An Unexpected Love

by Tracie Peterson

Sophie bobbed her head, causing another curl to fall loose and drop forward. “He tells me his father was completely gray by the time he reached the age of thirty-two.” She swiped the curl from her forehead. “Are you going to arrange my curls or discuss Wesley’s hair?”

  Amanda jabbed a pin into Sophie’s tresses. “I simply do not understand your attraction to a man his age. And Mother tells me Mr. Hedrick has already been married.” She seemed to emphasize the importance of his formal name.

  “I know of his past, Amanda. Wesley,” Sophie said with equal stress on his given name, “was born in New York and wed Lady Illiff’s cousin, Eugenia. She died three years ago. At Lady Illiff’s insistence, he has once again begun to attend social functions. Three years is a long time to remain in mourning, especially for a man of Wesley’s age.”

  “Perhaps that’s what turned him gray.” Fanny clapped her palm across her lips and stifled a giggle.

  “I think both of you are jealous. Wesley is a fine man. Lady Illiff tells me he is quite wealthy in his own right. And he exhibits a gracious and generous spirit to everyone he meets.”

  Amanda arranged another curl. “He didn’t display a gracious spirit to me. In fact, he has barely spoken two words to me in all the time we’ve been here. Then again, I suppose I’m of no import to him.”

  Fanny quickly added her agreement to Amanda’s assessment.

  “I don’t care what either of you think. He is everything I could ever want in a man. He listens to me and takes me seriously.” Sophie thought he was probably the only man who did. He was possibly the only person, male or female, who believed her to show depth of thought and spirit. She knew this because he had told her so. She smiled at the memory and added, “He has shown me every courtesy a woman could expect from a suitor.”

  “Suitor? Mr. Hedrick isn’t your suitor. He’s simply a guest here, the same as we are,” Amanda said, tugging on a curl. “Do sit up or I’ll never finish your hair.”

  Sophie glared into the mirror, but Amanda didn’t look up from the curls she was piling atop her cousin’s head. Sophie wouldn’t argue with Amanda, but she knew Wesley’s interest in her went far beyond that of two guests residing under the same roof. Besides, what did Amanda know of men? She’d never even had a beau.

  “Do hurry, Amanda. I would like to speak to Wesley before we join Lady Illiff for tea.”

  “If Mr. Hedrick is as smitten as you say, I’m sure he will await the very sound of your footsteps on the stairs,” Amanda said. She placed her palm on her heart and fluttered her lashes until finally collapsing in a gale of laughter.

  Fanny soon joined in, and Sophie pushed away from the dressing table. Her hair would do. “I’m going downstairs.”

  “I daresay you’ve lost your sense of humor since taking up with Mr. Hedrick. What happened to the old Sophie, our cousin who enjoyed a good laugh and a practical joke?” Amanda asked as Sophie opened the bedroom door.

  Sophie ignored the question and proceeded downstairs in search of Wesley. She peeked in the library but upon finding no one there, went to the parlor, where Lady Illiff and Aunt Victoria had already gathered. Lady Illiff motioned her forward. “Do come in and join us, my dear.”

  Forcing a smile, Sophie entered the room and sat down beside Lady Illiff, who immediately admired her gown and then spoke of the lovely weather. “I think we will have good fortune in our travels,” she said, smoothing the bouncing lace of her neckline. “Lord Illiff wants to discuss the particulars as soon as they return.”

  “As soon as who returns?” Sophie asked, glancing around the room.

  “My husband has taken Mr. Irwin and Wesley riding. I do believe they’ve the perfect afternoon for a nice long ride, don’t you agree?” She leaned to look out the window. “As I was about to tell your aunt, my husband is quite anxious for the city. He has business there, you know.” Her refined British accent suggested the business was important.

  Sophie nodded, though she began to fret over leaving Wesley. How in the world could she persuade them to remain here at Illiff Manor in the country?

  “I hope the ride is not too hard on poor Daniel,” Victoria said thoughtfully.

  “He isn’t much of an equestrian,” Sophie commented. She imagined Wesley upon a horse. What a fine figure he would cut. No doubt he was quite masterful at riding. She would have to suggest they take a ride—even if she had to include Fanny and Amanda.

