Benjamin did not know what to say, astonishment rippling through him. “You are giving me this?” he repeated, looking over at Sophie, who looked as surprised as he felt.
“Indeed we are,” his father chuckled, slapping him on the back. “You have made me proud, son. I am glad that you have found yourself a good woman to be your wife. Strive only to be worthy of her.”
“I intend to,” Benjamin replied, quietly, seeing the blossoming smile on Sophie’s face as she realized that this estate was now to be their home. “Thank you, Father.”
“Thank you,” Sophie repeated, a single tear slipping from her eye onto her cheek. “Truly, I am so very grateful.”
“We will leave you for a moment,” his mother replied, rising to her feet and excusing herself from the room, taking her husband with her.
Benjamin smiled and came to take the seat next to Sophie, holding her hands tightly between his. “Are you quite all right, love?”
“I am,” she breathed, her eyes filled with wonder. “It is all just so much to take in. I have gone from having no family of my own to having one who cares for me just as blood kin might do. It’s actually a bit overwhelming.”
He smiled, running one finger lightly down her cheek. “And overwhelmed you will be, with my mother in your life,” he laughed before growing serious. “But you deserve to be treated this way, Sophie. You are a beautiful, kind and gentle spirit who brings such light and such happiness into my home and into my heart. I cannot wait to start our lives here together. I know that with you by my side, we shall have a very happy home.”
“I can never thank you enough for all you have done for me,” she whispered, settling one arm around his neck. “But I promise I shall do my utmost to show you in the years that follow.”
“I do not want your thanks but only your love,” he replied, his smile growing tender and eyes gentle, so far from the man deep in his cups she had first met.
Her expression softened, her mouth growing close to his. “You already have it,” she whispered, before kissing him once more.
Epilogue
Sophie sat at the table, silent as she basked in the warmth of the chatter around her, the smiles the siblings bestowed on one another, and the animation in her husband’s eyes as he bantered with his sister.
“Do you know what I think?” Polly leaned over and hissed to Benjamin, “I think Thomas is a pirate now!”
“Do not be a nitwit, Polly,” he responded to his sister, rolling his eyes. “Thomas? The man has spent his life living by the rules.”
“I think Eleanor’s changed him. Look at him, Ben! His face simply glows.”
“Because of the sun, Polly,” he said, sighing.
“I know I’m right,” she said, dismissing him and sitting back in her chair smugly.
“Shush,” said Benjamin’s sister Violet, as she tried to temper Polly’s enthusiasm. Sophie caught the raise of Eleanor’s eyebrow as she seemed to have heard them, but she said nothing, though a small smile curled at her lips.
Thomas and Eleanor had returned for Sophie and Benjamin’s wedding, and now they celebrated with a wedding breakfast. Sophie had chosen an emerald green dress for the occasion, one which complimented her pale skin and her cheeks, which were stained crimson all day from the attentions of her husband and the happiness at their union. They had been officially married quickly after the scandal with the Earl of Dunstable, but they had a second wedding, one with Benjamin’s entire family, a couple of months later.
“It is such a relief that the whole horrid affair with that despicable man is behind us,” said Marie with an exaggerated sigh. “While I should never want to speak ill of the dead, we may all rest easier knowing that dear Sophie is now safe from that horrid man!”
“Mama,” Violet said, sending her a look. “The man was Sophie’s cousin.”
“It’s all right,” Sophie interjected. “He was horrid.”
Soon after Lord Haversham had delivered Lord Dunstable back to his home, Benjamin and his brother Daniel had paid a visit to the man, letting him know that Sophie was now under the protection of the family and any further threats to her were a threat to all of the Duke of Ware’s kin and he would be best to stay far, far away. They explained the threat of financial ruin if he were to come near. They heard nothing more from him until a few weeks later, when Sophie had been shocked to receive word he had been killed from a fall off his horse. Benjamin had said nothing, though Sophie didn’t miss the speculative looked that had crossed his face.
Benjamin was worried that Sophie would be overwhelmed by the whole of them, but far from it, Sophie revelled in their warmth and was so grateful to be part of such a family.
“I must apologize, my dear,” Benjamin’s mother, Marie, said addressing her. “These children of mine…” she sighed. “Well, I’ve done my best, but I’ve never been able to manage them.”
“There is certainly nothing to apologize for,” she said with a smile at the dignified older woman, still beautiful despite the wrinkles of worry her children had given her and the dark hair that was graying at the temples. “This is all I could have ever asked for and more.”
Marie gave her a secret smile. “In truth, I would not ask for anything different. But please, do not tell any of them that. Now, tell me, when can I expect a grandchild from you?”
Sophie’s mouth gaped open for a moment at the woman’s forwardness.
“Enough, Mama,” Benjamin cut in, leaning over Sophie to give his mother a look. “It was simply months ago you were pressing for me to marry. You must be content with that for a moment, at least.”
