Three Original Ladies 02 - Lord Trowbridge’s Angel

by G. G. Vandagriff

  The chill of dread that she might never have her own children did not enter Sophie’s breast today. Mother had always prophesied that bleak future for Sophie. Now there was someone in her life who had “serious intentions.”

  Marriage, she must conclude, was for once an actual possibility, as were babies, one would hope, as well. The thought warmed her. There was the possibility that she would be singing to her own babies one day, possibly even teaching them to play the piano and sing themselves.

  When the lullaby was over, she rocked Emma for a few extra minutes, smiling down at the baby, and then allowed Elise to put her in her cot.

  “Let us go into my sitting room, where we can talk,” Elise whispered.

  When they were situated in the cheery room with its turquoise-and-white-striped walls and furniture, Sophie said, “Elise, I need your advice.”

  “You are absolutely glowing! Never tell me you have fallen in love!”

  “I think I have. With Gorgeous Frank.” Sophie related the incidents of the night of her violin performance and followed with the archery lesson.

  “Frank says his intent is serious.”

  “Sophie, how lovely this all is. I have never known Frank to favor any respectable woman. I think he must be smitten indeed.” She rang the servant’s bell. “This calls for a celebration. Peter has known Frank for years. He has been a patron of my soup kitchen since the beginning. But he has always struck me as someone who uses his beautiful manners to keep everyone at a distance.”

  “That’s how I thought of him at first, as well. He started right off calling me ‘angel. ’”

  Elise’s maid Betsy entered, and Elise asked for Cook’s chocolate macaroons and some tea. Chocolate maroons were one of the rare treats they had enjoyed as children.

  When Betsy exited, Sophie said, “My little violin concert seems to have unlocked Frank and shown him to himself. But I am in a quandary.”

  “Yes?”

  “Fan says you spoke to her about trust being a problem for all of us, because of Mother. We expect people to let us down.” She pleated the daffodil muslin of Fanny’s gown, which she had, of course, borrowed. Would her own never arrive? “You can appreciate what a major step I am taking, especially after such a short acquaintance. I think myself in love with Frank. But I have this horrible fear that it is all going to come crashing down and it will hurt so terribly that I do not know how I can survive it.”

  “I was left in that position when Joshua died, Sophie. But I have never been sorry that I loved him.”

  “What about Peter? Did he ever let you down?”

  “I thought he was dead for two months, and that was fairly horrible. Then I found out about that egregious bet he made at White’s, and I was crushed and angry. He had to work his way back into my graces slowly. But our relationship was the better for it.”

  “You are a stronger woman than I am, Elise.”

  “I think just the opposite. You have your musical life as a resource. I have seen for years how you disappear into Beethoven or Mozart for days and come out tired but put back together.”

  “Does your writing not do the same for you?”

  “I am not as good a novelist as you are a musician, dearest. Although, I must admit, it is an outlet. But Peter’s love has been constant since we’ve been married. Of course, one person cannot fill that wasteland inside us where a mother’s love should have been. But having my own children is a help. And you and Fan mean more to me than you will ever know.”

  “I guess no one can guarantee that Frank will really come up to scratch,” Sophie said with a sigh. “Or be faithful when he does, for that matter.” She rose and went to Elise’s window, noting that the climbing rose had reached the height of the first floor. Clenching her fists, she made a decision. “What we have right now is so wonderful that I guess I must quit looking for problems.”

  “It is always a risk to give your heart, Soph. But from what you have told me, I think Frank is truly smitten. He is very poetic, our Frank.”

  “Yes, Fanny told me he read English Literature. The Romantic poets seem to be favorites of his.” Examining her fingernails, she thought reluctantly of Lord Shrewsbury. “There may be another problem, and I have not the faintest idea how to approach it.”

  “Tell me.”

  Sophie ate a macaroon. “It is Lord Shrewsbury. He apparently does not know of Frank’s feelings. He thinks to court me, and I do not know what to say.”

  “Mention it to Frank. He will take care of it.”

  “Have you received your invitation to the dinner party Frank is giving tonight?”

