A Most Unlikely Betrothal by Alice Kirks
Chapter 10
Well, the afternoon did not go as Richard had planned, did it? It had been turned on its head so entirely that he found himself feeling embarrassed enough to apologise to Sophia.
“Why am I even surprised anymore?” he muttered to himself.
Nothing seemed to go as planned whenever Sophia was involved; in fact, Richard should now do things while expecting the complete opposite to happen. That way, he wouldn't have to feel the embarrassment of yet another failed plan. One would think he would have learned his lesson after getting himself engaged to Sophia, but Richard obviously hadn't. He was treating Sophia like a typical woman, and she was anything but that. What now?
Richard shifted in his bed, throwing one leg out of the covers. He had been awake since three in the morning and still couldn't sleep. Judging from the brightness outside, it was likely seven o'clock or thereabouts. Fortunately, he had passed the years when he would need to be woken up by a servant to join his parents for breakfast. Now, Richard ate when he wanted to and got up when he wanted to.
He used to believe that he would take advantage of his freedom, but Richard still found himself waking up at his usual time or heading down to breakfast at the same time every day. Today, however, was not one of those days.
Leaning on his elbow, Richard stretched for his pocket watch. Quarter to seven. He hadn't been far off. Flopping back on his bed, he pushed his hair away from his brow and took both legs out of the covers. The early mornings were always colder, but the day warmed up soon enough and usually left Richard wishing for cooler days. He appreciated spring and summer, but he would probably opt for winter if he had to choose aseason.
“What to do, what to do,” he mumbled, tapping fingers on the bed.
He couldn't lay in bed all day, no matter how much he believed he wanted to—but leaving his bed would mean hearing about his upcoming wedding to Sophia. Richard wanted to avoid those conversations and pretend that he hadn't made the biggest blunder of his life. He was getting married over one silly kiss, for goodness' sake! What sort of world did he live in?
Boredom eventually got the better of him and he found himself sliding out of bed and blindly searching for his slippers with bare feet. Where the devil were they? Richard looked down and found them on either side of his feet. Feeling a little dumb, he pushed his feet into them and grabbed a robe he had tossed on the back of a chair last night. He could either wash his face or stare at nothing by the window.
Richard was still standing in front of his window when a servant knocked. “Yes?” he called.
“I have a note for you, my lord,” the butler called.
“From who?”
“I have not opened it, my lord, but I recognise the stationery as Mr Torrey's.”
“All right then. Come in and leave it on my nightstand.”
Cavendish noiselessly opened the door, a skill Richard had yet to master, and placed Nicholas's note by the bed.
“Would you have my breakfast brought to my room, Cavendish?” Richard asked. “I think I might like to have a little 'me time'.”
Richard used his fingers to quote 'me time', bringing a smile to the butler's face.
“Certainly, my lord. I'll have Mrs Cavendish bring it to your room. Would you like some hot water brought up as well?”
“After breakfast, and preferably with the day's news. I expect my father will be reading it now.”
“Yes, my lord. Will you be needing anything else?”
“My brains,” Richard said dryly.
“My lord?”
“Never mind, Cavendish. Go, speak with your wife about my breakfast. Oh, and send my parents a warm good morning. I apologise for not being with them this morning.”
“I'll be sure to pass on the message, my lord,” the man said with a bow and left.
Richard took the letter from the nightstand, wondering what Nicholas had to tell him so early in the morning. A short scribble informed Richard of a game of cards to be played later at his house. The man requested his presence because he needed some moral support. That meant Philip and Marcus would be joining them. Did Richard really want to play cards today? Not at all, but he would go because Nicholas asked him to. That was what good friends were for.
“My charms might be put to better use on those dimwits,” he said aloud, tossing the note on the bed.
Sophia was immune to his charms and made Richard feel inadequate. He had been a young man of fifteen when those feelings of inadequacy had last plagued him.
Richard had fancied himself in love with a woman nearly twice his age and had tried to use his boyish charms on her, but she had laughed him off and gone off with a wealthy banker. He had taken the rejection in stride, but the moment had made him question his prowess over the fairer sex.