“Very well,” she said, her gaze circling the table until they alighted on her eldest son, who was busy shoving food into his mouth to try to keep from having to answer the questions his youngest sister, Polly, threw his way. “Daniel! Do you see how happy a wife has made your brother?”
Benjamin gave a bark of laughter, and whispered to Sophie, “She’ll never change.”
As Sophie smiled at him, he picked up her hand and kissed the back of it. “She’s right, however. You do make me happy, and have given me purpose to life. I’ve found my way, who I truly am.”
“And yet your spirit hasn’t changed,” she said, smiling softly, her heart swelling with joy. “I believe that is what I love most about you. You have become more to me than I ever thought possible.”
He rubbed the palm of her hand with his thumb and index finger.
“What do you say we leave this wedding breakfast and have a celebration of our own, just the two of us?” he leaned in and whispered in her ear.
“I believe your mother would be quite upset,” Sophie said, though a tingle ran through her as the breath of his whisper kissed her ear. “In due time, darling. We have all the time in the world.”
“Yes,” he said with a wicked grin, “and I know exactly how to use it, by showing you just how much I love you.”
THE END
* * *
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HOPE OF ROMANCE
Searching Hearts Book 4
Prologue
Polly peered around the crack of the door, smiling as she took in her sister, resplendent in a long white gown, her hair held back by a diamond clip.
“You might as well come in, Polly,” Violet said, and turned to greet her as she slipped in the door. Polly sighed in awe as she circled Violet, coming to stand behind her while they looked at one another in the beveled mirror.
“Oh, Violet,” she said. “You are so utterly beautiful. Are you not absolutely thrilled?”
Violet shrugged, a slight smile on her face as she looked at Polly’s reflection. “I am looking forward to all that awaits this season,” she said. “T
hough from the gentlemen I have met so far, there seems to be little to hold my attention.”
“What do you mean?” Polly asked, seeing her own eyes widen in the mirror.
“I mean that I feel love may be somewhat elusive,” Violet said, her face wistful. “Though one never knows what — or whom — one may find. I am quite determined that I will not marry for any other reason, however. You shouldn’t either, Polly, when your time comes.”
“Oh, Violet,” said Polly with a laugh. “You are ever so serious. Do you really think it will be so difficult to find a man you might get along well with? Besides, the sooner you marry, then the sooner I might become more sought after.”
Violet cocked her head to the side as she and Polly gazed at one another. While Polly knew her blonde curls were the subject of many women’s envy, she thought her sister’s dark tresses were rather lovely. It was certainly hard to believe the two of them were related with the difference in their coloring, but they were as close as could be despite the four-year age difference between them.
As excited as Polly was for her sister, she also rather despaired of the day when Violet would depart their home for a new one with her future husband, leaving Polly alone with only their brothers and parents for company.
“Whoever you choose, Violet, will you please make sure he doesn’t live too far away?” Polly asked.
“I shall do my very best,” her sister responded. “Or we shall make sure when it comes time to find you a husband, he does not live so far from mine.”
“Fair enough,” Polly said, clapping her hands. “Oh, Violet, I cannot wait!” She stepped away from the mirror and began to twirl around the room, her skirts fanning out around her as she mimed dancing the waltz while humming the music she could practically hear already. She could see her partner in her mind. He was tall, handsome of course, and ever the gentleman. He told her how beautiful she was and that he would take care of her for the rest of their lives. They would have the most extravagant wedding, and he would take her to the theatre and dances and concerts and the like during the Season before they retired to his luxurious home in the country. Then they would have plenty of children together, and she would make sure they knew the same joy she had.
“What are you daydreaming about?” laughed Violet.
“The fairytale of my future,” sighed Polly.
“You are such a romantic,” Violet said, shaking her head with a smile. “Although, that is what I love about you. It will also draw many a man to you in just a few years’ time. Though your looks may be helpful as well.”
“Do you think so?” Polly asked, coming back to the mirror to take in her appearance. She leaned in for a closer look at the sapphire blue of her eyes, the pert nose that had a light dusting of freckles she rather despaired of, and the blush that had risen in her cheeks from her exertions dancing around the room.
“Oh come off it, you are very lovely already, as you well know,” Violet said, arching an eyebrow. “Now, I must no longer delay. Mama will be waiting.”
“How I wish I could go with you,” Polly said longingly. “Perhaps one day soon Mama and Papa might hold a ball here or at our country home and I can attend some of it.”
“Perhaps,” Violet said, turning to face her. “In the meantime, sister, never lose your romantic notions, but keep an eye out for scoundrels.”
“Scoundrels?”
“Yes, gentlemen who are not what they seem,” Violet said softly, raising an eyebrow as she looked at her. “They might take advantage of your trusting nature.”
“Oh Violet, you are so dramatic,” Polly said, rolling her eyes.
Violet sighed. “Well, at the very least, with all of our brothers, someone will always be watching out for you. And we well know that we will not get far without Mama. Anyway, off we go. Goodnight, Polly.”
“Goodnight, Violet.”
