A Most Unlikely Betrothal by Alice Kirks

Chapter 6

 

 

Where had they learned to play cricket? Richard watched as a man swung his bat to hit the ball but missed completely. The man spun in place and fell hard to his knees, earning a shout of laughter from his team mates. Amused, Richard watched the man stand up, dust himself off, and walk away.

 

 

 

“That was an easy shot,” he remarked, shaking his head. “How did he miss it?

 

 

 

Crossing his legs at the ankle, Richard reclined on one of the throws set out for the guests, using his elbows to keep his upper body off the ground. An hour or so had passed since some fool decided that the afternoon would be better off with a game of cricket. Richard usually enjoyed the sport, but watching players who were terrible at the game was pure torture.

 

 

 

“I can throw and bat better than that in my sleep,” Nicholas added.

 

 

 

Richard rolled his head towards his friend, smiling at the disgusted look on the man's face.

 

 

 

“Why don't you play and show them how it's done?”

 

 

 

“I'm keeping you company, remember?” said Nicholas. “You're the one who feels like his life is over. I'm just making sure you don't try anything stupid between now and the wedding day.”

 

 

 

Richard groaned. “Don't remind me. That's all my mother has talked about since I returned home and said that I'd marry the woman.”

 

 

 

"Her name is Sophia. You might as well get used to calling her by her name."

 

 

 

Richard didn't want to get used to anything that had to do with the woman. "I've got months before I have to worry about that. Mother is planning an autumn wedding at our country estate."

 

 

 

Nicholas raised his eyebrows. “I'm surprised that they're going to wait so long to see you married.”

 

 

 

Richard had been surprised as well, but he hadn't complained. Any delay in marrying Sophia Emley was a good thing to him.

 

 

 

“She thinks having a rushed wedding will intensify the scandal allegations,” he told his friend.

 

 

 

Two deep lines appeared between Nicholas's dark eyebrows. "People usually do the opposite if they want to quell any rumours or scandals."

 

 

 

"Don't question my mother's thinking," Richard advised. "It's not worth the headache. I'm just glad I don't have to marry Sophia any time soon. Perhaps Providence will smile down on me and offer me a way out of this snake pit.”

 

 

 

"That's rather harsh, considering it's your fault."

 

 

 

Richard shrugged his shoulders. “That's a matter of perspective.”

 

 

 

Nicholas didn't say anything more as two of their friends plonked themselves down beside them, their faces red and sweaty from the game.

 

 

 

“Do you both intend to stay here for the entire afternoon?” Philip asked. “I thought you would have volunteered to bat by now, Richie.”

 

 

 

Richard hated it when people called him that. “I don't know who Richie is. Is he a friend?”

 

 

 

Philip rolled his eyes, laughing. “Someone is in a bad mood. Are you still angry about that Emley girl? I don't blame you. I think I'd let a horse drag me across this lawn before I'd marry Sophia.”

 

 

 

Richard said nothing because he agreed with Philip. If he had a way out of this marriage, he would gladly take it.

 

 

 

“I think that's below the belt,” said Nicholas. “That woman has done nothing wrong to deserve such hateful comments, you know. Her only crime is not fitting our society's beauty standards.”

 

 

 

Marcus, another friend, guffawed. “So says the man who once said that he would never marry an ugly woman!”

 

 

 

"That was when I didn't know beautiful women could rip out your heart just as easily as they blush," Nicholas replied, his voice without inflection. “Consider it a lesson learned.”

 

 

 

Richard studied his friend's expression, waiting to see the usual look of hurt in the man's eyes. He saw nothing. Did this mean Nicholas had finally healed from his heartbreak?

 

 

 

“I'd take that over an ugly woman any day!” said Marcus, chortling.

 

 

 

Richard struggled to hide his look of distaste. Why did the man's laugh always annoy him so much? Richard felt like scooping up a pile of dirt and stuffing Marcus' mouth with it.

 

 

 

“Let's not make Richard feel any worse,” Philip admonished, his face a mixture of playfulness and seriousness. “He fell prey to a woman's tricks, and now he has to live with her for the rest of his life. That's a fate worse than death.”

 

 

 

Richard tilted his head slightly, giving Philip his full attention. “Whose tricks did I fall prey to?”

 

 

 

“Sophia's, of course,” said Philip. “You don't expect us to believe that you willingly kissed her, do you? That just seems... wrong.”

 

 

 

“Not to mention impossible,” Marcus added.

