A Most Unlikely Betrothal by Alice Kirks

Chapter 12

 

 

“You're not to leave my side for one second,” Richard told his best friend. “I have no clue what I'm about to walk into.”

 

 

 

Richard stood outside the Emley home, unable to go inside just yet. He wasn't prepared to see Elizabeth and witness whatever his engagement to Sophia had caused. Perhaps he was a coward—so be it. Anyone in his shoes would be just as resistant to what lay ahead.

 

 

 

“I've already promised that I will, but you still have to go in,” said Nicholas. “It's inevitable.”

 

 

 

“That is terribly easy for you to say. You have never experienced a situation like this.”

 

 

 

“Indeed, I haven't,” Nicholas agreed. “I would not have put myself in a position to landin this situation. I have already been burned by love once and will not travel down that road again.”

 

 

 

Richard knew that his friend meant what he had said. Some time had passed since his heartbreak, yet the man had never looked at another woman with much interest again. Perhaps he engaged in mild flirtation if the woman was not a high-risk case, but it wasn't often.

 

 

 

Nicholas was good at sorting through the women who expected the flirtation to progress and those who expected nothing but a little male attention to while away the time.

 

 

 

Richard felt it was unnatural to never wish to be with a woman again, but who was he to judge? It wasn't Nicholas in a tight predicament this time.

 

 

 

“If I ever get out of this situation, force me to take your advice,” Richard told him. “Although I think it's pretty certain that I will be married come autumn.”

 

 

 

Unless a miracle happened. Oddly, Richard didn't feel as against the marriage as he initially had been and put it down to resignation. It could also be that he understood his fiancée a little better, but Richard would rather not get married if he could help it.

 

 

 

"If such an improbable thing were to happen, I would personally drag you away from any risky situations," Nicholas promised with a grin. "But you should rather learn to live knowing that Sophia will become your wife. It's easier that way."

 

 

 

Easier for whom? Richard gave himself a little shake as if preparing to run, but he was working out the tension in his body. He wasn't good at smiling when incredibly tense, knowing that he resembled a lunatic at best.

 

 

 

“Let's go in,” he finally said. “I cannot stand out here forever.”

 

 

 

Nicholas clasped his shoulder, squeezing it. “You'll do just fine, Richard. I doubt Elizabeth will cause a scene, and if you feel that she might bring drama, simply avoid her. You're here as Sophia's fiancée. Elizabeth is your past.”

 

 

 

Richard understood that, but putting words into action was not an easy matter. How was Sophia coping? She lived with her sister! Remembering that helped to put things into perspective for him. This was only one evening, but Sophia had been with her sister since the scandal was revealed and their betrothal announced.

 

 

 

Sophia had informed him that Elizabeth now hated her and blamed her for everything, which he found unfair. One would think a sister should know their own sibling well enough to deduce fact from fiction.

 

 

 

“You're wrong. Elizabeth may not be my fiancée, but she will be my sister-in-law. That makes her part of my future.”

 

 

 

Nicholas grimaced for him. “That is an angle I have not yet put much thought into. This is a rather messy situation, isn't it?”

 

 

 

“Are you only now figuring this out?”

 

 

 

“I think we should go inside before we talk you out of it,” Nicholas suggested. “Everyone must be wondering where you are. Your parents must have arrived by now and are likely looking for you.”

 

 

 

Richard looked at the front door and promptly lost his courage. “Give me another good reason to go inside.”

 

 

 

“You will embarrass Sophia by not standing by her side as her fiancée. She has faced enough backlash for your mistake.”

 

 

 

“I didn't ask you to make me feel like the foulest cretin to ever walk the earth,” Richard muttered.

 

 

 

Nicholas chuckled, pushing Richard towards the door. “I'm afraid I cannot think of an encouragement that will not poke at your guilt, so it's best you take a deep breath and walk through that door. Someone must have seen us standing here and is now wondering why we won't go inside.”

 

 

 

The man was right. Richard sighed but took a step forward, and another, until he reached the front door and was admitted by the Emley's butler. He and Nicholas were led to the drawing-room where he came to an abrupt stop at the sight of a woman that seemed too beautiful to be real. Elizabeth Emley was undoubtedly a stunning woman, but tonight she looked…Richard had no words to describe her.