  Elise smiled. “I have. Are you to be hostess?”

  “Yes. And Shrewsbury will be there. If Frank says nothing beforehand, it is bound to be awkward.”

  “That is true. But you have no control over that, Sophie. Shrewsbury has my sympathies.”

  { 14 }

  FRANK SPENT HIS MORNING SPARRING at Gentleman Jackson’s Boxing Saloon. He was full of energy and gave the Gentleman a run for his money. Shrewsbury was there, and after boxing a few rounds against one another, they departed for Brook’s, where they lunched together.

  “I have recruited another volunteer for the school,” Frank announced over lamb chops. “Lady Melissa Aldridge, Kent’s daughter. Which puts me in the mind of a concern of Lady Kent’s. Because of its location, we must provide some protection for the school during the hours it is in session.”

  “Yes, you are right, of course,” his friend said. “Along similar lines as the gentlemen who protect the safety of the ladies attending to the Duchess of Ruisdell’s soup kitchen, I suppose. I don’t foresee that finding willing gentlemen will be much of a problem. Did you know that the Duke and Duchess met at the soup kitchen?”

  They discussed which of their acquaintances they might prevail upon to perform this task. Shrewsbury called for some paper, a quill, and ink, and they made a list. In another column, Shrewsbury listed the young women they had asked to teach. As of this moment, they had only Fanny, Sophie, and Lady Melissa.

  “What we need,” announced Shrewsbury, “is to hold a picnic or rout where we can announce our intentions and invite young women to participate.”

  “Are there really enough young women in London who are that concerned for the poor? I doubt it. I applaud your efforts, but the reality is going to be a shock to most well-brought-up young ladies. The orphans will be filthy and crawling with lice. Also, I think we must do something about filling their stomachs. That would be an added draw,” Frank said. “We cannot expect them to be interested in reading when they are starving.”

  “I can see that this is going to require some more planning. Who is coming to your dinner party this evening? Anyone who may be interested in the project?” asked Shrewsbury.

  “I actually organized it with that in mind. We will have the Kents, the Ruisdells, the Deals, Lady Melissa, and Miss Edwards.”

  “Hmm. Enough men for a board of directors, if you include the two of us. We could discuss the matter over dinner.”

  “I have asked Miss Edwards to perform afterward.”

  “You have? Excellent! I am most anxious to hear her. She was entranced by the musicale last evening.”

  Frank sensed the satisfaction in the other man’s words. “She is hostessing for me tonight,” he said.

  Shrewsbury frowned. “Is she? I didn’t realize you had a serious interest in that quarter. I thought you were merely amusing yourself. She hardly seems your type.”

  “And what is my type?”

  “You know very well! Women of the world who know their way about. Miss Edwards is the essence of innocence.”

  “It seems to me that you are interested in her as well,” Frank said grimly.

  “A wife like Miss Edwards would stand me in good stead in my political career. In addition to which, I find the girl utterly charming.” Shrewsbury studied his well-buffed fingernails. “I suppose it isn’t any good my asking you to back off?”

&n
bsp; “None.”

  “Well, then all I have to say is, ‘may the best man win. ’” Shrewsbury offered his hand.

  Frank ignored it. “The courting of Miss Edwards is not a curricle race.” He stood. “I will leave you to plan your picnic. I would suggest Lady Clarice as a hostess. She will know which young ladies might have an inclination to help.”

  Shrewsbury blinked. Frank knew that the man could not argue with the wisdom of this suggestion, no matter how much he might wish to invite Sophie to fill the position.

  He returned home feeling out of sorts and frustrated. Perhaps Sophie would make her sentiments toward him evident that night and Shrewsbury would decide it was useless to continue his attentions. Of course, he could put an end to all of this if he could secure Sophie’s hand from Ruisdell, her guardian. Perhaps if she did show a partiality for him tonight, the duke would be inclined to give his blessing to an engagement.

  ~~*

  Sophie arrived early with Buck, Fanny, Alexa, and her nurse. She must have received another gown from her new modiste, because this one was superbly suited to her. Made from some lovely silver fabric overlaid with spidery peach lace, it flattered her delicate complexion and caused her to look more angelic than ever.

