He perched on the rail, hoping she would take his cue and sit down. She glanced toward the door but then sat down in the chair opposite him. “There’s something about Wesley Hedrick that makes me think the man is trouble,” he said. “If you don’t mind my asking, what do you know about him?”
“What makes you think he’s trouble?”
He explained exactly what he’d told Sophie earlier then shook his head. “Although Mr. Hedrick speaks of being involved in charitable work, I can find no one in those circles who knows him. That doesn’t mean he’s a fraud, but I find it highly irregular.”
Amanda nodded. “It does seem strange, yet we met him through Lord and Lady Illiff, who both spoke highly of him. He is related to them by marriage—or was. His deceased wife was a cousin to Lady Illiff. I can’t imagine that there is anything irregular in his background.”
Paul rubbed his forehead. “Probably it’s my overactive imagination, but it seems odd that he’s had such difficulty transferring his funds from England. People transfer funds all the time, and it doesn’t take them months to do so. He’s made many promises, yet they’ve not been fulfilled.”
Amanda rested her chin in her palm. “There are instances, though, when difficulties arise with finances. My own father has experienced problems from time to time. He becomes quite irritable with the bankers when his investment transactions are slowed down by their lack of attention to detail. At least that’s how he explains it to Mother.”
“You could be right, but I’m not convinced it’s simply a matter of difficulty with his banker. When he arrived a few moments ago, he didn’t even want to spend time with Sophie. He said he was exhausted. Don’t you find that strange? A man in love who hasn’t seen his betrothed for weeks doesn’t want to sit and visit with her for even a short time?”
“Poor Sophie. She must be devastated.” Amanda jumped up from her chair. “I’ll go upstairs and see if she needs me. I’ll visit with you tomorrow, Paul.”
“Yes. Tomorrow. Good night, Amanda.”
Sophie fidgeted with her breakfast, chasing scrambled eggs around her plate and nibbling on a piece of toast while she watched Wesley from beneath two fans of thick, dark eyelashes. She’d been pleased when he entered the dining room looking well rested only moments ago. After declaring his exhaustion last night, she’d wondered if he would rise in time to join the family for breakfast. He smiled and bid her good morning before greeting the other family members and helping himself to the sausage and eggs arranged on the sideboard. Serving themselves breakfast from silver chafing dishes each morning was the family’s nod to summer informality.
“Glad to see you finally arrived, Wesley. You had Sophie worried. She was pacing the veranda long before I went to bed.” Jonas sliced open a biscuit and slathered one half with butter and a spoonful of Mrs. Atwell’s elderberry jam. “I take it you experienced difficulty departing New York City.” His eyebrows arched as he bit into the biscuit.
Wesley sipped his coffee and then nodded. “I’m afraid so. I was detained with last minute details regarding an investment. I know you understand how that can occur.”
“Completely. You’ve got to strike while the iron is hot, or you might lose the perfect opportunity.”
Sophie sighed. She disliked talk of investments even more than her father’s incessant talk of charitable work. Thankfully Paul hadn’t come downstairs, or he’d likely have begun an inquisition about the pledge money he’d come to collect for the Home. If that happened, she’d never get Wesley off to herself. She decided to wait until he finished his breakfast before suggesting that the two of them go for a walk.
Uncle Jonas wiped his lips with the edge of his napkin then placed the linen square on the table. “We should discuss a few of your investments when you’ve finished breakfast, Wesley. I might have a couple of ideas for you.” He winked. “And I hope you might have a few suggestions for me, too.”
“I’d be pleased to go over some of my most recent opportunities,” Wesley agreed.
Sophie shook her head. “I don’t think so. I haven’t seen my fiancé for more than two months, and I’d like to have some time alone with him before he begins discussing business with you, Uncle Jonas. That could take the remainder of the week.”
Victoria tapped her husband on the arm. “She’s correct, Jonas. Let the young people have some time to themselves this morning. You can talk to Wesley later in the day. While you’re on the island, I do wish you would cease all this talk of business.”