  “Lord Illiff will see to him—of this I’m certain. He would never allow a less than experienced rider to suffer. He’ll secure a good mount for Mr. Irwin.”

  Sophie tried to think of how to broach the subject of remaining at Illiff Manor for at least a few more days. She longed to spend as much time as possible with Wesley and to convince him that he should come to see her in America. “I do wish we could remain in the country a while longer.” The remark gained her aunt’s attention, and Sophie giggled. “I know that might seem out of character for me. Aunt Victoria will tell you that I’m the one who had least wanted to come to the country.”

  “Indeed! From the moment we disembarked the ship, I heard nothing but complaints.”

  Lady Illiff smiled. “I would surmise that our Wesley has had something to do with Sophie’s change in attitude and her desire to remain in the country. I spied the two of you walking in the gardens yesterday.”

  “I hope my niece was not acting inappropriately.” Victoria’s tense tone made it clear that she didn’t approve.

  “Not at all, my dear. They behaved perfectly well. It actually does my heart good to see Wesley’s attention focused on something other than his loss. I think Sophie has been like a balm to him. And obviously she is quite pleased with his company.” Lady Illiff gave a deep, throaty laugh. “I would venture to say that Illiff Manor would hold little interest at all for Sophie if Wesley were not in residence.”

  Amanda concurred with Lady Illiff’s assessment as she and Fanny entered the room. “I doubt our dear cousin would care to remain in the country if Mr. Hedrick departed.”

  “I feel taken for granted,” Sophie said, feigning wounded feelings. “I cannot help it if Mr. Hedrick has touched my heart.”

  “I hope that’s all he’s touched,” Amanda whispered for Sophie’s ears only.

  Sophie turned to give Amanda a shocked expression, but her cousin had already moved away to take her seat.

  “Fortunately, she need not worry on that account,” Lady Illiff said, “for Wesley has agreed to accompany us on our return to London.”

  Had she been alone, Sophie would have shouted with delight. Instead, she offered a demure smile. “That is lovely news. When will we leave?”

  Lady Illiff chuckled. “I do believe we should wait at least until we’ve had our tea, don’t you agree?”

  Sophie could feel the heat crawl up her neck, but she truly didn’t care. All that mattered was that Wesley was going with them to London. Now she must convince him to sail back to New York with them. What a lovely voyage that would be! She could imagine herself sitting on the deck snuggled beneath a blanket, watching the sunset with Wesley by her side. Even better, wrapped in his arms and dancing until the wee hours of the morning. She remained lost in her daydreams until Fanny nudged her in the side.

  “Ouch.” Sophie rubbed her side and frowned at her cousin.

  “Lady Illiff asked if you’d like a cup of tea,” Fanny said.

  She truly didn’t want the tea. She’d prefer to be left alone to think about Wesley. However, she couldn’t ignore their hostess. “I would love a cup. Your china is quite exquisite,” Sophie declared as she took the tea. “I find the floral pattern charming. I would rather like to have a pattern like this for my own home someday.”

  “I can put you in touch with a shop that carries an ample supply. The pieces are costly, however,” Lady Illiff replied. “Of course, you are an heiress, and as such much will be required in the area of entertaining.”

  Sophie nodded and sipped her tea. Fanny and Amanda were trying hard to suppre
ss giggles, but she didn’t give them so much as a single glance. Let them think what they would.

  “Were you able to complete the remodel of your London apartments?” Aunt Victoria questioned.

  “Oh yes,” Lady Illiff began. “We were uncertain that the third floor could be renovated in time for your visit, but in fact it has been completed. I believe you will find the print for the . . .”

  Lady Illiff’s droning voice faded from Sophie’s mind. While the others discussed the furnishings in London and what they would do once they reached that wondrous city, Sophie retreated into her private thoughts. She couldn’t be certain how long she’d been daydreaming when Lord Illiff’s shouts startled her back to the present.

  Aunt Victoria hurried to the entryway, the other ladies following close on her heels. While Lord Illiff issued orders, the servants hurried to do their master’s bidding. A male servant supported Daniel on either side, and in a performance that would have rivaled comedic theater, they half carried, half dragged him up the stairway, Daniel yelping with each step. The ladies had not yet determined exactly what had occurred.