  She held up her hand. “Good evening, Frank.”

  He kissed her gloved knuckles, wishing he could kiss the smiling lips, her glowing face, and long, elegant neck. “You look enchanting, Angel. It will be an honor to have you as my hostess.” Just seeing her in his home elevated his spirits to a new level.

  Dinwoody took her cloak and violin as his master greeted Fanny and Buck. Fanny unwrapped her bundle and showed Frank her sleeping infant.

  “I see she has your auburn curls, Fanny.” The enchanting little creature moved her rosebud lips in and out as she slept.

  “Is she going to be a handful like her mother?” he asked.

  Buck said, “I can only hope. Rosalind has become so sedate, life threatens to become boring.”

  “I can hardly threaten to run away to become an actress when I have this little thing dependent on me! Frank, can your man show my nurse and me a place where Alexa can have her evening nap?”

  He directed Dinwoody to his future wife’s bedroom. Fanny spoke to the little nurse in gray in what sounded like Italian, and the party followed him up the stairs. Frank led Sophie and Buck up to the drawing room.

  “Fanny means to bring up Alexa to be bilingual,” Sophie said. “She intends that they should spend much of their time in Italy.”

  “That is an interesting idea, and very forward thinking of Fanny.” Once they had reached the drawing room his mother had decorated long ago in shades of green and gold, he asked, “Madeira?” He wished Buck would disappear, leaving them alone.

  His friend did manage to remove himself as much as possible while staying in the same room examining the landscapes that Frank’s father had purchased in Flanders before the War. Frank took advantage of the fact by kissing Sophie once below her lovely ear. He whispered, “How are you this evening, my love?”

  She laid her hand upon his face, stroking his cheek with her thumb. “It seems years since I have seen you.”

  “Did you not enjoy the musicale?”

  “The company was lacking,” she whispered and caressed his cheek.

  At that moment, Lord Shrewsbury was announced and awarded an unimpaired view of Sophie’s gloved fingers on Frank’s freshly-shaven cheek. Frank paused long enough to take her hand by the wrist and plant a kiss in her palm before turning to do his duty and greet his friend.

  Shrewsbury was looking thunderous but, of course, could say nothing.

  Sophie turned to welcome him. “Good evening, my lord.” Walking toward him, she offered her hand. He bowed over it stiffly, and Frank saw him studying Sophie’s face as though looking for some sign.

  Lady Melissa and her parents were next, presenting a different challenge. As if she did not see Sophie, Melissa walked up to him quite boldly, presenting her hand. He bowed over it as she said, “How very prompt you are to return our hospitality! Will you accompany us to the Duchess of Beverley’s ball?”

  Instead of answering her, he gestured toward Sophie and said, “Your dear friend is acting as my hostess this evening.”

  Melissa blushed furiously before embracing Sophie. “I am sorry, Soph. I did not even see you standing there. How have you been?”

  Fanny rejoined the party in company with her sister, Elise, and the Duke. Soon, all were chatting and drinking sherry, with the exception of Shrewsbury. He stood outside the group, his eyes following Sophie. He resembled a brooding Romantic hero. Frank hoped Sophie did not think so.

  However, she did take her hostess duties seriously. As the baron was on the outside of the group, she went to engage him in conversation, then stopped by each party to greet them. When she returned to Frank, he saw that she was looking troubled.

  “Is anything amiss, Angel?” he asked.

  “I hope not. Lord Shrewsbury has begged an audience with me tomorrow. He claims it to be exceedingly important.”

  Frank frowned. “Do not let him impose on you. He likes to have his way. I do not know of any female who has heretofore resisted his charm.”

  Sophie dropped her expression and gave him a sunny grin. “Do not worry about me.”

  When the dinner gong rang, the Duke and Duchess led the way into the dining room, followed by the Marquis and Marchioness of Deal, then the Earl and Countess of Kent. Precedence dictated that Frank took Lady Melissa on his arm, while Shrewsbury was privileged to escort Sophie.