 

 

 

He felt like an idiot as he stood there and watched the woman walk towards him, or did she float? Elizabeth's movements were so graceful that Richard wondered if her feet were touching the ground.

 

 

 

“How lovely to see you, Richard!” she exclaimed. “And you as well, Nicholas,” she added, paying the man a cursory glance.

 

 

 

“Enchanté, mademoiselle,” Nicholas greeted.

 

 

 

Richard frowned at his friend. Why was he trying to be charming towards Elizabeth? Friends did not infringe on another man's property. Fortunately, Elizabeth didn't seem the least bit bothered by Nicholas and only seemed focused on him. It made Richard feel good.

 

 

 

“How are you?” Richard asked.

 

 

 

“Oh, I've been well,” the woman said, her smile dropping just a little. “I'm getting by considering what has happened, but I am not angry at all. Why don't we circle the room? Everyone has been waiting for you to arrive.”

 

 

 

What did she mean by what had happened? Was she angry at him? Richard didn't get to ask as he was led towards a group of people, but the questions remained in his mind. There was something that he wasn't remembering, something important.

 

 

 

“It's about time!” a man exclaimed, shaking Richard's hand. “We wondered if you had developed cold feet and decided to stay away. No one would have blamed you.”

 

 

 

Richard mulled over the man's comment as Elizabeth took over the conversation, inwardly groaning when he realised his foolishness. How had he allowed himself to forget why he was here? He had let his admiration for Elizabeth to cloud his mind and make him temporarily forget the gravity of his problem.

 

 

 

I didn't expect Elizabeth to be so welcoming nor so lovely. Perhaps it's because I have not seen her in some time and forgot how beautiful she is.

 

 

 

It seemed foolish to forget that he was currently speaking with the sister of the woman he was soon to marry despite being interested in Elizabeth and not Sophia, but he had.

 

 

 

Somewhat embarrassed, Richard wondered where Sophia was, but he didn't want to ask Elizabeth; he didn't know if the woman was still angry with her sister and didn't want to upset her.

 

 

 

"It has been a while since we were all together," he heard Elizabeth say. "We should plan an outing soon. Why don't we go horse-riding again?"

 

 

 

The women and men around him agreed and began discussing who would be part of the riding party and when they should do it. Not one of them mentioned Sophia or included her in their plans. That made him uncomfortable and annoyed. Were they dismissing her?

 

 

 

Shaking his head, he looked around the room, not understanding why Sophia hadn't appeared yet. It didn't seem right that he hadn't seen her despite being in her house for several minutes.

 

 

 

Richard finally spotted her in a dark corner with half her body in the shadows, but the half he could see squeezed his heart. Sophia looked forlorn and dejected. This night was supposed to be about them, but everyone acted as though he was marrying Elizabeth! This was wrong, very wrong.

 

 

 

Shame filled him, ripping through his conscience. He had failed to think about Sophia the moment Elizabeth had appeared and taken his breath away. Elizabeth's beauty had so captivated him, it made him forget that he was here for Sophia, and not to revive whatever he had had with Elizabeth. Did no one else see how wrong this was?

 

 

 

Richard looked over at his friend, noticing the man's displeased look. Nicholas wasn't enjoying himself and looked like he was ready to leave. Leaning towards him, Richard spoke into his ear.

 

 

 

“I'm going over to Sophia.”

 

 

 

“It's about time,” Nicholas replied, his tone tight with frustration. “Go, I'll deal with the others.”

 

 

 

Richard walked away without further word, hearing the others ask where he was going. Nicholas answered them, silencing them with his words.

 

 

 

“He is going to Sophia. I think it's obvious that he should be by her side as she is his bride-to-be. Do you not agree?”

 

 

 

Richard smiled. Nicholas had the ability to shut down arguments or conversations with just a few words. It was a handy skill to have.

 

 

 

Making his way over to Sophia, Richard vowed to remain by her side for the remainder of the evening. None of this was her fault, despite what he had allowed people to initially believe, but she was bearing the brunt of people's anger and disgust over a scandal he had caused. The fact that she was alone right now and Elizabeth was surrounded by people spoke volumes to him and made Richard question how he had treated Sophia in the past.

