The Bride Price

by Tracey Jane Jackson

  “Sophie?” Christine asked, concerned. “Are you all right?”

  The man stared at her like he recognized her but couldn’t quite place her.

  Sophie’s eyes filled with tears. “Jamie.” Pitching forward, she dropped like a stone.

  The lieutenant reacted instantly and caught her before she hit the ground.

  “Bring her into the parlor,” Christine suggested. “Nona, you and Michael stay here and continue to greet people. I’ll tend to Sophie. I don’t want to draw attention if we can avoid it.” Christine walked into the parlor. Richard followed.

  The lieutenant laid Sophie on the sofa and then reluctantly stood as Christine moved to sit beside her. “Sophie?”

  “Hm,” she mumbled and slowly opened her eyes. “What happened?”

  “You fainted.”

  Sophie waved her hand dismissively in the air as she sat up. “I don’t faint, Christine.”

  Before Christine could comment, Sophie turned her head and with a smile a mile wide, she stood and made her way to the lieutenant. “You look amazing, baby. A little scruffy…but, still, amazing.” She wrapped her hands around his waist and laid her head on his shoulder. “Jamie.” She sighed and closed her eyes.

  The lieutenant stood stiff with his arms out, obviously uncertain how to react.

  “What’s wrong?” Sophie looked up at him.

  “I don’t know you.”

  Sophie snorted. “Don’t joke, Jamie.”

  “Ma’am, I’m sorry, I don’t know you.”

  Sophie let out a nervous giggle. “It’s me, baby.”

  At his sad look, she dropped her arms quickly, humiliation overtaking her as tears filled her eyes. Wiping her hands nervously over her skirt, Sophie swallowed. “Sir, I’m so sorry. You look identical to my husband.” His hair was longer, and he had a full beard, but he still looked exactly like him.

  “I’m sorry.”

  She put her hands over her face, mortified. “You must think I’m crazy.”

  Richard pulled her into his arms. “James, I must apologize for Sophie. She has recently lost her husband and the grief has been overwhelming.”

  Sophie pushed her way out of his arms. “Don’t you dare apologize for me, Richard Madden. I am perfectly capable of speaking for myself.” Turning back to the lieutenant, she wiped her tears and forced a smile. “Lieutenant, again, I am very sorry. I just cannot get over your resemblance to my husband, James. You even sound like him.”

  “No need to apologize, ma’am. It’s perfectly all right. It’s not every day that a beautiful woman walks up and puts her arms around me.”

  “Shall we make our way into the ballroom?” Richard asked.

  “I need a minute.” Sophie, unable to drag her eyes away from the Lieutenant, grabbed for Christine’s hand.

  Christine stayed with her as the men left the room and headed for the party. “Are you all right?”

  “No, I’m not. That man looks exactly like Jamie. How is that even possible? He could be his twin.”

  “If he was Jamie, he would know you—wouldn’t he? From what you’ve told me about him, if he knew you were close by, he wouldn’t hesitate to find you. It can’t possibly be him.”

  “But he even has the same name.” Sophie pulled away and began to pace. “That can’t be a coincidence.”

  Christine smiled. “Sophie, there are many men named James in the army. It’s a common name.”

  Sophie sighed. “You’re probably right. His hair is quite a bit longer than Jamie’s and he has a full beard. Jamie was always a stickler with the razor. I have never seen him with a beard, or hair not perfectly trimmed.”

  Christine nodded. “There you go. I bet if he cut his hair and shaved off the beard, the lieutenant wouldn’t even look like Jamie.”

  Just then, Richard strode into the parlor. “Sophie, are you feeling better?”

  Sophie rolled her eyes. “Yes, Richard, I’m fine. Sorry I snapped at you. I know you were only trying to help.”

  “Are you ready to come back to the party?”

  Sophie forced her feet forward and walked with Richard and Christine out of the parlor. Just before they entered the ballroom, Sophie took a deep breath, put her shoulders back, and tried to conjure up courage she simply didn’t feel. She could do this. She had to.

  * * *

  James stood with Mitch and watched the most magnificent woman he’d ever seen walk into the room with Richard. Tall and curvy, she was just about perfect in his opinion. He’d almost lost his composure when she’d walked up and put her arms around his waist. As she crushed her full breasts to his chest and laid her head on his shoulder, he’d had a flash of a memory and felt overwhelming love. He just had no idea what it meant.

  “Who do you think she is?” Mitch asked.

  James narrowed his eyes. “I’ve no idea.”

  “She’s magnificent.”

  James turned his head slowly with a warning scowl. “You’ll go nowhere near her.”

  “Hm. No, I don’t suppose I will.” Mitch chuckled. “Come on, Jimmy. Let’s get a drink.”

