t sitting well with him. He poured himself another drink. Damn Avanley for putting that thought in his head. He already had enough to concern himself with. He drank the brandy in his glass and stood from behind his desk. As he walked out of his office he called out to Sam.
“Watch the tables tonight, Sam. I am not sure what time I will return.”
Kenworth House
Sophie smiled as she twirled around one more time to get a look at her new gown in the full-length mirror. It had been a long time since she had dressed so elegantly. She was so grateful that Madame Lacroix had a few gowns that she could wear right away while the rest of her trousseau was being created.
Sophie had been nervous when she stood before Bella and Madame Lacroix wearing only her chemise. Her bruises had faded but were still slightly visible along her arms and around her neck. She saw Bella’s eyes widen with concern, but thankfully she did not ask about the marks on her body.
Once Madame Lacroix had taken her measurements and made a few notes about her skin tone as well as eye and hair color, Bella commenced ordering everything from gloves, nightgowns, and chemises to ballgowns and several day dresses. When Sophie had objected to spending so much of Mr. Kingston’s money, Bella had merely laughed and said that as his wife she deserved everything she ordered and more. Madame LaCroix merely agreed to everything Bella suggested and now Sophie was a little nervous for Mr. Kingston to receive the bill.
Mr. Kingston had told her that he would join her for dinner and while she wasn’t sure of the time he normally ate, it was starting to get late, so she decided it wise to go downstairs. She moved to open the door and almost ran right into Benedict as he was about to knock on her door.
Benedict reached up and took hold of her shoulders, careful not to hurt her, to steady her so she didn’t fall into him.
Sophie put a hand to her chest. “My goodness, I wasn’t expecting you…well, I was expecting you, just not right outside my bedchamber.”
“I waited downstairs but when you didn’t show, I thought it might be best to see if you had escaped through the window.”
Sophie laughed softly. “The window? I’m afraid you are stuck with me. I’ve never been very good at climbing trees.”
Benedict grinned and it set her pulse to racing.
“I suppose I can be thankful for that.” He let his eyes rake over her appearance and couldn’t help but admire Madame Lacroix’s creation. The dress she wore complemented her skin and eyes, but the delectable way it showcased her bosom was what truly made it a masterpiece.
“Shall I escort you downstairs?”
Sophie smiled and placed her hand on his arm allowing him to lead her from the room.
“I have some news that I hope will please you. I spoke with the prince today, and he insists we marry at Carlton House.” He caught her when she stumbled.
“At Carlton House?”
“Darling, you must be careful. I will not always be around to catch you when you misstep.” He gave her a teasing one-sided grin and arched his eyebrows before continuing. “Yes, we will be married at Carlton House. It is quite the honor; the prince is most anxious to meet you.”
Sophie felt a tremendous amount of panic come over her. “If the prince knows, is there a chance other people could find out before we are married?”
Benedict stopped and turned her to face him. “Your brother does not move in the same circles as the prince or his close set of friends. The prince is aware that I want to keep our marriage private but even if your brother discovered our plans, I would not let him take you. You must trust me, Sophie. Yesterday when I said you were now mine to protect, I meant it.”
Sophie breathed a sigh of relief. “I don’t think I will relax completely until the danger is over.”
Benedict pulled her closer. “You should stop worrying.” He put his finger over the wrinkles of her squinched up brow and rubbed them softly. “I have already said I would protect you. Now, I’m not sure how good my uncle’s chef is here in London, but I am anxious to sample whatever he has prepared for us. And I think it would be very husbandly of me to ask about your day. How did you find Isobel?”
Benedict’s words surprised him when he realized he truly was interested in hearing about her day. Her smile made him feel warm, and the way his body had reacted to seeing her tonight made Charles’ words from earlier pop back into his head. He pushed the thought away. This was business and no matter what his friend thought, he was perfectly capable of keeping his hands to himself. His lips, on the other hand, might be a problem.