 

 

 

I'm still not happy about this marriage, but I cannot allow Sophia to carry the weight of this scandal any longer. I need to do right by her.

 

 

 

He drew up to her, lightly touching her arm to gain her attention. Sophia started, her eyes growing wide as she turned to him.

 

 

 

“Oh, Richard!” she said, her lips curling into a smile. “I didn't see you approaching. I thought you were still with Elizabeth.”

 

 

 

Seeing Sophia's smile pleased Richard. It seemed she was happy to see him, but the moment didn't last. Her face suddenly shut down, closing him off to whatever she was thinking.

 

 

 

“I was, but now I'm here. How are you?”

 

 

 

“Well, thank you. Would you not prefer to be with them?”

 

 

 

Sophia used her eyes to point at the group of guests he had just left. They were pretending not to look his way, but Richard could tell they were curious. On the other hand, Elizabeth appeared upset, but she was still smiling.

 

 

 

“You're the woman I'll be marrying in a matter of months,” he said, turning back to Sophia. “I think it only right that I spend the evening with you. Do you wish to sit down?”

 

 

 

Richard noticed a chair beside her and a glass of champagne that looked hardly touched.

 

 

 

Sophia barely looked at him as she spoke but kept her gaze on the guests. “You may sit if you wish.”

 

 

 

Richard had the feeling that she didn't want him talking to her, but he wasn't going to go anywhere.

 

 

 

“How has your day been?” he asked. “I imagine your house was a tad chaotic.”

 

 

 

“Yes.”

 

 

 

Undeterred by her lack of response, Richard soldiered on. “Your parents have invited many people. I take it that some of them are your friends? This is a dinner party to celebrate our engagement, after all.”

 

 

 

Sophia gave him a brief glance that made him colour. Had he forgotten that she was treated like a social pariah? If Sophia had any friends amongst the guests, surely they would be by her side right now. Richard wondered if she had any friends at all.

 

 

 

Elizabeth might have been her only friend, and I've foolishly ruined the relationship between them. She must be all alone.

 

 

 

Richard felt a little sick to his stomach at the thought. No one deserved to be alone.

 

 

 

“My only true friend is Nicholas,” he revealed, pointing at the man. “I believe a man only needs one good friend to get by in life.”

 

 

 

Sophia nodded, saying nothing. Why did she have to be so distant and difficult? He was trying to make conversation with her, for heaven's sake.

 

 

 

When an announcement was made for the guests to make their way to the dining room for dinner, Richard quickly held his arm out to her.

 

 

 

“May I escort you?”

 

 

 

Sophia looked like she might say no, but she surprised him by lightly placing her hand on his forearm. Her gloved hand barely touched his sleeve, but at least it was there.

 

 

 

Their close proximity brought Richard's nose in contact with whatever scent Sophia was wearing. It didn't smell like her usual perfume, but it was still quite pleasant. For some reason, it reminded him of Elizabeth. Were they wearing the same scent?

 

 

 

I think I prefer Sophia's usual scent. This one is a tad cloying.

 

 

 

Richard and Sophia were soon seated next to each other towards the head of the table. Fortunately, Elizabeth was far enough that Richard didn't have to worry about making polite conversation with her. He didn't want to fuel any more stories that sensationalised the supposed love triangle he was in. What people didn't understand was that Sophia didn't love him and probably didn't like him. She was only putting up with him for her parents' sake. It was a sobering thought for a man accustomed to adoration from women.

 

 

 

Richard didn't venture to strike up a conversation with Sophia until the first course was served, giving her time to settle.

 

 

 

“I think I prefer this leek and potato soup over the chestnut soup served at my house,” he commented. “Your cook certainly knows their way around soup.”

 

 

 

“I'll pass on the compliment,” said Sophia.

 

 

 

“Will the other courses be this good? If so, I didn't wear the right attire. This one will not give an inch to accommodate a night of feasting.”

 

 

 

Richard nearly made a show of his satisfaction when Sophia gave him a ghost of a smile.

 

 

 

"Perhaps you should have worn a dress," she said and promptly filled her mouth with more soup.

 

 

 

“Do you think a dress would accentuate my fine physique?” he questioned.