Breakfast was promptly delivered to him within twenty minutes of requesting it, complete with a fresh pot of strong coffee. It wasn't his usual beverage, but after a brief dalliance with an American beauty, Richard had taken to drinking the bitter beverage with cream and sugar, but only at breakfast and in his room. His parents were not keen on the pungency of the drink and complained that it put them off their meal.
Stabbing at a sausage with his fork, Richard took a large bite, squirting the juices onto the paper he was reading. He shook off the excess and continued to read, sighing when he saw his name alongside Sophia's in bold print. Someone had put them in the gossip section and had probably added a few details to make the story more enticing and full of scandal.
Richard didn't bother reading it, but threw the paper one side, downed his coffee, and called for his water. Perhaps a game of cards would take his mind off anything that had to do with Sophia.
It was amazing that he had hardly spoken to the woman before meeting her sister, and even then, their communication had been minimal. Richard had preferred keeping away from the woman, not wanting anyone to associate him with her.
Shame filled him at how he had treated her as an outcast. Yes, Richard had remained polite towards her, which was more than he could say for most people, but he had considered her a leper just as much as the next man. No one deserved that.
Now, seeing her and being alone with her had shown him a different side to Sophia. The woman certainly wasn't a pushover, but everyone already knew that—what they didn't realise was her devotion and love for her family, and her courage to stand her ground despite those who came against her.
Richard hadn’t realised how badly people were treating Sophia until he had heard the pain in her voice. There had been anger and determination as well, but the pain had been glaringly obvious.
“Ugh!” he growled, slipping his leg into stockings. “I’ve had enough of the woman. She’s practically all I think about!”
Richard wasn’t any more attracted to her now than before, but he didn’t feel like running in the opposite direction whenever he saw her. That was a step up from how he had felt about her a few days ago.
* * *
Richard found himself staring at two idiots some hours later. Philip and Marcus never ceased to amaze him.
“You do understand that you cannot bet what you do not have?” he asked them. “Besides, I thought we agreed we wouldn't place any more bets.”
“But that isn't any fun,” Marcus complained.
"Neither is losing, and yet here you are," Richard retorted. "Why don't we have a normal game of cards, and whoever wins will have bragging rights? We're friends; we shouldn't be trying to win things from each other."
“Why are you complaining when you have enough money to keep half of England fed and warm?” Philip said with a hint of jealousy. “It shouldn't be a hardship to put money on the table.”
Richard rolled his eyes and looked over at his friend. Nicholas had given up on the men some time ago and was simply watching the game. He didn't have the patience to deal with their love of bets.
“Didn't you explain anything to them?” Richard asked.
“Do not act as though we are not here,” Philip snapped.
“Should I remind you to watch your tongue?” Richard asked, his voice dipping. “There is no need to be nasty. It is not my fault that you keep losing—it's yours. You need to learn when to stop, Philip. The same goes for you, Marcus.”
“We know our limits,” Marcus insisted.
Did they? Richard could have argued with them and won the argument using many examples, but he didn't want the trouble. Instead, he placed his cards on the table.
“In that case, I'm out. Play amongst yourselves.”
Philip's eyes flashed, but the man was like a chameleon. Already, the anger in his eyes had given way to friendliness.
"You're such a bore, Richard," the man said good-naturedly. "Nicholas promised that we would make a day of it, but you have both folded out of the game, and it's not gone past three yet. Why don't you reconsider? Marcus and I will not bet anything big and valuable. Perhaps we can place a bet of information?"
Richard had never heard of such a thing. He looked over at Nicholas, eyebrows raised in question. Nicholas shrugged, gesturing with his chin to ask Philip what he meant.
“What does betting for information entail?” Richard inquired.
"You have to offer up meaningful information if we win, and we'll do the same. Won't we, Marcus?"
“Yes,” the man nodded. “No money is involved, just information.”
That didn't sound too bad. “Very well. Deal the cards. Nicholas, are you in?”
Nicholas answered by coming closer. “None of you had better cheat me. I'm not as forgiving as Richard.”
Marcus and Philip raised their hands and solemnly swore not to lie. Richard still didn't trust them, but what harm could they do? They just wanted information.