 

 

 

This wasn't the first time that Richard had heard the story about Sophia tricking him into marriage. Several people had given their opinion on the scandal and were fully convinced that Sophia was the culprit behind everything. Some had even suggested that she had consulted a gypsy woman who had given her a potion and an incantation to trap any man Sophia wanted. That rumour had been far-fetched and frankly ridiculous, but Richard hadn't protested to the stories.

 

 

 

“He didn't think he was kissing Sophia, you fools” said Nicholas. “She was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

 

 

 

“More so in the right place at the right time!” cried Marcus. “Women like her are crafty and know just how to get what they want. It's most unfortunate that she could do nothing about her physical appearance. She needs to bathe in an extra strength potion for that, and even then it might not work.”

 

 

 

What was Marcus and Philip's obsession with the supernatural? Shaking his head, Richard laced his hands behind his headandlay down.

 

 

 

“What has Elizabeth said about the engagement?” Philip inquired. “I imagine she isn't happy about it.”

 

 

 

Richard had no idea what Elizabeth truly felt about his engagement to her sister; he hadn't seen Elizabeth since the riding party and wasn't sure he wanted to.

 

 

 

"I have not yet had the opportunity to speak to her."

 

 

 

"Perhaps she has disowned her sister," Marcus suggested. "If they were men, they might have had a duel for the honour of marrying Richard."

 

 

 

“Have you spoken to her yet?” Philip pressed. “I think you should.”

 

 

 

"What do you propose I say to her?" Richard snapped, growing annoyed with the questions. "Should I apologise for kissing her sister? For getting engaged? That's hardly something anyone would want to say to a woman. Elizabeth already knows the details. Talking to her will only worsen the situation."

 

 

 

"Richard is right," said Nicholas. "Now is not the best time to discuss Elizabeth. She is his past, and Sophia is his future."

 

 

 

The future Countess of Brittingham. What would his ancestors say about him marrying an unworthy woman to take the Countess position and later become Duchess? Sophia Emley was going to be an influential woman very soon and the mother of the next Hatherton heir. She was going to be all these things and more, but she would never be the woman of his heart, not in this lifetime. Richard had decided that he would tolerate and respect Sophia as his wife, and hoped she didn't expect much more from him.

 

 

 

“That sounds like a death sentence,” Marcus remarked. “You must hate her for what she has done.”

 

 

 

Now would be the time to tell his friends that he was the culprit behind the scandal, not Sophia. However, Richard's courage failed him, and he remained quiet. He could feel Nicholas' eyes like a searing rod on him, but he didn't dare look at the man. Nicholas also knew the full truth and was likely waiting for Richard to admit it, but the man would be waiting until kingdom come.

 

 

 

Despite his reluctance to speak the truth, Richard felt a niggling guilt at the back of his mind. Sophia didn't deserve these comments and accusations, but who would benefit more from this marriage? Sophia, of course—she had been the one doomed to remain a spinster for the rest of her life, and now she was set to marry a handsome and wealthy earl. She couldn't have done any better for herself. What did it matter if Richard kept his pride in the process? Let people think that she orchestrated the entire scandal so he could save face.

 

 

 

“Are you listening?” Philip asked, waving a hand in front of Richard's face.

 

 

 

Richard blinked slowly, frowning at the man. “Did you say something?”

 

 

 

“I said quite a bit, but you appear to be far away!” Philip complained. “Do not allow this situation to suck away your joy before you've even spoken your vows. There might still be hope.”

 

 

 

Hope? Richard nearly laughed at that. “I've never taken you for an optimistic person, Philip. Anyone with eyes can see that this situation is hopeless.”

 

 

 

Philip shrugged and lay back. “I was being hopeful for your sake. You may have no way out, but you do not necessarily have to think that way. I fancy a game of cards right now,” the man suddenly announced, changing the subject. “What say the rest of you gentlemen?”

 

 

 

Marcus jumped at the opportunity, but Richard and Nicholas hesitated. Philip was a sore loser, and Marcus would bet the shirt off his back if he could. Playing cards with them wouldn't be a relaxing activity.

 

 

 

“Another day, perhaps?” Nicholas offered. “Unfortunately, Richard and I have to leave soon. In fact,” the man added, taking out his pocket watch and giving it a brief glance. “We should go now.”

 

 

 

“Go where?” asked Marcus.

 

 

 

Richard could see where his friend was going with this. “A prior engagement,” he said, getting to his feet. “Thank you for reminding me, Nick. I almost forgot all about it.”