 

 

 

Sophia gave a slight cough, dabbing the edges of her mouth with a napkin. Richard felt the cough suspiciously sounded like she was hiding a laugh, but he couldn't be sure.

 

 

 

“You might need some undergarments to adjust some areas, but I believe a dress would look marvellous on you,” Sophia replied, giving him a side glance.

 

 

 

Before she looked away, Richard caught the mirth in her eyes, giving him the confidence to keep talking.

 

 

 

“I rather like the dress you're wearing,” he told her. “But I must admit that it suits you better than it will ever suit me.”

 

 

 

“We could still exchange attire,” she suggested. “I'd much rather be in men's clothing than a dress. I imagine you have freedom of movement not afforded to women. As for these flimsy shoes…” Sophia looked to her side, showing her delicate foot. “Well, they are rather comfortable. I think I'd like to keep them.”

 

 

 

This was the most Sophia had ever said to him outside of her rants. Was she finally opening up?

 

 

 

They kept up their conversation about clothing and whether men or women were more fortunate in the fashion department until the next course was served. Richard heard Sophia groan when she looked at the platters of fish and vegetables in front of her.

 

 

 

“What is it?” he asked.

 

 

 

“I do not particularly like parsley sauce on my fish, and this one looks drowned in it.”

 

 

 

Richard looked down the table until he spotted a fish that looked untouched by the sauce. He took the saucy fish in front of her and stood up, surprising everyone at the table.

 

 

 

“Is something the matter, Richard?” Mrs Emley inquired.

 

 

 

"Not at all. Sophia and I prefer fish with less sauce; thus, I wish to exchange it for another one. Is that acceptable?"

 

 

 

“Of course,” his future mother-in-law said. “But you may ask a servant to do it for you. There is no need to get up.”

 

 

 

“I wish to do this for my fiancée,” Richard replied. “Please, everyone, continue with your meal. I apologise for interrupting you.”

 

 

 

Everyone insisted that it was no bother at all and even offered up the platters of fish near them. Richard selected the one with the least sauce and returned to his chair. He could tell that people were watching him and Sophia, but he ignored them.

 

 

 

“Is this better?” he asked her.

 

 

 

“You didn't have to do that,” Sophia said, looking confused. “Why go to all that trouble?”

 

 

 

“I believe that I answered that already. Would you like me to put some on your plate?”

 

 

 

Sophia's cheeks turned bright pink as she muttered no and served herself. To his amazement, she offered to help him put some on his plate, barely meeting his eyes as she did so.

 

 

 

“I'd love some fish, thank you,” Richard said.

 

 

 

He tucked into his fish with great gusto as soon as she had plated it, marvelling at how different Sophia was when she wasn't yelling at him or ignoring him. Could this mean she was beginning to warm to him?

 

 

 

Dinner passed by rather quickly in Richard's opinion because he found he was enjoying himself. By the time dessert had come, he knew who Sophia's best friend was, her interests in the supernatural and mythology, and her ability to make him laugh. That had perhaps been the most surprising of all. Richard had wanted to charm Sophia, but he found that he was being charmed by her. Why did she not show this part of herself to others?

 

 

 

As he and Sophia returned to the drawing-room, he felt someone bump into him. Richard immediately put his arms out to steady the person and found that he was holding Elizabeth.

 

 

 

“Oh, I'm so sorry!” the woman exclaimed. “I must have tripped on the carpet.”

 

 

 

"Are you hurt?" Sophia asked, looking at her sister.

 

 

 

"No," Elizabeth replied, but she didn't bother looking at Sophia. Instead, she kept her eyes on Richard. "I'm not hurt at all. Richard managed to catch me, for which I am thankful. Let me not impose on your time for too long. I know you have much to discuss."

 

 

 

Richard was glad that Elizabeth had not caused a show and was willing to let them be, but he soon realised that the woman had a motive when he felt her push a piece of paper into his hand before walking away. He instantly knew it was a message.

 

 

 

“Why don't I get you something to drink?” he suggested to Sophia.

 

 

 

Sophia didn't answer him right away but searched his eyes for a moment before nodding her head.