  When Daniel was out of earshot, Lord Illiff shook his head. “That boy has little knowledge of horses. Quite obviously Thunderstruck wasn’t pleased with the young man’s horsemanship and kicked him.”

  Wide-eyed, Fanny covered her mouth while Sophie stepped forward, anxious to hear all the details. “Your horse kicked Daniel? Where?”

  “In the stables after we had dismounted,” Lord Illiff replied.

  Sophie wondered if the man had taken leave of his senses. “I was inquiring what type of injury he had received.”

  The older man chuckled. “Forgive me. I misunderstood. He received a kick to the leg. Foolish young fellow walked behind his horse without letting the animal know he was back there. I do believe the horse was more frightened than Daniel. He let out a yelp that would have wakened the dead.”

  Lady Illiff’s lips formed an O. “How absolutely dreadful! Shall I send for a surgeon?”

  “I don’t believe so. I’ll have the servants apply some liniment. I believe he’ll be sore, but nothing’s broken. All things considered, he’s very fortunate.”

  Sophie listened with interest but maintained a watchful gaze toward the front door, anxious for Wesley’s return. When he hadn’t appeared by the time Lord Illiff excused himself, Sophie stepped to the older man’s side. “I do trust Wesley . . . ah, Mr. Hedrick didn’t meet with the same fate.”

  Lord Illiff chuckled and shook his head. “No, of course not. Wesley is a fine horseman. No need to worry on his account. Being the good fellow that he is, Wesley remained at the stables to help curry the horses.”

  While the two older women continued to discuss Daniel’s condition, Sophie grasped Fanny by the hand. “What good fortune. Perhaps Daniel will be incapacitated for a good long time, and you’ll be able to escape his constant pursuit.”

  “It’s unkind to experience pleasure when another is suffering, yet I must admit I’m hoping Daniel won’t recover too quickly,” Fanny replied, following after her cousin. “Where are you going?”

  “I thought I’d take a stroll. It’s a lovely day, and I could use some fresh air before dinner.”

  Fanny brightened. “That does sound lovely. I’ll come with you.”

  Before Sophie could respond, Amanda rounded the corner. “There you two are. I thought you’d completely vanished. One minute I was speaking to mother and Lady Illiff, and the next minute you had both disappeared.” She took Fanny by the hand. “Do come upstairs and help me choose a dress for this evening.”

  Sophie nodded her agreement. “You two go on. I’ll be back shortly.” She hurried outdoors, thankful that Amanda had appeared and whisked Fanny upstairs. Now she hoped she could locate the stables without difficulty.

  Heading off through the west garden, Sophie spied one of the gardeners trimming the hedgerow. She approached the old man and inquired where she might locate the stables. At first he was reluctant, worried that some unforeseen difficulty might befall her if she headed off unaccompanied. Finally he rewarded her persistence and gave her precise directions.

  She hiked her skirts and raced toward the stables with unbridled abandon. The erratic rhythm of her pounding feet came to an abrupt halt as she rounded the far end of the stables.

  “Whoa!” Wesley grappled to gain his footing as Sophie fell headlong into his arms.

  Sophie gazed into his eyes, enjoying the warmth of his arms as he held her close. Her palm rested upon his chest, and she could feel the rapid beat of his heart. Did his heart pound because of her nearness or because she’d nearly sent him toppling to the ground?

  “I do hope I didn’t harm you,” she whispered.

  “I fear the only thing you may injure is my heart, dear Sophie. Although I wish I could hold you in my arms forever, I wouldn’t want to besmirch your name.” He loosened his hold and slowly backed away to hold her at arm’s length.

  His words filled her with hope that he shared her feelings. “Thank you for your concern. You are a true gentleman.”

  He brushed straw from his breeches and smiled. “A gentleman in a complete state of disarray, I fear. What brought you to the stables? Surely you’re not intending a carriage ride this late in the afternoon.”

  “No, nothing of the sort. During tea with Lady Illiff, she revealed that you plan to accompany us to London. I wanted to come and tell you that the news gave me great pleasure.”