 

 

 

“My pleasure,” said Nicholas, also rising in one fluid motion. “Perhaps we'll make a day of cards this coming week.”

 

 

 

Philip and Marcus looked disappointed, but Richard didn't feel the least sorry about leaving. He had had enough of the talk surrounding his scandal with Sophia and needed some time away from it all. His guilt was also pushing at his conscience more than he had expected, and Richard was worried he would say something that would embarrass him.

 

 

 

Once they were settled in the carriage, Richard waited for Nicholas to say something about the conversation they had had with their friends, but his friend remained silent on the matter. Richard could tell that he had something to say and was surprised that Nicholas was keeping it to himself.

 

 

 

“Aren't you going to say anything?” Richard finally asked.

 

 

 

Nicholas turned away from the window and gave him an inquiring gaze. “About what?”

 

 

 

"About what happened back there. I know you disapprove."

 

 

 

“If you know how I feel, what is the point of waiting for me to say something?”

 

 

 

Richard sighed, looking away. “You're disappointed, aren't you?”

 

 

 

“In what?”

 

 

 

“You're going to keep asking me questions until I admit it.”

 

 

 

“Admit what?”

 

 

 

Richard gave a growl of frustration. “Simply say what you mean to say! There is no need to beat around the bush.”

 

 

 

“You wish me to tell you that I think you're a spineless coward who would rather let an innocent woman who already has most of the world against her take the blame for everything that has happened instead of confessing to what you did?”

 

 

 

Richard felt his friend's words like a hammer strike to the chest. “You certainly don't mince your words, do you?”

 

 

 

Nicholas spread his hands. “You asked me to stop beating around the bush; I did what you asked me to do.”

 

 

 

Richard cupped the back of his neck, massaging it. “This is more trouble than it's worth. How did I get into this mess?”

 

 

 

"I could tell you, but I assume you already know," said Nicholas with a small smile.

 

 

 

“Yes. Please spare me your explanation. You're only making me feel worse.”

 

 

 

“Just imagine how Sophia feels,” Nicholas said, driving his point home.

 

 

 

Richard glared at his friend for a moment before his guilt kicked in, and he quickly dropped his shoulders. Nicholas was right. There was no telling how Sophia was coping, but how terrible could it be when her future would look like a faerie tale compared to what awaited him? What did he get out of this marriage?

 

 

 

“She only has to suffer for a little while, Nick,” Richard explained. “I'll be suffering for the rest of my life.”

 

 

 

Nicholas lifted his eyebrows and stared him down. "Do you truly believe that? Do you think people will forget so quickly? Perhaps if Sophia was a great beauty, people might forgive her in time. But she's not, is she? She'll forever be known as the woman who tricked England's Most Eligible Bachelor into marriage. Being a countess—and eventually a duchess—will not change that. People have long memories, especially when they feel cheated."

 

 

 

Richard could see some truth to his friend's words, but he wasn't going to accept all of it.

 

 

 

“What is it that you expect me to do? No, do not answer that,” he quickly added.

 

 

 

Nicholas would probably tell him to confess everything, which Richard wasn't prepared to do just yet. Besides, that would mean getting Elizabeth into trouble as well and besmirching her name. Richard was loathe to hurt her any further.

 

 

 

"I cannot force you to do anything but at least make the best of the situation, for Sophia's sake," said Nicholas. "She is the victim here, not you. I daresay she has had more to deal with than you have."

 

 

 

Richard snorted. “Make the best of the situation? That's asking for a miracle.”

 

 

 

Nicholas rolled his eyes. “Must you be so dramatic? You'll likely meet her soon enough. I expect you to respect her and try to be nice.”

 

 

 

“That's all I have ever been to her,” Richard protested. “She is the one who chooses to treat me as though I'm the scum between her toes.”

 

 

 

Nicholas laughed. "Well, good! She'll teach you some humility, and perhaps you'll finally see her as someone other than what society has portrayed her as."

 

 

 

"If you like her so much, why don't you marry her?"

 

 

 

“I have sworn off women, remember?” Nicholas reminded him. “Sophia Emley seems like a good woman, Richard. I admit that she has a sharp tongue and isn't as comely as we usually prefer our women to be, but give yourself a chance to get to know her. I imagine that she is rather scared at the moment and needs a friendly face. As her future husband, I suggest you treat her kindly.”

 

 

 

Richard said nothing but pursed his lips and turned his body away from his friend. Nicholas spoke as though everything was a straightforward matter. Did he fail to understand that nothing about Sophia was easy? The woman was as prickly as a thorn bush and he would likely bleed if he got too close. But Nicholas was right about one thing: it was only a matter of time before Richard came face to face with his future wife.