  The place cards on the table dictated that Frank headed the table, with Sophie at the foot. She had her sister Fanny at her right and Elise at her left. Shrewsbury was stranded in the middle of the table across from Lady Melissa. Frank had Deal and Ruisdell to his right and left.

  Dinner conversation was of the Girls’ School. It was decided by the ladies that a hot meal was certainly necessary. Along with the meal, Lady Kent asserted, some instruction on manners was necessary. Shrewsbury’s scheme was exploding into something far more complex than his original simple desire to teach orphans to read.

  “I think,” said Ruisdell, “that some thought should be given to having a resident school such as Beverley’s orphan boys enjoy at Chipping Camden. There, matters of hygiene, manners, and preparation of the girls for employment could accompany the reading lessons.”

  “Such a scheme would require an income the size of his grace, the Duke of Beverley’s,” Shrewsbury objected.

  Ruisdell raise an eyebrow. “While the original scheme was yours, Shrewsbury, no one expects you to fund such a school. We will find benefactors. I, for one, am certainly willing.”

  “And I,” agreed Frank. “But I think this discussion best be continued when the ladies have adjourned to the drawing room.”

  { 15 }

  WHEN THE TIME CAME for the ladies to retire, Sophie rose and tried to lead with dignity, cursing her limp once again. Since she knew all the ladies present quite well, their conversation was lively. Fanny was summoned to her baby, and Elise took her place at Sophie’s side. “You have managed very well tonight, my dear. Congratulations,” she said in a low tone while Melissa and her mother took a turn to examine the landscapes. “I imagine Frank will be calling on Peter in the very near future.”

  Sophie said, “There is one who will not be happy about it—Melissa. She has formed a tendre for Frank, unless I am much mistaken.”

  “Shrewsbury is not happy either. I thought him more of a gentleman than to sulk in corners,” Elise said.

  “He begs an audience tomorrow. I cannot think of what he means to say.”

  “Be certain Fanny is present, dearest. I would not have him carry you off in an excess of Byronic bedevilment.”

  Sophie giggled. “He is glowering like the Corsair. A pity he is fair instead of dark.”

  Later, when she was playing her violin, Sophie felt Shrewsbury’s eyes burning into her. Try as she might to
be completely absorbed in her performance, his hungry aspect could not help but affect her. She was very glad when she was finished and did not feel her customary satisfaction. She hoped that Frank was not too disappointed.

  Not long afterward, her sister and the duke, as well as all the Kents and Shrewsbury, left for the Beverley ball. Fanny and Buck went upstairs to retrieve Alexa, and Sophie was left alone with Frank.

  “I did not play well tonight,” she said. “Lord Shrewsbury unnerved me by staring at me so.”

  “I thought it was splendid,” Frank reassured her. “What think you of your brother-in-law’s idea for what amounts to a girl’s orphanage?”

  “I think it splendid, but I do feel that Shrewsbury was not overly happy about that, either.”

  “He conceived of this idea for political benefit to himself. Now it is being taken out of his hands.” Frank paused, running a knuckle down the side of her neck. “But let us not waste a second more on him.”

  He captured her mouth in a long, heated kiss, gathering her to him. Sophie melted inside, forgetting Melissa and the baron, even forgetting where she was. She loved the sensation when Frank teased her mouth with his tongue, causing her to burn like wildfire. Lost in their desire for one another, they parted only moments before Buck and Fanny appeared.

  “Goodnight, my angel,” he murmured. “Shall I call on Ruisdell tomorrow?”

  She felt herself light up like a lantern. “Oh, yes. If you’re certain.”

  “I have never been more so.”

  ~~*

  Sophie had a great deal of trouble getting to sleep, though she was exhausted. Every time she thought of Frank’s kiss, she was aflame. She longed to be with him in the way only a wife could. Just one week ago, he had not even been known to her. And now she was to be married to him.

  For the last few years, the extent of her vision of the future only contained her violin. But as a lady of quality, she would have been prevented from becoming a professional. She adored her nieces and nephew, but they would always have been only a substitute for her own children.