Sophie beamed at her aunt, thankful to have the older woman take her side.
After a final bite of sausage, Wesley downed the remainder of his coffee. “I did promise Sophie we would have time together this morning.” He pushed away from the table, his gaze fixed on Jonas. “Perhaps this afternoon?”
Jonas nodded. “This afternoon it is. I shall look forward to visiting with you.”
“Shall we go for that walk?” Wesley extended his hand and assisted Sophie from the table.
As they left the house, she grasped his arm in a possessive hold. The two of them strolled in silence until they were well away from the house. “I’m still somewhat unhappy that you didn’t want to spend even a little time with me last night,” she admitted. She pressed her lips into a moue, hoping her pout would have the desired effect.
“You surely understand that I was tired, Sophie. I don’t want to argue again. You heard me tell your uncle I’d had a difficult day. Shall we simply agree that you were disappointed and I was exhausted, and let the matter rest?”
“I suppose, but when you hear what I have to tell you, you’ll understand why I didn’t want to wait.”
“What is it that’s so important?”
“Not yet,” she teased. She’d waited all night for this time alone; now it was his turn to wait. “Do you know how much I’ve missed you, Wesley? I’ve been thinking of you day and night ever since we parted. Have I invaded your thoughts and dreams in the same way?” She peeked at him from beneath the brim of her straw hat.
“Of course. I think of you frequently.” He patted her hand and smiled.
Not exactly the eloquent words she’d hoped for, but at least he confirmed that he thought of her often. They approached a grassy spot overlooking the water. “Did you bring my engagement ring with you?” she asked.
Wesley lightly slapped his palm on his forehead. “Oh, Sophie! How could I forget? After spending the better part of three days visiting every jeweler in New York City in order to choose the perfect ring, I went off and left it in my bureau drawer.”
“It’s all right, I—”
“No. It isn’t all right. How foolish. After a late completion of my business meetings yesterday afternoon, I packed in a rush and completely forgot your ring. I should have set it out on top of my bureau so I wouldn’t forget it. Now I’ve caused you further distress. Can you forgive me?”
“Yes, of course.” She tamped her disappointment and forced a diminutive smile, the best she could offer at the moment. “I’ve had occasions when I forgot to pack an item I planned to take with me.”
He pulled her into an embrace and whispered another apology. She shivered at the ripple of his breath on her neck while he spoke and reveled in the safety his arms provided. He might be older than many of the men with whom she’d kept company, but Wesley represented permanence and a type of maturity she’d never before longed for in a man. She lifted her lips to him. Unlike his passionate kisses the night of the charity ball, he merely brushed her lips with a fleeting kiss.
“That wasn’t the kiss I’ve been dreaming of all these weeks,” she teased, once again tipping her head to receive the kiss she desired. He pressed his lips to hers and tightened his embrace, but still he didn’t kiss her with the urgent passion they’d shared at the hotel. “Is something wrong?” She touched her finger to his lips.
“No, of course not. I’m simply distracted by what it is you have to tell me.”
“If that’s it, then I shall tell
you.” She pointed toward a large, flat-topped boulder not far away. “Why don’t you sit on that rock while I tell you?”
He didn’t argue. She followed him, and once he’d settled on the makeshift seat, she stood before him. “I have decided that we should be married right away.” He tilted his head back and laughed, the sound echoing on the wind and seeming to mock her.
When she attempted to turn away, he grasped her hand. “I’m sorry, Sophie. I didn’t mean to hurt you. It’s just that you’ve caught me completely by surprise. Surely you realize that a girl of your social standing and wealth must have an elaborate wedding. Such an affair takes months and months of planning. You would later regret a hasty marriage.” He traced his finger along her cheek. “Besides, I want everyone to admire your beauty as you walk down the aisle of the church in your gorgeous ivory wedding gown.”