 

 

 

*     *     *

 

 

 

Several Days Later

 

 

 

It was one thing to know that one had to eventually go through a distasteful task, but actually experiencing it was another thing altogether.

 

 

 

Richard reluctantly moved forward to greet his fiancée, lightly holding her hand and bringing it to his mouth. He gave a little jerk when Sophia pulled her hand out of his and gave him a tight smile before looking away at something over his shoulder.  Richard looked behind him, seeing nothing but a few paintings. Was Sophia that interested in the paintings, or was she just ignoring him? He wasn't quite sure, not yet.

 

 

 

"We're so glad that you could come at such short notice," said Richard's mother. "I felt that we needed a lovely small dinner to get to know each other better, and to give Richard and Sophia time to get to know each other as well. Everything has happened so quickly and, well..."

 

 

 

The Duchess trailed off, looking a little awkward as she probably tried to delicately refer to the scandal.

 

 

 

“I was thinking the same thing,” Mrs Emley said with a smile much warmer than her daughter's. “I would have invited you had you not invited us first.”

 

 

 

Looking relieved, the Duchess gestured at the chairs.“Please, take a seat. We have some time to talk before the food is to be served.”

 

 

 

Sophia seemed to completely ignore Richard as she sat beside her parents on what he thought was the least comfortable chair in the drawing-room. Had she chosen it on purpose? Richard gave a minute shrug of his shoulders and sat down as well, noting that his parents had subtly pushed him towards the seat closest to Sophia.

 

 

 

"It's lovely to finally meet you in person, Sophia," said the Duchess. "You're twenty-two, if I'm not mistaken?"

 

 

 

“Yes, Your Grace,” Sophia replied.

 

 

 

“I was but a year younger than you when I married my husband,” the Duchess said with a tender look at the Duke. “Richard is only three years older than you. This is your sister's first Season, is it not?”

 

 

 

Richard could tell his mother was scrambling for things to say. He didn't blame her—Sophia wasn't exactly a conventional woman. What interested other women probably did not interest her.

 

 

 

“Yes, Your Grace,” Sophia replied without a hint of a smile

 

 

 

Were those the only words the woman would use? Richard glanced at his mother, who was smiling harder than he had ever seen her smile.

 

 

 

“Do you hunt, Mr Emley?” the Duke asked.

 

 

 

“Not as much as I used to, I'm afraid,” said Mr Emley. “Do you?”

 

 

 

“Whenever I get the chance to. My wife feels that an autumn wedding would be best for our children, and I'm inclined to agree with her. It will give us time to hunt on our estate. Our country estate has some of the best hunting grounds and fishing spots in England.”

 

 

 

“I've heard such rumours,” Mr Emley replied. “I look forward to experiencing it first-hand.”

 

 

 

The parents continued to speak as Richard darted looks at Sophia, waiting for her to look a little interested in the conversation. Instead, the woman hardly spoke, and at one point even asked to walk around the room to look at the paintings.

 

 

 

The Duchess suggested that Richard walk with her around the room, but Sophia quickly declined that offer. Far be it from him to insist on accompanying a woman who hardly paid him any attention and was intent upon being as unaccommodating as possible. Richard felt annoyed with her, but he still caught himself watching her as she walked past each piece of artwork, paying each one a few minutes of her attention.

 

 

 

I have never thought those paintings were particularly fascinating. Indeed, I cannot recall anyone preferring the company of inanimate objects over that of people. Is it any wonder society thinksher odd?

 

 

 

Eventually, Sophia came to the end of the row and had to return to her seat. Richard observed her from the corner of his eye, waiting to see what she would do next.

 

 

 

“Are you interested in art, dear?” the Duchess asked.

 

 

 

“I find it an engaging skill, Your Grace,” Sophia replied. “I only wish that I could paint as well as the artists who created your paintings.”

 

 

 

“Oh, do not be so modest, Sophia,” said Mrs Emley. “Sophia is an accomplished artist and loves to draw and paint. 'Tis one of her favourite past times.”

 

 

 

Richard wasn't surprised. Sophia was accomplished in everything but social etiquette, which actually mattered. What was the use of intelligence in a woman if it didn't aid in her being approachable and accepted by her peers? Sophia might as well have been an imbecile.

