by Lily George
And then the ceremony ended and the entire company spilled across the frozen church lawn, streaming into Reverend Kirk’s manse, which had been prepared especially for the assembled company to partake in a hearty, old-fashioned wedding breakfast. Charlie caught his bride’s hand and led her into the vicarage, still in awe that he was married. To Sophie Handley. No, not Sophie Handley any longer. She was Sophie Cantrill.
“Are you all right?” she whispered, clutching his hand more tightly. “You look rather pale.”
“I’m fine.” He could not even begin to articulate how he was feeling, especially not with so many people about. He would tell her everything tonight, when they would be finally and blessedly alone.
She smiled, but her eyes held a worried and puzzled glint. He patted her back in what he hoped was a reassuring manner, and led her toward the breakfast room.
Harriet rounded the corner, nearly colliding with them both. “Sophie! Charlie, may I borrow my sister for a moment?”
“Of course.” He bowed and released his hold on her back.
“Harriet, whatever is the matter? We are supposed to start the wedding breakfast.”
“I know, but I have a surprise for you.” Harriet grabbed Sophie’s hand and tugged her down the hallway. “We will return shortly, Charlie.”
Whatever was Harriet about? The crowd was milling around, waiting patiently for breakfast. The enticing scents of bacon and fried potatoes wafted through the little house. His stomach gurgled. He had been too nervous to even eat the roll Stoames had brought him while he was dressing that morning. Now that the ceremony was over and his nervousness ebbed, hunger gnawed at his insides like a hungry wolf. If only they would hurry up.
“Scone, Lieutenant?” Reverend Stephens passed him a packet wrapped in a handkerchief, which gave forth the mouthwatering scents of vanilla and lemon peel.
“Dare I eat while the assembled company waits?” he asked with a laugh.
The reverend smiled. “In my experience, the bride and groom have precious little time to partake of wedding breakfasts, so occupied are they with good wishes and congratulations,” he replied. He beckoned Charlie to an abandoned corner of the room. “Eat quickly. It will help you make it through the morning.”
Charlie unwrapped the scone with a grateful sigh. “This must be Rose’s cooking. Heavenly.”
The reverend nodded. “I poached one from the breakfast table this morning, after I conferred with Reverend Kirk.” He gave a conspiratorial wink. “Now that you are receiving a little sustenance to make it through the day, how do you feel?”
“Better. Awestruck. Unworthy. But better.” Charlie polished off the last of the scone, and brushed the crumbs off his fingertips.
Reverend Stephens gave him a crooked grin. “Always with the eternal tally, eh, Lieutenant? Isn’t that what got you in trouble the first time around? Always checking in to see who was right, who was wrong and who was deserving of what they received? Surely you learned something from the task I gave you. You forgave everyone else. Now you must forgive yourself.”
“Forgive myself for what?” The reverend’s words made no sense.
“For being human.” The reverend turned and left, leaving Charlie alone in the corner.
The wedding guests milled around, talking, laughing and embracing one another. Aunt Katherine chatted with Stoames and Rose, who stood side by side. Ensign Rowland listened, his eyes wide with fascination, as Lucy talked to him, her lips moving a mile a minute. Lord Bradbury held the hands of his two daughters and twirled them around, smiling at Mother and Robert. They were all here to celebrate his union with Sophie. His heart surged with gratitude, and he said a silent prayer of thanks for them—flawed, exasperating and wonderful as they were—who all occupied a space in his life and a place in his heart.
* * *
Sophie sat in the same spare bedroom she had dressed in earlier that morning, and reread the letter Harriet handed to her. “I don’t understand this at all. None of it makes sense.”
“I don’t understand it, either,” Harriet replied, her eyebrows drawn together. “I knew nothing of it until Reverend Kirk gave me the letter this morning.”
“Why did he send the letter to Reverend Kirk? Why not send it directly to you?”
“I don’t know. Maybe he was unsure of where to send it. Or perhaps he wanted the reverend to act on his behalf, in case we were unhappy with the contents of the letter for any reason.” Harriet shrugged.
Sophie reread the letter aloud.
“‘Dear Misses Harriet and Sophie,
“A misunderstanding has long existed between our families, and I have decided that it is time to heal the breach. My family wishes to extend our deepest sympathy to you for your mother’s recent passing, and to congratulate Miss Harriet on her marriage to Captain John Brookes. We also understand that Miss Sophie will also soon be wed to Lieutenant Charles Cantrill, and we wish to tender our congratulations for that blessed event, as well...’”
“How did they know I was going to be married?” Sophie asked, glancing up at Harriet from the sheet of foolscap.
“Gossip, perhaps? I really have no idea. Keep reading. I still cannot fathom it myself.” Harriet plucked at the fringe of the coverlet.
“Put your feet up on the bed, or they’ll start to swell,” Sophie admonished. Then she turned her attention back to the letter.