  He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm as they started to walk back toward the house. “I’m elated to know my decision pleases you. I had planned to remain at Illiff Manor throughout the winter, but when Lady Illiff informed me you were going to visit London and suggested I come along, I couldn’t resist the temptation.”

  She squeezed his arm. “And which is the greater temptation— London or me?”

  He tipped his head back and laughed. “Why you, of course, my dear. London is a marvelous city, but without you to share the sights, I would not have been enticed to return.”

  She reveled in his words, already certain he was the man who had captured her heart. His statement gave her the courage to add, “And when the time arrives, I hope that I will entice you to return to New York, too.”

  His smile waned at her suggestion. “And how was young Daniel faring when he returned to the house? He was in a great deal of pain when he was kicked. I feared his leg might be broken.”

  The abrupt change of topic surprised her, but from Lady Illiff’s earlier conversations, Sophie knew Wesley had lived with his wife in New York City and in fact still had a home there. Perhaps the reminder of New York had evoked memories of her death. Sophie hurried to put such grief from his mind.

  “I’m afraid Mr. Irwin has made rather a fool of himself. He loves attention, you see. Especially if it involves Fanny. It would not surprise me at all to find out that he planned such a thing just to gain my cousin’s sympathy.”

  “Surely not. He would not risk permanent damage just to impress a young woman.”

  “It is hard to tell what Mr. Irwin would do to impress. You should have seen him on the ship. He followed Fanny around as if she were his keeper and he a starving pup.” She continued describing Daniel’s behavior on the trip, exaggerating it until Wesley doubled over in laughter.

  “Then to see him come into the manor house, being half carried as though he’d been mortally wounded in battle—a hero being brought back on his shield,” Sophie declared with one hand to her forehead. “Well, I’m convinced it was mostly an act for Fanny’s benefit.” She dropped her pose and grinned.

  “We are being most unkind. I’m certain the poor boy has suffered immensely.” He wiped a tear from his cheek with the back of his hand. “I must cease this laughter before we go inside the house, or my relatives shall think me quite uncivilized.”

  Sophie pointed to one of the stone benches that bordered the garden yet remained well hidden from the house. “Perhaps we should wait until yo
u’ve recovered.” Taking the lead, Sophie sat down and then patted the bench with her palm. “Please. Sit with me.”

  “How could I refuse?”

  Wesley’s laughter ceased as quickly as it had begun. He looked into her eyes but swiftly turned away. “We must go inside before I say or do something untoward. I wouldn’t want to risk . . .” He shook his head. “I’ll say no more.”

  She longed to hear him continue and possibly bare his heart to her, but he would surely think her bold should she tell him so. Taking his arm, she walked with him and considered what she could say. There must be some way to indicate her feelings without overstepping any boundaries that might offend him. “I want you to know that I find your company most desirable, Wesley. You have become . . . well . . . quite dear to me.”

  Wesley touched his finger to his lips. “Say no more. There are those who might repeat what they hear.” He nodded toward several servants standing near the entrance. “I won’t risk your reputation, but suffice it to say, I find my feelings for you run quite deep.”

  The moment she and Wesley parted, Sophie rushed up the stairs. If she was to look her best for him that evening, she must hurry. With luck, both Veda and Minnie would be free to help her get dressed and style her hair.

  “Where have you been?” Amanda frowned with the sternness of an angry parent.

  Sophie ignored her cousin’s question and glanced about the room. “I need Veda and Minnie to help me dress.”

  The skirt of Fanny’s gown swished across the Aubusson rug as she crossed the room to greet Sophie. “They were here first and have gone to assist Aunt Victoria, but we’ll be glad to help you, won’t we, Amanda?” She helped with the buttons as Sophie pranced nervously.

  “Oh, do hurry.”

  “I wish you’d think of others on occasion, Sophie. You’re going to make all of us late for dinner if we don’t hurry.” Amanda began to pull the pins from Sophie’s hair before adding, “Lady Illiff will think all three of us ill-mannered, and Mother will be completely mortified.”

  “Then we must stop chattering. I plan to wear my midnightblue gown—I told Veda this morning,” Sophie said.