 

 

 

"I would love to see some of your work, Sophia dear," the Duchess said, sounding genuine. "I love art and might commission you to create something for me. I would love my corgis to be immortalised in a painting that catches their spirit, but every artist I've asked has given me renditions of what they think I should like. I have an attic filled with useless paintings."

 

 

 

Sophia's eyes lit up, and a shadow of a smile curved her full lips just a bit. "I would love to do so, Your Grace. I have done paintings of my own animals. Mainly my Great Danes, but I've painted our other pets as well."

 

 

 

She owned Great Danes? Strangely, the dogs fitted Sophia well. Richard couldn't imagine her with cheeky little dogs that yipped and yapped at a person's feet. An image of her sitting on a throne with the two dogs on either side filled Richard's mind.

 

 

 

The thought made him frown—did he subconsciously think of her as a regal queen? Richard had never considered that before and didn't know if he was impressed with the idea. Perhaps the rigid way Sophia sat in her seat or the cold manner she usually employed to deal with others made him think of her as a queen. Sophia certainly had the attitude.

 

 

 

“How old are your Danes?” Richard found himself asking.

 

 

 

“Four years old, my lord,” Sophia replied, only sparing him a brief glance before she returned her focus to his mother.

 

 

 

“Was Elizabeth not able to accompany you?” the Duchess asked.

 

 

 

Richard snapped his attention to his mother, appalled that she had asked such a question. Had the woman forgotten that he had been somewhat interested in the younger Emley sister? Yes, Richard had downplayed his interest in the woman, but he had been interestednonetheless.

 

 

 

What did the Duchess think about him marrying the one sister but being interested in the other? Richard's mother probably assumed that he had set his affections for Elizabeth aside to marry Sophia, but that couldn't be further from the truth. If he was forced to marry any woman, Richard would have preferred it to be Elizabeth. At least he liked her, which was more than he could say for Sophia.

 

 

 

“She is feeling ill,” Mrs Emley said. “She didn't want to come along and ruin the evening byspoiling everything with her illness.”

 

 

 

Richard noticed that Sophia had become very still and didn't seem to be breathing. Her knuckles were white where her hands gripped the armrests of the chair. Sophia was, of course, aware of his relationship with Elizabeth— she had to know what this betrothal was doing to her younger sister.

 

 

 

“Oh? Is it something serious?” the Duchess inquired.

 

 

 

“Not at all, Your Grace,” Mrs Emley assured. “She is experiencing mild symptoms, but she didn't want to take the chance of worsening as the evening progressed.”

 

 

 

“Perhaps we'll see her next time,” the Duchess decided. “I think it important to get to know each other as we'll be a family soon.”

 

 

 

Mrs Emley nodded eagerly. “I completelyagree, Your Grace. I was just saying to my husband that we should use every opportunity to meet together and show a united front against the... rumours.”

 

 

 

The level of tension in the room rose a few notches as people shifted in their seats. The only person who remained perfectly still was Sophia. Richard couldn't even tell what she was thinking.

 

 

 

She would be great at playing cards. I wonder if she is interested in such games? She could be my secret weapon during. She might as well be useful.

 

 

 

Richard winced at his train of thought, realising how dismissive he seemed. Sophia was a person with feelings—even though she rarely displayed any of them. Thinking of her as a tool was not the best thing to do, especially when she would be the mother of his children.

 

 

 

Did Richard want more than one child? He hadn't really thought that far ahead yet. It was a subject he would have to speak to Sophia about, but how did a man talk to her about such things?

 

 

 

"On the lighter side, our children are getting married, and we'll soon be grandparents," the Duchess said too cheerfully. "Perhaps we'll have a little Hatherton by next year."

 

 

 

Richard pulled at his necktie, his gaze sliding to Sophia to see her reaction. The woman seemed a tad pale, but a bright pink colour soon suffused her cheeks with warmth, making her seem almost... pretty. Richard frowned. What on earth was he thinking?

 

 

 

"That is something to look forward to, Your Grace," Mrs Emley agreed. "It has been many years since I've heard the pitter-patter of little feet. I just know that my daughter will be a wonderful mother. She has a way with babies and children, you see. They all flock to her as soon as they see her. She is the Pied Piper of children."

 

 

 

Sophia liked children? Richard couldn't imagine her as warm and inviting, but if children liked her, then there had to be a part of her that wasn't what she portrayed to the rest of the world. If that were the case, why didn't she use that warmth to win her friends and garner more acceptance among her peers? Perhaps Sophia wasn't as one-dimensional as Richard had initially believed.