Miss Sophia's Spirited Spinster's Society

by Charlotte Stone

  She stilled. "I'm not a whore."

  "Then perhaps it is me who you believe to be one."

  Sadness filled her eyes and Morris was forced to turn away to keep from trying to comfort her. It would take everything he had to fight his protective urges. He helped her stand then started for the door. "You may stay the night but I want you gone by first light."

  "Return with me."

  He turned to face her. He'd been right with his assumption about her presence. She didn't love him. If she had, she would have said so by now. She stood in the middle of his parlor as stiff as a rod. Her fingers were buried in her skirt and a look of despair was on her angelic face. Despair for Lady Ashford? What would it take to get her to care for him just as much?

  He'd fallen for her the moment he saw her and a part of him was sure his soul would always want her but if he was ever going to stop caring for her, he had to make changes to see it done quickly.

  "Morris—"

  He lifted his hand to silence her. "Another word and I'll put you in the carriage myself tonight."

  She straightened as though he'd struck her. "Why must you speak to me this way?"

  His eyes widened at her obscene question. "You’ve no business being here, in my home. God forbid someone think I've compromised you while you are here." He knew she would hate for such news to spread. She didn't wish to be his wife. He would have to fight his attraction to keep his hands from her.

  She took a step toward him. "We've much to discuss but the hour is late and I can see that you are angry."

  He didn't care about what she wished to discuss since he was sure it would be more of the same. "Your presence will create rumors. We will speak another time but in the morning, you will be gone."

  She wrapped her arms around herself. "Maura came with me."

  "I am still a bachelor and this is still a bachelor's residence." For the moment, he idly thought. He'd be a married man if Lord Ashford had his way. "A woman cannot visit a man in the middle of the night. Surely, even a tailor's daughter knows that."

  She filled in the space between them and touched his arm. "I've come to make you better."

  "Make me better?" He laughed. "I've no ailments. Return to your party and worry about your guests."

  She grabbed his other arms and held his eyes. "What do you want, Morris? Tell me."

  Did she not already know? Had he not been plain enough? "I want you to leave at first light." He broke from her hold and fled the room. He had no plans to be available to her in the morning and would stay away from the castle it that was what it took to find peace.

  He made it to his bedchamber and locked the doors. He picked up his lamp and flung it into the fireplace. Glass shattered and the flames roared. He took a step back, fearing it would catch the entire room.

  He stripped and slid under the covers but didn't find sleep until the sun broke in through the window.

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  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

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  Sophia stood still as Maura walked around her, observing her Christmas dress from all angles.

  "Sophia, you look lovely." Maura's voice was breathy and caught at the end.

  Finally, Sophia turned to the mirror and looked at herself. She would have laughed had she found the energy to do so. She looked younger and much different than she usually did. The dress her father had gifted her fit her body perfectly, though she was still unsure if the gown was right for her.

  "How do you feel?" Maura asked her.

  "Tired," she whispered. She'd not slept at all. Throughout the night, she’d thought about what she would say to Morris once they managed to sit down and have a civil conversation. She knew she'd made a mistake by crawling into his lap last night but she'd been unable to stop herself. Even in sleep, he looked dangerous and powerful. She'd slipped the brandy from his hand just in time to stop the liquor from spilling into the carpet and placed the pipe on the table before settling her body over his.

  When he'd woken, she'd taken advantage of his half-aware state and kissed him with all the love she'd had for him.

  Then he'd called her a whore and accused her of using him as such. The words had been fair. How could she deny him her hand and freely offer her body? If only he understood that it wasn't truth. Her body was attached to her heart and since he held it, no other man had a right to touch her. He'd been right when he'd called her inexperienced. Morris was a challenge in and out bed... not that they'd actually made it to a bed yet.

  Except for that night when she'd fallen asleep with him a few feet away, sleeping on the other side of the bed.

  If she had given in that night, could she have changed his offer from lovers to marriage? There was no going back now. There was no changing the past. All she had was her future and she wanted the future with him.

  "Why didn't you tell him about what happened last night?" Maura asked. "Why didn't you tell him who you truly are?" She'd told Maura about what had taken place the previous night, including the kiss.

  "Because I don't wish him to think I've changed my mind because I'm now suitable for him." She looked at Maura. "I want him to know that I love him."

  "Then tell him."

  "I will when he'll believe it." She shook her head. "He was so angry last night. I'm sure the words would have meant little to him."

  Maura held her eyes. "You're not being a coward again, are you?"

  Sophia smiled. "I'm still here, aren't I?" First light had come and gone and now it was nearly ten in the morning. "Do you know where he is?"

  Maura followed her to the door. "I asked a servant and was told Morris had slept in as well."

  "Excellent, then he might still be here." She rushed from the room only to find out from a footman that Morris and Rollo had just left to go hunt.

  "Now what will we do?" Maura asked once they were alone in the sitting room. A maid brought in tea and they helped themselves.

  Sophia sat down on the couch and sighed. "I've no idea."

