Chapter 6
Six
The next day, Julian sat with Lady Leon and his sister on the terrace. Today was a day of outdoor festivities. Julian should be enjoying all the available games, but instead he sat sulking because he had to be there. He would not change his mind about wanting Sophia as his bride.
“Are you enjoying your party?” Lady Leon asked, breaking the silence.
Diana, who’d been reading, set her book down, curious to see what he would say. It wasn’t Lady Leon’s fault he was in a foul mood. He forced himself to smile. “It is nice to be back at Pax Hall. It has been many years since I visited my family’s country estate.”
Lady Leon perused their surroundings. “My children and I are much more comfortable in the city. We hope to only take brief visits to the countryside.”
He sensed Lady Leon was telling him she was no longer interested in any courtship. The revelation didn’t bother him. “You should live where you are the most comfortable.”
She smiled sincerely. “I agree. For now, I think I will join some of the lawn games. It was lovely sitting with you both.”
Diana snickered after she departed. “You have been dumped.”
“You have to be involved to be dumped. We were not.”
His sister swirled her hand in the air. “Look around, brother. All of these ladies consider you an option because they received an invite to this house party.”
“I’m distracted.”
His sister nodded. “Yes, Lady Leon sat with us for a while, and you barely spoke to her. She was likely imagining a very dull marriage.”
Julian sighed. “You weren’t speaking to her either but reading a book.”
“But I’m not the one looking for a bride.”
Their mother joined them, interrupting their conversation. “You both need to stand up and go spend time with the guests. I can’t fathom why my children find it perfectly acceptable to sit here and ignore those around them. Julian, this was a party you wanted.”
“I’ve asked Sophia to let me court her, but she sent me away and said we would talk after the house party.”
“Why?” Diana asked.
“She thinks I need to consider my options here as well. Sophia is worried I’m behaving rashly.”
“You are,” his mother said.
“She is the woman I’ve always wanted.”
His mother shrugged, annoying him. “Still, you haven’t seen her in eight years. She has children to think of. Sophia is being logical, which is wise. You should consider the ladies here, so you have no regrets.”
Julian didn’t want to, but Diana betrayed him and said, “That does make sense.”
He glowered at his sister, who rolled her eyes. Their mother rose. “Both of you up. It is time to mingle. I will not have London society gossiping that my children are rude and unsociable.”
Julian and Diana groaned but did as she asked.
Diana departed, likely in search of another reading spot.
His mother looped her arm through his, and they walked toward Lady Bernadette and two other women.
“I know your heart is set on Sophia, but I suggest you do as she asks. It is only for a few more days.”
As much as he hated it, his mother was right. “I will be more attentive to the guests.”
She beamed. “I adore Sophia, and if she is ultimately your choice, nothing would delight me more.”
“Why do you think Father did what he did?”
His mother stopped them before they reached the group of ladies.
Her expression turned pensive. “I’m not sure.
He was a miserable man, and I never really understood why.
Even before we married, I saw glimpses of it.
Of course, my parents were thrilled a marquess was courting me, so they told me not to fret. ”
“I’m sorry you were unhappy for so long.”
She patted his arm. “I wasn’t. I had you and Diana, and until you grew up, that was more than enough. Still, I’m enjoying my new freedom. Your sister keeps asking if I will marry again. I don’t know if I will. I rather like my life now.”
“You deserve all the happiness in the world.”
His mother grinned. “You being charming to our guests will make me ecstatic.”
A bark of laughter escaped him. “As you wish.”
They joined the ladies and Julian, this time, did his best to be engaging.
Sophia sat with Theo in the tavern, taking a small break. Her feet were killing her. The tavern had been packed for the last few days but hopefully would slow down once Julian’s house party was over.
Her brother smirked at her. “I’m surprised you aren’t at Paxton Hall all dressed up.”
“Julian asked me to attend, but I told him that he needed to stop visiting me until the house party was over.”
Theo frowned at her. “Why?”
“I want us to work out, but it has been eight years. We aren’t the same people we once were. I told him to spend time with the ladies there before he made any decisions.”
A chuckle escaped Theo. “I bet he didn’t like that.”
“No, he didn’t.”
“It is probably wise. When he stopped by your house, I could see it on his face that he wanted to sweep you up in his arms and propose marriage. A bit of a breather is a logical choice.”
She agreed. Sophia also wondered if it was wrong to marry Julian. Thomas had only been gone for three years. “Do you think it is a betrayal of Thomas if I wed Julian?”
Her brother’s brows shot up in surprise. “Of course not.”
Sophia took a sip of her ale, hoping to hide the trembling of her lips.
Her brother took her cup, setting it down, and then clasped his hands over hers.
“Thomas would want you to be happy. Truthfully, he was the only one who believed that Julian didn’t abandon you.
He always suspected it was a misunderstanding. ”
“I loved him so much.”
Theo released her hands. “Love, from what I understand, comes in all different shapes and sizes. You can love both of them, Sophia. Don’t think that isn’t possible. One thing I’m certain of is Thomas would hate it if you passed on happiness because of some guilt you are harboring.”
“You are right. I’m just so nervous that a life in the country won’t be enough for Julian.” She took another sip of her ale and confessed more, “That I won’t be enough for him.”
“I was always so puzzled why Julian embraced London. I think he was running from what could have been. Still, you will eventually have to go to the city with him.
“I know, and I think I can endure all of that. I just fear a year from now or five, he will regret his choice.”
The conversation had grown heavy. Her brother wasn’t one for such dramatic emotions, so he snorted. “Nonsense. The man has been in love with you forever.”
She smiled at his reassurance. “You are the best brother.”
“I know.”
“Perhaps, we should find you a bride?”
Her brother shook his head. “Love is not something I have any desire to be afflicted with.”
Sophia grinned at him. “I hope you fall hard.”
He finished the rest of his ale and then jokingly pointed a finger at her. “Don’t put that wish on me.”
She laughed, feeling lighter and more hopeful about Julian and life in general.