“I am not quite sure where he is,” she replied, seeing Benjamin’s nod. “I have had a few threatening letters but nothing concrete.”
“I tried not to let her see the letters,” Benjamin interjected, seeing the look his mother threw his way. “She was determined.”
His father cleared his throat. “Well, you will be glad to know that I was able to assist you as you requested. I believe that the man shall not dare even come near you ever again!”
“Good,” Benjamin replied, stepping forward to shake his father’s hand firmly. “That is very good, Father. I thank you.”
Sophie cleared her throat, looking up at Benjamin inquisitively. “What is it that you have done, Benjamin?”
He grinned. “I did not tell you, not until I was certain all had worked out as it has, but Father has helped me secure a lot of shares in the companies your cousin involves himself in. I did need help with some of the accounting,” he continued, with a rueful grin, “but all is in order. Should your cousin come near us or threaten you again, then father and I will be quick to throw those companies into disarray if we must – which will mean financial hardship for him.”
Sophie gasped, her hands at her mouth as she stared at him, “Why Benjamin, that’s brilliant. You would truly do this for my sake?” she asked, her gaze going to his father before returning to Benjamin. “I can hardly believe it.”
“Believe it!” his father exclaimed with a chuckle. “You are to be family now, Sophie, and we Harringtons take care of our own. After what you did to help Benjamin with the accounts and uncover a very untrustworthy steward, I must say I think you a wonderful asset to our family.” Benjamin saw his father share a knowing look with his mother, wondering what it was his father had yet to say.
“Your father and I have come up with an idea,” his mother added, patting Sophie’s hand. “One that I think will bring you both a great deal of joy.”
“Indeed,” his father replied, with a quick smile. “I must say, I am truly impressed with the change in you, Benjamin. I thought you quite lost for a while, I will admit.”
Benjamin chuckled, a wry smile on his lips. “And lost I might well still be if it were not for this beautiful creature,” he answered, softly. “Sophie has done me a world of good.”
“Then I hope you will be very happy here,” his father replied, smiling. “Benjamin, I am giving you and Sophie this estate as your own. Do with it as you wish, although I am quite certain that, with Sophie by your side, you shall not see it fail.”
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.”
QUEST OF HONOR
SEARCHING HEARTS BOOK 1
A PREVIEW
Prologue
Marie looked around the table at her five children, her gaze coming to rest on Thomas. Normally she was most concerned about Daniel, her eldest and the next in line to become Duke, but there was something about Thomas tonight that seemed off to her.
Typically the most free-spirited of her children, this evening he wore a serious look, and had taken on the brooding silence that overcame him whenever he felt stifled or frustrated.
The remainder of her children, from Daniel at 24 down to her 16-year-old daughter Polly, were chattering away as they were normally wont to do, no matter how she tried to instil in them the proper etiquette of the dinner hour. Her husband, Lionel, Duke of Ware, sat in his usual place at the head of the table, intent on his food as he listened to the stories of his brood.
“Thomas,” Marie said, and he raised his dark head. “Is everything quite well, darling?”
“Yes, Mother,” he replied mechanically.
“Are you quite sure?”
“Well actually,” he said, looking hesitantly at her and then his father. “I do have somewhat of an announcement.”
Marie raised her eyebrows as the chatter around the table hushed, for Thomas’ siblings could see the nervousness that accompanied his statement.
“I am going to be joining the Navy,” he said, puffing his chest out, trying to look more assured than he felt.
“The Navy!” his mother exclaimed incredulously. “You cannot be serious. Is this some sort of joke?”
“Not at all, Mother,” he responded, his blue eyes taking on an icy resolve. “The Navy is a noble profession. What else am I to do with my life?”
“You are the second son of a Duke! What if the title of Duke should need to pass onto you and you are injured or dead somewhere at sea?”
“I shall not spend my life sitting here waiting for Father and Daniel to die, Mother,” he responded, his voice becoming slightly more heated, although he would never raise it at his mother. “They are both quite healthy and, I’m sure, have long lives to live. I want to see the world! What better way than on the sea?”
“Lionel!” Marie said to her husband with fervour. “Have you nothing to say?”
Lionel finished chewing his potatoes, his expression unwavering.
“Well, son,” he said. “I would say your intentions are admirable. You do know what you are getting yourself into?”
“I do.”
“Well, then, boy, I’d best talk to my friend the Admiral tomorrow. The son of the Duke of Ware must find a reasonable berth and vessel upon which to serve.”
Thomas’ face lit up, and he caught the gaze of his sister Violet, who smiled at him encouragingly. He grinned at her, then turned back to his father.
“Thank you, Father,” he said. “I would appreciate it.”