It didn't take long before Nicholas and Richard looked at each other and wondered if Marcus and Philip were cheating. The pair had won several games and asked questions of a peculiar nature. Richard had not minded answering the questions until they started on his relationship with Sophia.
“How did you become so good at playing?” Nicholas asked them.
The men shrugged and grinned. “Practice makes perfect,” Marcus replied. “Now, don't deter us from asking the questions we want to know about. When did you last see Sophia, Richard?”
“A few days ago. Why?”
“Has the Ice Queen finally thawed her heart enough to make it beat just for you?”
Richard frowned at them. “Do you even know what you're saying? I certainly don't! Why don't we get back to the game, gentlemen? Enough with the silly questions.”
Richard waited for the next player to show a card, but no one did. He realised Philip had to play next, but the man was keeping his cards close to his chest both figuratively and literally.
“Come on, Philip, play already.”
“I believe Marcus did not get an answer,” the man said. “We cannot continue until he gets what he wants.”
Why was he friends with these men? How did he and Nicholas come to befriend them? Richard didn't understand the circumstances that had brought these two men into their lives, but he was sorely regretting it.
"Fine! You want your answer, and you will get it. Sophia has never been an ice queen and will never be an ice queen. She comes off that way to protect herself against people like us who judge her before getting to know her. And before you ask, no, I am not suddenly attracted to her. We have simply reached an understanding considering our predicament."
Richard hoped that was answer enough. He had come here to get away from thinking about Sophia, but it seemed Marcus and Philip were intent upon finding out details about her. Why? They had formed an opinion of her some time ago—there was no need to bring everything back up again.
"I somehow find that hard to believe," Philip said with a snicker. "Why not admit that you are disgusted at the thought of marrying our very own leper, and we'll cease to ask any more questions."
Richard might have admitted to that some time ago without giving it much thought, but he would be a fool to do it now, knowing what he knew about Sophia. It would be unfair of him.
"I'm not disgusted, and that's the truth," Richard claimed. "She is a person like you and me and not some leper or social pariah. Being different does not make you any less important than the next person.”
Marcus started clapping. “Bravo, Lord Brittingham! Bravo! Such a speech should move even the coldest of hearts, but I did ask for sincerity. We all know that you cannot stand Sophia Emley, and you wish it was her sister in her stead.”
Richard would be lying if he didn't admit that he did wish he was marrying Elizabeth instead, but that didn't take away from his newly found respect for Sophia.
“You all know that I like Elizabeth—that hasn't changed. If it was up to me, I would marry Elizabeth instead, but that's not possible, is it? I prefer not to dwell on such things. Sophia and I have agreed to become friends rather than remain awkward strangers. We're getting married, for goodness' sake! Did you expect me to continue to dislike the woman?”
“Actually, yes,” Philip replied. “She has stolen your freedom and the right to marry whomever you choose. Aren't you angry about that?”
How would they react to finding out that it was all his fault? Richard had a choice. He needed to either put the rumours to bed and admit the truth, or allow Sophia to take the blame for everything. He went with his conscience.
“I'm the one who mistakenly kissed Sophia that night,” he said. “It wasn't Sophia's fault. None of it was. Elizabeth was supposed to meet me, but Sophia was the one who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. She wanted to find somewhere to read and had brought her book and a lamp with her.”
Richard could still recall the book cover. It had been a rich green colour etched with gold along the spine and lettering. He couldn't remember the title of the book, but he knew it was something gothic.
“Sophia was terrified when she saw a large shadow approach her,” he continued. “She didn't know it was me until I had kissed her.”
Richard had been the one to pull away first, but Sophia had run away, leaving her lamp and book behind. He had taken them back to the house and given them to a servant to return to the library. Richard had left soon after, not wanting to see her again. Little did he know that his blunder would give him a wife.
“I don't believe it,” cried Philip. “The woman has done something to you, hasn't she? Why didn't I see it before?”
“Did what?” Nicholas asked, confused. “Richard just told you the truth. What are you on about now?”
Philip looked at Marcus, and some unspoken form of communication must have passed between the two men because they nodded, put their cards down, and folded their arms.