  Maura looked at the gown Sophia's father had made for her and made a sad face. "I would hate to see such a beautiful dress go to waste."

  "Indeed, it is a beautiful gown."

  They turned to see Julius standing at the door. He was dressed in a dark suit. His golden hair looked to have been freshly washed, turning it a light shade of brown. His violet eyes were warm. "You're still here."

  Sophia stood. "I'm not going anywhere."

  He walked over to her and took her hands, his gaze taking her in inch by inch before returning to her eyes. Then he kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear, "I don't think Morris will manage to resist you."

  She smiled, her cheeks stinging as she felt herself blush. "Thank you."

  "I saw him this morning in passing." Julius took a seat next to her. "He seemed angry with the world. I only hope he doesn't shoot Rollo or Frank will they're out there."

  "Why didn't you join them?" Sophia asked.

  "I have my reasons." His expression remained calm.

  They were reasons that Sophia had yet to hear the full story about but had the feeling that it involved all the men of the brotherhood.

  Maura's tea rattled, forcing them both to turn to her. She smiled. "Did the men manage to catch anything yesterday?"

  "A deer," Julius told him.

  "Venison," Sophia whispered.

  Julius turned to her. "What about it?"

  She stood and smiled. "We can eat the deer."

  He lifted a brow. "I suppose but I have a feeling you are speaking of more than a small meal."

  "Of course. We'll have Christmas here." She started from the room then stopped and turned to Julius. "How do I get to the kitchen?"

  Julius slowly rose, still seeming confused. "You want to have a party here?"

  She shrugged. "Why not? It is Christmas after all, is it not?" And s
he was desperate for something to do until Morris returned. She had never been one to sit around and waste her time doing nothing, which would probably be another thing to add to the reasons she'd make a horrible lady but nevertheless a lady she planned to be.

  Maura popped up from her seat with new energy in her eyes. "A grand idea."

  Julius didn't seem to agree. "You wish to have a party between the six of us?"

  "No." Sophia shook her head. "I plan to invite everyone who is here."

  "I don't understand," Julius went on. "There's only us here."

  "And the servants," Sophia told him. "The maids and the footmen. I'm sure they'd enjoy a holiday as well. We'll serve wine and plenty of food. Perhaps we'll play some games. It will be fun." Kitty's words came back to her. It was a holiday and on holidays, such charitable liberties could be taken.

  Maura rushed over and took her hand. "Splendid idea. I'm sure those who are here would enjoy a break from their duties."

  "You're declaring a holiday for everyone." Julius crossed his arms and grinned. "One would think you the lady of the house."

  "Will you show me to the kitchen or not?"

  Julius led the way and Sophia found the cook and the housekeeper already there. Julius began the introductions. "This is Miss—"

  "Madam," Maura cut in. "This is Madam Sophia Taylor, daughter of the Viscount of Dovehaven."

  Julius gave them a strange look but Sophia thought Maura's plan wise. The staff would be more willing to listen to her if they knew she was the daughter of a viscount.

  Sophia saw pieces of venison had already been set on the table. "Is that all there is?" She motioned to the table.

  "No, madam," the cook, Mrs. Hooper, said. "We only cut what would be needed by Lord Cort and his guests. The rest we kept in the cold box." She was a round, tall woman with a youthful face.

  "Cook it all," Sophia told her. "And make anything else you can think of from the ingredients you have that will make this holiday special. We're to have a party."

  The housekeeper, Mrs. Ibbott, looked worried. She was thin and even taller than Mrs. Hooper. "How many people should we be expecting?"

  "I don't know. How many people are on staff?"

  The housekeeper and the cook shared a look. It was Mrs. Ibbott who spoke. "I don't understand."

  "You are all invited." Sophia smiled as their stunned looks and went on. "I want you to make everything you think the staff will enjoy and if there's not enough meat for everyone then put it in a stew."

  The cook smiled and so did two of the maids who were in the room.

  "I think I've ingredients for a few cakes at least," Mrs. Hooper said.

  "Maybe more," one of the maids added, her eyes shining at the thought of cake.

  "Make what you wish," Sophia told her. "See what the majority enjoys and make what will make them happy."

  "Yes, miss," the kitchen staff said.

  Sophia's heart raced with excitement and she turned to Mrs. Ibbott. "I need staff to help me rearrange the house."

  Mrs. Ibbott nodded. "This way, madam."

  Sophia followed the woman out of the kitchen and slowly her worried moved to the back of her mind as she was taken to a room that held everything that would be needed to set tables that would be enough to accommodate the staff.

  The room held candleholders, tablecloths, and an array of silverware, plates, and glassware, everything one needed to entertain.

  Idly she wondered about those at Dovehaven and when her father planned to make the journey to London. She hoped everything would turn out all right. It seemed that no one worried but her. Perhaps it was time she worried less and enjoyed life more.

  "Why did you lie?"

  She turned to Julius who was standing next to her as she looked over an assortment of centerpieces. He'd whispered to not be overheard by the others in the room. Footmen were being instructed by Maura and Mrs. Ibbott.