“This is quite ridiculous,” his mother said, her head swivelling from Thomas to Lionel and back to Thomas once more. “Thomas is 22 years old! He and Daniel should be finding wives, settling down, raising children. Instead, Daniel is out doing Heaven knows what and Thomas will be at sea miles away from Britain! How is it that I have three children of marriageable age, none of which have any interest in actually being married?”
Benjamin and Polly smirked, happy to have the attention off of them and onto their three elder siblings.
“In due time, Mother,” said Violet, somewhat mollifying her. “In due time. In the meantime, let us drink to Thomas and the world that awaits him.”
“To Thomas!” They all joined in, with the exception of Marie, and Thomas grinned, excited about what the future would hold for him.
1
Five years later
Eleanor Adams sat primly on the straight backed chair as her father stomped around, muttering something under his breath. She waited patiently for his judgement to fall, knowing that he would not be able to bring himself to punish her too severely. After all, she was his only child and he had never been able to be too strict with her. In fact, this was the only life Eleanor had ever known. Just her and her father, facing the world and all its tribulations.
“You cannot simply do as you please, Eleanor!” her father spluttered, his face now a beetroot red. “What if we had not seen you?”
Eleanor stifled a sigh of frustration. “Papa, you know me better than that. I simply had to investigate whatever it was down there.” A small smile crept across her face. “And, if I had not, then we would currently not have these three small trunks in our possession.” She indicated the three, still damp, trunks that sat beside her father’s desk, glancing at them before returning her gaze to her father.
To her very great relief, he sighed and sat down heavily, although he continued to shake his head at her. Eleanor hid her smile. She was triumphant.
“We have not opened them yet, Eleanor,” her father said, a little gruffly. “You could have risked your life for nothing.”
In response, Eleanor tossed her head, aware of the spots of moisture that shook off her long flaxen locks. “I am one of the best swimmers among the crew, Papa, you know that.”
“But still,” he retorted. “You cannot just dive off the ship without alerting someone to what you have found! Had you done so, I could have dropped the anchor and gone to see what was there.”
Eleanor bit her lip, aware that her father was being more than reasonable. Had any one of his crew done what she had, they would have been severely punished. It was only because she was the captain’s daughter that she had done such a thing. Her cheeks warmed. “I was trying to prove myself, Papa,” she explained, more quietly. “As the only woman on board, I have to take extra steps to show my worth.”
His face softened. "Eleanor, you already have my respect and the respect of the crew. For over twenty years you have traveled the seas with us and you have no need to prove yourself. Doing such a thing is both dangerous and shows a lack of regard for me – not only as your father but also as your captain." His lined face grew more serious, as his bushy eyebrows clung together. "You know that I will need to punish you for what you did, Eleanor. As much as it pains me to do this, you are to be confined to your quarters for two days."
“Two days?” Eleanor gasped, staring at her father. “But I will miss the exploration!”
Her father nodded gravely. “I have to show the crew that I am not afraid to punish you, even though you are my daughter.” A hint of a smile pulled up the corner of his lips. “Just be glad it is not the cat o’nine ta
ils, Eleanor.”
Eleanor sagged against the chair, her ladylike position gone in a moment. Reflecting on her father’s decision, she had to admit that it was fair, lenient even. She hated that her impulsive nature had, once again, brought severe consequences. If only she had not dived into the water to see what it was that glistened below! If she had only told her father, then he would have dropped the anchor and sent someone down – although Eleanor doubted that he would have chosen her. Even though she could swim like a fish, her father always kept her in his sights whenever he could.
“I am sorry you will miss the exploration of the Blackmoor Caves,” her father continued, gently. “But Eleanor, you must know that you cannot simply do what you please on this ship.”
“I do know, Papa,” Eleanor replied, dully, ashamed that her the whole ordeal caused her to feel like a child when she would prefer to be treated as the sailor she was. She could only hope the treasure would yield results that would make all forget about the find and focus on the outcome. “I’m sorry.”
Her father placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, getting to his feet. “Like you say, however, we have retrieved three trunks.”
Hope sparked in Eleanor’s chest. “You mean, I can open them?”
He chuckled. “I think so. After all, you were the one who spotted the locks gleaming under the ocean’s waves.”
Eleanor rose, her booted feet clattering across the wooden floor of the cabin as she made her way towards the trunks. She would have to change into dry clothing, but that could wait. “It is only because we are in such shallow waters,” she said, bending down to examine the trunks. “Had the water been any deeper, then I doubt we would have found them.”
“Here.” Her father handed her a large mallet, and, using all her strength, Eleanor hit the lock.
It broke easily, evidently having been underwater for some time. With bated breath, Eleanor pushed the top of the trunk back. A wide grin spread across her face as she took in the bounty.
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