“The rumours are true,” Marcus claimed.
“What rumours?” Richard asked.
“The gypsy rumours!” Philip exclaimed. “Sophia consulted a gypsy woman and somehow fed you with a potion. The kiss must have been the final step of the spell.”
Richard shook his head in wonder. The men had gone completely mad! Nicholas evidently felt the same way because his face was filled with amazement.
“Have you both lost your minds?” Richard asked.
“We could ask you the same thing,” Philip returned. “But I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to tell. Did you happen to kiss Sophia again? They always say that the second kiss seals your fate. If you haven't, we still might have a way to save you. When is the next full moon, Marcus?”
Marcus did a quick calculation in his head. “I think in six days, but I'll have to consult my charts.”
Philip nodded. “So, we have six days before the spell is set in stone. I know a woman who deals with such incantations, Richard. I can make an appointment and—”
“Stop!” Richard raised his palm to them. “Just stop. I've heard more than enough.”
“ButRichard—”
"But nothing, Marcus. What is wrong with you? I just told you what happened between Sophia and me, and yet you still insist on accusing her of witchcraft or whatever it is. Were you not listening to me? I am the one to blame, not her!"
“But that's what she wants you to think,” Philip insisted. “Can't you see how ridiculous this is? How can a man like you ever associate yourself with a woman like that? She's ugly! And let's not start on how awkward she is. Don't you see what is happening here?”
The sad thing about this was not what they were saying about Sophia—although Richard was angry enough about that; it was the fact that the men actually believed in such things. Richard wasn't one to pay much attention to the supernatural and preferred science to things he couldn't see, touch or feel. Even if casting spells was an real phenomenon, Sophia was too pragmatic to dabble in such things.
"I'm afraid you do not see what is happening here," Richard said, his voice strangely calm. "How dare you speak about my fiancée in that manner? How dare you accuse her of such things? I know that she is unattractive, and I already told you that I still prefer Elizabeth. Sophia knows this as well. We both don't want to marry each other, but we have no other choice. What is so wrong with reaching common ground with a woman I shall marry in a matter of months?"
“It's unnatural!” Marcus piped in.
Unnatural? Could these men hear their words? And they called Sophia disgusting! No wonder she came across so cold-hearted. The poor woman had been fighting and defending herself for so long that she had to build a shield of biting retorts to protect herself.
A wave of regret crashed through Richard, nearly suffocating him. The wave was followed by a feeling of protection for the young woman, one that Richard had never experienced for any other woman in his life.
"Oh, shut up, you blithering fool," Richard snapped. "I am sick of hearing your unfounded accusations. That goes for you as well, Philip. Sophia deserves more respect from everyone, and I would appreciate it if you would stop speaking unkindly about her. She is my future wife and will be the mother of my children. If you find that you cannot keep your comments to yourself, then I suggest you stay away from me, for I will not be to blame for how I react next time."
Marcus and Philip looked dumbfounded, their faces slack with shock. Richard was just as surprised, but he didn't regret anything. Nicholas was the only one who was smiling.
“You don't mind if I leave now, do you?” Richard asked his friend.
Nicholas shook his head, still grinning. “I think the game is over, don't you?”
Richard had a feeling the man meant more than just the card game, but he didn't remain to question him. He felt slightly mortified by his own outburst, but Richard convinced himself it was the right thing to do.
He took his time going home, but his mind was no clearer when he walked through the front door of the manor.
“Oh, there you are, dear!” his mother called, coming out of the parlour. “I have such wonderful news for you.”
“Good, because I need it.”
Richard greeted his mother with a kiss on her cheek as she frowned at him, catching a waft of her jasmine perfume.
“Why?” she asked. “Did something happen with Nicholas?”
“No. Do not fret about it, Mother. Tell me the good news.”
Her eyes brightened again as she waved a pretty envelope at him. “Sophia's parents are hosting a dinner in your honour to formally announce the engagement. Isn't that wonderful?”
That was the worst news his mother could have given him. Going to Sophia's home meant that Richard would come face-to-face with Elizabeth for the first time since his betrothal to Sophia.
“Yes, Mother,” he said with a sinking heart. “That is wonderful.”