“That’s all well and good, but—”
He stood and cupped her chin in his palm. “Dear, dear Sophie. There is no hurry. After all, the love we share is eternal.”
Sophie placed her hand atop his and smiled. “Our love may be eternal, Wesley, but in seven months, everyone is going to know we permitted our passion to precede our marriage vows.”
He pulled away as though she’d touched him with a hot poker. “Exactly what are you saying?”
“That I’m expecting our child.”
He visibly paled and took a sideways step. “How did that happen?”
Sophie rested her hands on her hips. “How do you suppose it happened?” She giggled and reached out to him, but he ignored the gesture.
Folding his arms across his chest, he paced along the edge of the overhang. “Now what will we do?” He picked up a small rock and sent it sailing out over the water.
Sophie watched as it landed in the river with a thunk; three small rings formed where the rock cut beneath the water’s surface. “This isn’t so serious, Wesley. We simply get married and no one will be the wiser. After all, we love each other, and our engagement was announced over two months ago.”
He continued to pace and wring his hands as her father did when he was faced with some insurmountable problem. Is that what he was thinking? Tears formed in her eyes. “Why are you acting this way?” Her tears overflowed and trickled down her cheeks in slender streams.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Wesley ceased his pacing and pulled her into his arms. “While you’ve already had time to adjust to the idea of a baby, this news has come as a complete surprise to me. I’ve not had time to gain my bearings, but there’s no reason to cry. Of course we’ll get married. It is, as you say, what we’ve already planned, but everything must move forward at an accelerated pace.”
“Oh, Wesley, you’ve made me the happiest woman alive.” She leaned back and gazed into his eyes. “I suppose we must decide where we’ll live. It would likely be much better if I moved into your home in New York City, don’t you think? It would be far less embarrassing for my father.”
He dropped back onto the rock and stared out over the water. “I don’t yet have a house. After my wife’s death, I sold our home. I’m living in a hotel.”
“But I thought—”
“I’ve been looking for the perfect place for us to make our home, but I’ve not found anything I thought would suit us.”
She clapped her hands together. “Then we shall find something together. I like that idea much better anyway.”
“Good! Then I’m grateful I didn’t go ahead without you. We can purchase a house anywhere you would like. After all, with your large inheritance, we won’t have financial worries in the least.”
“What?” Sophie reeled at the remark. “What inheritance are you referring to? I receive a small yearly stipend from my grandfather’s estate, but nothing more. My father, Uncle Jonas, and Fanny inherited the bulk of the Broadmoor money. My father has invested most of his money into the Home for the Friendless, and he’ll continue to do so until he dies.”
The muscles in Wesley’s neck constricted, and his lips turned tight and grim. He jumped up from the rock. “You lied to me!”
Sophie stomped her foot, though the grassy carpet muffled any sound. She pointed her finger beneath his nose. “I never told you I was an heiress. Never!” She spat the words across the narrow distance that divided them.
“Your entire family led me to believe you were an heiress, and you never once corrected my assumptions. Now I can see why you’ve been pursuing me. You were after my money. You’re no different from any of those other women who’ve attempted to lure me to the altar.”
“That is the most ludicrous statement I’ve ever heard. You know that I am deeply in love with you. Never once have I given thought to your wealth.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Really?”
A slight prick of conscience jabbed her. She had expected an extremely large engagement ring—that much was true. But she hadn’t pursued Wesley because of his wealth. Social standing and money had never influenced Sophie in her choice of men. He could take a stroll into any of Rochester’s diverse neighborhoods and discover she’d attended dances and parties with men who had neither.
“You can be certain that unless I had been in love with you, I would never have permitted the things that happened in your hotel room last March.”
He stared at her, anger still evident in his eyes. “I can’t talk about this anymore. I need time to think.” He turned toward the path they’d followed on their way up the hill and, without another word, stormed back down the hill.