Polly followed her sister down the stairs, watching as she and their parents climbed into their carriage and waved goodbye. She waved until she could no longer see them and then went back inside, the tune still on her lips as she danced around the foyer, dreaming of the gentleman who would one day capture her heart.
1
Six years later
“Oh, Polly, I have some simply marvelous news for you!”
“Just a moment, Mama,” Polly murmured, setting her paintbrush carefully to the canvas. Her mother clicked her tongue rather impatiently, but Polly was not about to be put off. She had spent most of the long winter months trying to steadily improve her painting and drawing, and this piece was to be the culmination of those efforts.
She twisted her head and closed one eye to get a better look at the subject in front of her. Unfortunately, that subject had other ideas. Polly had decided to paint for her father a portrait of his beloved dog, Rufus, and while the dog had been content sleeping in the sun for some time, now that her mother had entered, he was bounding about the room excitedly. Polly had managed to sketch the dog over a series of days, and she was determined to get his shading just right.
“Off with you, Rufus,” her mother said, shooing the dog out the door before turning to her daughter, her hands now firmly on her hips. “Now Polly, will you set that paintbrush down!”
Polly sighed, then paused and, setting her head to rights, looked up inquiringly at her mother. She could not imagine what this news was, given that they had been in the country living a rather boring existence ever since the weddings of her two siblings. First, her sister had been married, followed shortly thereafter by her brother, Benjamin. That had rather shocked Polly. She had thought Benjamin would never settle down. So, too, had her mother, who had seemed utterly relieved that Benjamin had found a wife, and one who seemed to be able to keep him out of trouble.
“You are to have a brand new wardrobe!” her mother declared, excitedly clapping her hands together. “Can you believe it?”
The paintbrush fell from Polly’s hands as she stared up at her mother, excitement now beginning to swirl through her.
“The Season is soon to be upon us once more and, since it is now almost a year since your older sister married, it is high time that you find yourself in a similar situation,” her mother continued, twirling around the room as though it was she who was about to throw herself headlong into the whirlwind of London society in order to find herself a husband. “Once in London, Madame Dubois will come visit and outfit you in the finest of fashions! You do know how she is always aware of the latest styles straight from Paris.”
“Madame Dubois is not actually French, Mama, she just pretends to be so.”
Marie waved her hands in the air as if to say it didn’t really matter.
“They all do, darling. Most of the ton uses her anyhow, so it matters naught to me whether she is from the streets of St. Giles, so long as I can trust she will make sure you are noticed by all. We must get ourselves ready, however, for our time to leave will come quickly. We are to leave in two days’ time!”
“In two days,” Polly breathed, her hand covering her heart. “Oh, Mama!”
As the Duke of Ware’s youngest daughter, Polly had long been waiting for her turn to look for a suitor, ready to take the next step in life. After Violet had married, Polly had been forced to return home with her mother and father, knowing that she would have to wait for the following year’s Season before she could return to London.
She and her mother had wanted to return to the city for the ‘Little Season’ during the winter months, but the snow had caused the roads to become barely passable, meaning her father had decided it best they remain at home. The long winter had dragged at times, for Polly no longer had the company she was used to. Her oldest brother, Daniel, was still unmarried but preferred his own London home and was hardly ever present at society events. The rest of her siblings had all settled into lives and adventures of their own while she lingered at home, lost in dreams of whom she might, one day, fall hopelessly in love with.
A dream that might finally soon be f
ulfilled.
“I have already sent a maid to help Lucy pack your things,” her mother smiled, her eyes sparkling with glee. “Your father is to come for a short time but will return home within a sennight, leaving both you and me in London for a time. You know how much he has to do.”
Polly, her painting forgotten for the moment, felt like dancing across the drawing room, already caught up in all that might come her way. “Oh, Mama! How wonderful!”
“We already have an invitation to Lord and Lady Gregory’s ball next week, so we must ensure that you have at least one new gown by then.” Her mother’s expression softened as she reached across to take Polly’s hand. “I mean to do the best for you, my dear. No expense will be spared, I promise you that. We shall make sure that you are happy and settled by the end of the Season.”
With a wide smile blooming on her face, Polly could not help but allow hope to blossom in her heart, even though she knew it had taken her sister Violet more than a few seasons to find herself a match. Violet, however, had rather particular notions about gentlemen of the ton, while Polly was convinced it would not take nearly as much time to find the man of her dreams.
“Oh, I do hope so, Mama. I can hardly wait.” Even if she did require more than one season, however, she didn’t much mind. She would never admit it to her mother, but she was just as excited to be in London society as she was to find a husband.
“Just as it ought to be,” her mother replied, with a nod, a satisfied smile set on her face. “Finally, a child of mine who understands I want only what is best! You are young and more than pretty, as well as the daughter of a Duke. Your dowry is sizeable, and now your wardrobe should not be bested by any other young woman. You shall have men dancing all around you, desperate for your company, I promise you that.”
Searching Hearts Box Set: Books 1-5 Page 40