 

 

 

"Yes, thank you. I just saw Rose, so I'll make my way to her. Join us when you return."

 

 

 

Richard promised to do so and hurried to where the refreshments were kept. He looked around him before opening the note in his hand, his heart thumping as he read the short message:

 

 

 

Meet me by the hedge behind the fountain.

 

 

 

Elizabeth wanted to see him! Should he go? Richard decided that he owed the woman this much, and after delivering a glass of wine to Sophia and her friend, Richard made the excuse of needing fresh air and took off. He felt guilty lying to Sophia, but he didn't want to hurt or disappoint Elizabeth any more than he already had.

 

 

 

Richard kept looking around him as he approached Elizabeth, taking a step back when she threw herself into his arms.

 

 

 

“I'm so glad you came!” she cried. “I just knew you wouldn't be able to stay away.”

 

 

 

“I came because you asked me to,” said Richard, setting her away from him and taking another step back. He was not looking for another scandal. “What did you wish to tell me?”

 

 

 

"I want you to know that I still love you dearly and do not blame you at all for what has happened. Sophia tricked you into believing that she was me and trapped you into this marriage."

 

 

 

Richard was taken aback by the woman's confession of love. She had never said it before, and neither had he. It didn't feel right.

 

 

 

“It was my fault, Elizabeth. I assure you that your sister is not to blame.”

 

 

 

"She has done this horrible thing, and yet you try to defend her," the woman said. "You are an amazing man, Richard. You do not deserve to be shackled to my horrible sister. I was blind-sighted by my love for her, but I will not underestimate her again! She is now nothing to me but a hateful, spiteful woman whom I must live with and call sister for my parents' sake."

 

 

 

Richard couldn't believe what he was hearing. Sophia had said that her sister hated her, but hearing Elizabeth confirm Sophia's words truly made it apparent just how much the older Emley sister had to put up with.

 

 

 

“How will you cope marrying her?” Elizabeth asked. “We both know that we should have been together, but we've been cruelly torn apart by my scheming sister. I had no clue that she would do such a thing. Do you know that she warned me against you? Little did I know that she wanted you for herself.”

 

 

 

Richard wanted to laugh at that point. Sophia despised him, and it was only today that he had seen a piece of herself that she had kept hidden from the world. He had a feeling that her best friend and Elizabeth were the only two people to have seen that side of Sophia, but now Elizabeth wanted to throw it away based on a lie.

 

 

 

“Sophia is your sister, Elizabeth,” Richard reminded her. “You should not talk about her like that.”

 

 

 

"I am only speaking the truth," the woman said with a pout. "How else should I react? You are due to marry my sister, Richard. Do you not realise how unfair this is for me? For us? You would have married me if not for my sister."

 

 

 

When had Richard ever said that to her? Yes, he would have preferred to marry Elizabeth, but the cards had been dealt and his fate sealed. The older Emley sister was going to become the Countess of Brittingham and the mother of his children. Nicholas was right when he had advised that Richard should accept his fate and make the most of it.

 

 

 

“Let us not dwell on the past,” he insisted. “I apologise for what has happened, but we must move on for our family's sake.”

 

 

 

Elizabeth shook her head. “This is not right, Richard. Is there not a way we can be together? You must know a way to end this betrothal and be with the woman you truly love. Sophia is destined to be a spinster, and I say good riddance.”

 

 

 

Richard found that he could no longer accept the nonsense Elizabeth was spewing.

 

 

 

“Stop speaking so unkindly about your sister!” he scolded, making sure to keep his voice down. “She has done nothing to earn your anger, and I resent that you have rejected her based on a lie. I was the one who kissed your sister, not the other way around. Sophia is innocent and not worthy of your accusations. Perhaps it's time to set aside your anger and reunite with your sister. Sophia loves you very much.”

 

 

 

Richard turned away then, unwilling to hear such horrible words used against an innocent woman. What did he have to do and say for people to understand that he had been the one who had kissed Sophia?

 

 

 

Richard returned to the party, hoping that his meeting with Elizabeth had not been seen by the other guests. He knew he hadn't been gone for too long and hoped people would assume he had just gone out to get a little fresh air.

 

 

 

I've just become engaged and already I'm keeping secrets from my fiancée.