18
When Wesley hadn’t appeared for the noonday meal or returned for the afternoon meeting he’d scheduled, Sophie’s uncle approached her. “Where’s that fiancé of yours? I’ve been looking all over for him. He promised to discuss investments.”
“I’m not certain. The last I saw him, he wasn’t feeling well. He may have taken to his bed to rest for a while.”
Her uncle frowned. “I’ll send one of the servants up to check on him.” Her uncle shoved the tip of an unlit cigar into his mouth.
“He’ll ring if he needs anything. If he’s asleep, I imagine he’d prefer you not have someone waken him.”
“I suppose you’re right.” He’d repositioned the cigar to one side and talked from the left side of his mouth. “If he comes downstairs, tell him I’ll be in the billiard room or out watching George and Jefferson play lawn tennis.”
“I didn’t know they’d arrived.”
Her uncle nodded. “They came in about midmorning, but immediately requested a picnic lunch and headed off for some fishing. They should be back soon. I imagine they’ll be challenging one and all to a game of lawn tennis.”
Sophie could hear the laughter and chatter of both children and adults outdoors. It appeared additional family members had arrived. Many of them must have requested picnic lunches, for they’d not been in the dining room for the noonday meal.
“If I see Wesley, I’ll give him your message, but I’m not feeling quite myself, either. I believe I’m going to take a rest. Tell Aunt Victoria not to be alarmed if I don’t join the family for supper.”
Her uncle yanked the cigar from his mouth. “Nothing wrong between you and Wesley, is there?”
She glanced toward the stairs, anxious to escape. “I’m merely tired from all the excitement.”
“Well, you go up and rest. Your aunt will have a tray sent up if you don’t appear for supper. We’ll not have you miss your supper—Wesley, either.”
Her uncle’s kindness puzzled her. She couldn’t recall the last time he’d been concerned with her welfare. As she trudged up the steps, she realized his compassion had nothing to do with her. It was Wesley who’d captured his interest: her uncle wanted to be certain he would benefit from Wesley’s investment advice.
Sophie felt as though her heart would break. Where had Wesley gone to hide? She’d been to the dock. Mr. Atwell hadn’t seen Wesley but promised to advise him of Sophie’s concern if he should venture into the boathouse.
Several hours later when Sophie came downstairs for supper, she was surprised to see Wesley sitting on the veranda with her uncle and several of her cousins. She walked outdoors and joined them, but for the remainder of the evening she had no opportunity to speak with him in private. Although she’d attempted to signal him several times, he’d ignored her cues.
While Wesley joked and laughed with the family, Sophie remained in the background, watching, trying to understand exactly what he might be thinking. Well, if he didn’t want to be alone with her, so be it. She’d give him the rest of the evening to think on their future and speak to him in the morning.
When one of the maids arrived on the veranda to pick up empty cups and glasses, Sophie stood. “I believe I’ll go to bed. If you will excuse me?” She directed her question to Wesley. His dismissive look was enough to tell her he cared little.
“Rather early, Sophie. Still not feeling well?” Her uncle Jonas flicked an ash from his cigar.
“No. I’m having difficulties with my stomach.” She pinned Wesley with an icy glare.
An hour later Fanny entered the bedroom, soon followed by Amanda. Sophie sat at the dressing table brushing her hair, still fully dressed.
Fanny plopped down on the fainting couch. “I thought you were going to bed. Didn’t you say you weren’t feeling well?”
Sophie shrugged and continued to brush her hair.
Amanda pointed to the back of her dress, and Fanny stood to unfasten the row of buttons. “There’s a problem between you and Wesley, isn’t there? I could sense it by the way the two of you were acting this evening.”
Sophie met Amanda’s questioning look in the mirror. “He forgot my engagement ring.” She turned around on the stool and faced her cousins. “How does someone forget something as important as an engagement ring?”
While her cousins changed into lightweight nainsook nightgowns with fancy bodices finished in tiny pleats and tucks, Sophie explained all that had happened. At least in regard to the ring.
An Unexpected Love Page 21