  "I didn't lie." She turned back to a vase and wondered if there were any flowers that could be found to fill it.

  "You did. You told her you were the viscount's daughter when really you are his niece. If it was to gain their respect, my word would have ensured it alone." Julius was a marquess.

  She looked up at him and placed her hand against the table to keep herself steady. "It's not a lie. I'm the viscount's daughter."

  She watched his mind try and work out her words. "I don't understand. What are you saying?"

  She sighed. "My father, the man you know as Mr. Taylor, is actually the Viscount of Dovehaven. He and his brother switched places long ago... but they revealed the truth at the party last night."

  Julius’ expression showed amazement. "You're the daughter of a viscount?"

  She nodded.

  "And your mother?" It was a question she was sure many had wished the answer to but none had been brave enough to ask before.

  "Savia Bellini."

  He frowned. "The Italian singer who died years ago?"

  She nodded and she told him the rest, including that everyone in Dovehaven already knew it. "You can't tell Morris."

  "You haven't told him yet," he stated.

  "I've not had the time." She called over a footman and selected a centerpiece.

  "How long have you known the truth?" Julius asked.

  "It was not my secret to tell," she told him. She swallowed. "And now I'm worried about my father."

  He nodded. "Don't worry. I'll write a letter on his behalf. I'm sure Morris and the others will do so as well."

  "You and Morris would do that for me?" she asked. "Even after I rejected him?"

  Julius touched her cheek. "He cares for you, Sophia. We all do. You're one of us." He dropped his hand and went over to help two footmen with the chairs and Sophia went to stand by the window and allowed the cool air that seeped through it to touch her warm skin.

  Julius and the others would never know what their continued kindness meant to her. When they should have given her a cold shoulder, they instead gave her a hand. She allowed herself to feel the great emotions for a moment, then settled herself and went to help the others, hoping everything would please Morris.

  "Madam." Mrs. Ibbott came over. "Lady Cort has been known to entertain a few women at the dowager house and may have some things that Mrs. Hooper could use for the meal." While the duchess was yet a dowager, she had moved into her own residence on the estate.

  "I'll go with a few of the staff and bring the things back. There might be other centerpieces we can use as well."

  "There's no need to go yourself."

  Sophia smiled and touched Mrs. Ibbott's arm. "You'll learn that I enjoy doing these sorts of things myself." At least, she hoped to be around long enough for the woman to learn it. If she became the lady of the house, she thought she and Mrs. Ibbott would work well together but getting Morris to agree would be another matter.

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  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

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  "You're being pitiful." Rollo stood by the window and looked out before turning to Morris. "We should return to the main house."

  Morris leaned back on the couch in his mother's residence. "Why? You heard what the footman said. She didn't leave this morning and I'll not return until she does." He'd decided to wait until she was gone before returning home. It was the safest way to ensure he had adequate time to think.

  "I'm with Rollo," Frank said. He was sitting at the chair by the writing desk. A maid came and brought him a glass of brandy before departing. "We should go back. You should listen to whatever it is she has to say."

  "No." Morris didn't want to talk to her. He didn't even want to talk to Rollo or Frank. He was tempted to find refuge in one of the rooms upstairs in order to get away. They'd been bothering him all morning, causing him to lose his concentration and missing when he aimed for a deer earlier that morning. U
pset, they'd followed him all the way to his mother's residence and now wished to drag him back to the castle. "If you both wish to go and spend the day with the women, do as you please."

  "She came all this way to be with you," Rollo told him.

  Morris frowned. "You can't guilt me into going. I told her how I felt and she left me to be consumed by the dogs."

  "Lord Ashford is hardly a dog," Frank said.

  Rollo chuckled. "Perhaps not but he did always resemble a bulldog to me."

  Frank laughed. "Yes, it's probably the daughter who's more of a dog than the father."

  "A Yorkshire terrier if there ever was one," Rollo groaned. "She seems to never stop speaking."

  "Much like the both of you," Morris pointed out. "And do refrain from speaking so foul about the woman who could be my future bride." His gut clenched.

  "We mean no harm," Frank said. "We only wish for you to see that you can't marry the girl."

  "I know that!" Morris shot up from the chair. "Don't you think I know that?"

  "Then why are you still here?" Rollo asked. "I'd have taken Sophia to Gretna Green by now. Surely, you know that no matter what, a man can't have two wives."

  Morris fell back into his chair. "I can't force her hand. She doesn't love me."

  "And yet she is here, away from her father when she could be celebrating with her family." Frank walked toward him and sat next to him. "She's here for a reason."

  "Yes, to drag me back to Dovehaven."

  Rollo closed in on his other side. "For what reason?"

  "I don't know," Morris said.

  "Then let's return to the house," Rollo said.

  "Let's find out," Frank said.

  They'd both spoken at the same time, both speaking into one of his ears. He was unsure which played the good or bad angel since their messages were the same.