“‘As the head of the Handley clan, I wish to state emphatically that we do not have any objection to your family connections, and would welcome you to our home at any time, should you choose to return to Liverpool. As a sign of our good faith, I am reinstating the living your father would have left to you, had his fortunes not collapsed. The sum of three thousand pounds per annum shall be settled on you each.
“I am, most affectionately, your uncle
“David Handley.’”
“So Papa’s brother magically decides to gift us with a living after years of penury and neglect? Why so?” Harriet nibbled her thumbnail. “I am not sure we should accept.”
“Stop biting your nails,” Sophie admonished. “Of course we will accept. And we will forgive them, too. Charlie has taught me the value of forgiveness. I shall never harbor bitterness in my heart again.” She folded up the foolscap and tossed it aside. “I have no need of his money, so I shall gift it all to the Veterans’ Fund.”
“I shall, too.” Harriet struggled to get off the bed. Sophie laughed and walked around to her sister’s side, giving her hands a mighty pull.
“I suppose we should return to the breakfast. Your guests will be getting hungry, and poor Charlie probably thinks I have kidnapped you forevermore,” Harriet puffed, tugging her dress down over her broad middle.
Sophie nodded, and followed her sister out the bedroom door. She paused in her descent down the staircase, staring at Charlie, who was talking earnestly with Brookes and Stoames.
Charlie had done it. She was sure he had done it. She knew not how, but he was the reason that her uncle was suddenly so willing to let bygones be bygones.
Her beloved must have felt her eyes on him, for he turned, a grin lighting his thin face. She rushed down the staircase and flung herself into his embrace. “Thank you.” She sighed, closing her ears to the laughter of the assembled company.
“For what?” He held her tightly—so tightly she could scarcely draw breath.
“For being wonderful.” She would spend the rest of her life trying to keep that same crooked, boyish grin on her beloved’s face.
* * *
Smoke curled lazily from the chimney of Tansley Cottage as Charlie and Sophie’s carriage wound its way down the rocky path. “Look, Rose kept the fire going all day, even when we were at Crich. How marvelous she is.” Sophie brushed a minuscule speck of dust from her white woolen frock. It was one of her finest creations, and she had no wish for it to be marred by dirt before the day was even over.
“What a pretty little cottage,” Charlie observed. “Just the right size for us two.”
; “Until our family grows,” Sophie added, her face heating to her hairline.
Charlie reddened, too, and his eyes flashed with a dangerous light. “Of course. But it will do quite nicely until we find our permanent home. Isn’t this a lovely place to live, all tucked up against the moor like this? It quite puts my flat in Bath to shame.”
“Yes, in some ways. But you must understand, back then we had so very little. And Mama was quite ill. I didn’t realize it at the time, but Hattie was protecting me from a great deal of bald truths about our poverty.” She looked over at him, batting her eyelashes like a practiced coquette. “I know you won’t believe this, but I was quite ignorant of anything beyond my own small world back then.”
“Perish the thought,” he replied gallantly, kissing her hand.
“No, it’s true.” She sidled closer to him. “And because I am now realizing all she has done for me, I am making sure that I cultivate gratitude for every kindness that has been shown to me. I know, for example, that you are likely the reason the Handley clan has suddenly changed their long-held opinion of my family. Why, Hattie showed me a letter this morning from Papa’s brother David, who insists that the family harbors no ill will toward us.”
“Ah, what good news,” her husband replied. “I am glad to hear it.”
She touched his cheek, her glove catching slightly on his beard stubble. “He has even settled an allowance on us both, which we are giving to the Veterans’ Fund.”
“That is too good of the Handley gels,” he rejoined, turning the palm of her hand toward his lips.
“The Handley gels have you to thank for it, Lieutenant Cantrill.”
He smiled briefly as the carriage rolled to a halt. “I must disagree, Mrs. Cantrill. It seems to me that the head of your family merely did the right thing. At long last.” He opened the carriage door and boosted her to the ground, swinging her in a slow circle until her toes touched the frozen earth.
“Come, sweetheart. Let’s go home.” He swept her up, holding her in the crook of his injured arm, and opened the door latch.
Unlike her undignified mistake in Bath, she was going in the front door. In point of fact, her darling husband was carrying her over the threshold.
Sophie laughed, smiling up into her beloved’s handsome face, and kicked the door shut with her slippered foot.
* * * * *
If you enjoyed Lily George’s book,
be sure to check out the other books this month
from Love Inspired Historical!
Keep reading for an excerpt of A Baby Between Them by Winnie Griggs!
Dear Reader,
When I started to write book two of the Brides of Waterloo series (known to you now as The Temporary Betrothal), my wonderful editor, Melissa Endlich, had one clear directive: “Bring back Aunt Katherine.”
I must say it was a delight to immerse myself back in the world of Tansley Village and the Handley girls, and yes, to listen and report everything Aunt Katherine had to say. Even though Sophie leads a much more cosmopolitan life in Bath than her sister, Harriet, leads in Tansley Village, she finds the simple life infinitely more attractive than a life of abundance and elegance. And helping Sophie learn that important lesson has been so much fun. I hope you enjoy her story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
While it’s true that Charlie helps bring Sophie closer to God, it’s also true that Sophie rekindles Charlie’s belief in himself. He becomes, through her example, as generous with himself as he is toward others in need. Together they embark on a life filled with a sense of mission and purpose. If only Sophie’s dear friend Lucy could find such fulfillment in her life....
I enjoy hearing from all my readers, so please feel free to send me an email at [email protected]. Thank you for allowing me to share the Handley girls, and their trials and triumphs, with you.
Blessings,
Lily George
Questions for Discussion
1. Sophie Handley feels that the only way to find independence is to become a seamstress for Lord Bradbury and his daughters. Why does she consider this her only option? Is independence important to you? Do you agree with her choice?
2. Lieutenant Charles Cantrill is immediately attracted to Sophie, but distrusts her beauty and her reputation for being flighty. Why does he feel wary of beautiful women? Have you distrusted someone based solely on the way they looked, even though you knew nothing about them? What did you do?
3. Charlie never lost his faith during the horrible Battle of Waterloo. Yet he tries to overcome feelings of inadequacy and embarrassment after he fainted during the battle. Does he try to overcompensate by helping others? Do you often find yourself overcompensating to make up for a perceived mistake or flaw?
4. Sophie has never really thought deeply about God. Her heart and mind are opened to God during a sermon on the Beatitudes. Is there a point at which you felt your life open to God?
5. Sophie accepts the gift of a bracelet from Lord Bradbury. Was that a wise decision? What would you have done?
6. Sophie later sells the bracelet to finance a sewing circle with the widows of Waterloo soldiers. Was that a good way to use the money from Lord Bradbury’s gift?
7. Charlie’s brother, Robert, distrusts Sophie immediately, even though their mother is in awe of Sophie’s family background and beauty. What is your feeling about first impressions? Has there ever been a time when you were mistaken about your first impression of someone?
8. Sophie breaks off her engagement to Charlie because Robert orders her to do so. Was this the right thing to do? What would you have done?
9. Sophie declines Lord Bradbury’s offer to become his mistress, and flees back to Tansley Village to be with her sister. Was this the right choice? How would you have handled Lord Bradbury’s offer?
10. Reverend Stephens teaches Charlie a powerful lesson in forgiveness. Have you ever had to forgive someone for a transgression? How did you feel after doing so?
11. Charlie goes on a journey to forgive several people and to ask their forgiveness in turn. Why does he feel this is a crucial step before seeking Sophie’s hand in marriage?
12. Charlie is determined to live a life of simplicity, even though his family is against his choice of lifestyle. Have you ever gone against someone’s expectations of you, even though you knew it would be difficult to do so?
13. The Handley family finally acknowledges the Handley girls, and promises to reinstate their inheritance. Both girls decide to give the money to charity. Is this a wise choice?
14. Have you ever met anyone like Moriah Cantrill, Charlie’s mother, who is so devoted to appearances? How do you feel about appearances and wealth?
15. Lucy Williams, Sophie’s friend, feels that Sophie has been impractical for turning down two marriage proposals and a proposal to be Lord Bradbury’s mistress. How do you feel about Sophie’s choices? Was she right to wait, and marry for love?
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Historical title.
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Chapter One
Faith Gle
n, Massachusetts, August 1850
Nora Murphy looked at her two younger sisters across the room and tamped down the pinprick of jealousy that tried to intrude on her joy at their good fortune.
After all, this was her sister Bridget’s wedding day to Will Black, a good and honorable man who loved her dearly. Everyone in town was gathered to celebrate here at Will’s home—Bridget’s home now, too. It was a joyous occasion and it would be selfish to put her own feelings above her sister’s.
So what if just a scant month ago Maeve, the youngest, had also married a wonderful man? No matter how it felt, Nora assured herself, it wasn’t truly pitiable to be the oldest and the only one still single and with no marriage prospects. After all, at twenty-five she had a few years left to her before she’d have to don her spinster cap.
Strange how in just a little over two months—a seeming eyeblink of time—her whole world had changed. Back then they’d lived in Ireland amidst the terrible burdens of the potato famine and the sickness that had taken so many of their friends and neighbors, and finally their beloved da. Suddenly orphaned and facing eviction, they’d been left all but destitute and desperate. The startling discovery of a possible inheritance across the ocean in America from an old suitor of their mother’s had been an answered prayer. She, Bridget and Maeve had left their homeland, headed for the land of promise with only their faith and the hope of finding a new home in the small town of Faith Glen, Massachusetts, to keep their spirits up.
They’d all taken jobs aboard the ship the Annie McGee to replenish their drained savings after purchasing their passage. Maeve, the youngest, had fallen in love with and married the ship’s well-to-do doctor, Flynn Gallagher, before they’d even set foot in America.