  James let Mitch drag him to the refreshment table and slid back into his thoughts.

  Whoever this Jamie fellow was, he was a lucky man. James focus drifted back to Sophie and he felt a small flutter of jealousy when he noticed her hand gripping Richard’s arm. He had to admit, he was surprised by the emotion. He’d just met this woman. He laid no claim. Yet he couldn’t shake the feeling that she was significant somehow. He had every intention of investigating that significance. He just had to figure out how.

  James watched as Richard released Christine’s hand and then turned to Sophie. Sophie looked up at him with a small grimace and James’s ire rose as Richard took his free hand and placed it over hers with a reassuring pat. She looked like she was trying desperately not to flee.

  Sophie and Richard joined the Simmonds family, who were sitting at one side of the large ballroom. Andrew rose as they approached and offered Sophie his chair. She sat down and Richard laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

  James wanted to be Richard. He needed to be near her.

  * * *

  Sophie ran her finger over her wedding band, despite the fact that it was covered by a silk glove. The action gave her comfort, even if it was minor.

  What am I supposed to do now?

  As soon as she felt as though she was coming to grips with what happened to her, there was a wrench thrown in for good measure. She was lost in her thoughts when the Lieutenant approached the group. Richard introduced him to the family, and Sophie couldn’t do anything but stare at him. She didn’t know what to say. He could seriously be Jamie’s identical twin. Maybe he was a distant relative.

  She did notice that he darted several looks in her direction. She lowered her head slightly so he wouldn’t catch her gaze.

  The poor man probably thinks I’m a loon and should stay very far away from me.

  Her thoughts were interrupted by warm breath in her ear. “If I leave you briefly, will you be all right?” Richard asked.

  Wanting to smack his face away, Sophie stifled a growl. “I’m fine, Richard, really.”

  “I can stay.”

  Sophie gritted her teeth. “Go,” and then under her breath, “away.”

  Watching the men as Richard left her to introduce James to a few key people, her stomach churned. Every time the lieutenant shook hands, smiled, or quite frankly, moved any part of his body, she had flashes of Jamie. She turned when Christine walked over to her.

  “How are you?”

  “I’m fine.” Sophie stood before Christine could sit down. “Do you think we could step outside and take a little walk? It’s stifling in here.”

  “Yes, definitely.”

  The girls left through the side door and with linked arms, started walking. The night air was cool, and a breeze created a slight bite to the air, so Sophie pulled her shawl closer to her shoulders as the girls let out a collective sigh, enjoying the bre
athing room.

  “This is so much better. I didn’t know if I could have stayed in that ballroom for much longer.” Sophie sighed. “And not just because of the heat.”

  Christine smiled gently. The girls ended up at the stables. Sophie always seemed to find herself here whenever she was deep in thought. There were a few lanterns lit as she led Christine into the barn and, as was her habit, towards Samson’s stall. The horse popped his head out and nuzzled her hand.

  “Are you feeling better, Sophie?” Christine made her way to Gentle Ben’s stall.

  “Other than total and complete confusion, you mean? I’m great.”

  “Sophie.”

  Sophie kissed Samson’s muzzle. “Just when I thought I could start to let Jamie go, his look-alike walks through the door just to mess with me.” She laughed a little at the absurdity.

  “Yes, it is strange.” Christine handed her horse a sugar cube.

  Hearing noise to their left, the girls turned to see two men staggering towards them. They appeared to be dirty and very drunk.

  “Well, well. Good evening ladies, you appear to be all by yourselves. Would you like some company?”

  Christine and Sophie darted nervous glances at each other.

  “We were just leaving.” Sophie grasped Christine’s hand.

  “Aw, now, come on, ladies. We can offer you something that the party can’t,” said the larger of the two.

  “No, thank you, we’ll take our leave now.” Christine started to pull Sophie towards the barn doors. They had to pass the men to leave the stables, and as they walked by the large one, he reached out and grabbed Sophie’s arm.

  “Don’t hurry away on our account.” He yanked her toward him.

  “Let go of me!” Sophie tried to pull her arm away from him. He wouldn’t let go.

  “You’re real pretty. I bet you never had anyone like me before.”

  “You’re real right. I’ve never had an ugly, smelly drunk before and I have no intention of having one now. Release me.”

  Despite her bluster, Sophie’s panic rose as the man held her tighter. She and Christine stupidly hadn’t told anyone where they were going. Despite Jamie’s intensive tutelage in basic mixed martial arts training, she didn’t know if she could defend herself in her heavy skirts. She tried to think of a way to get out of this.

  Christine started to pull her toward the barn doors, when his just-as-ugly friend grabbed her and pulled her away from Sophie. He held her arms from behind so that she couldn’t get free of him. Christine screamed but with the music and laughter in the ballroom, Sophie didn’t think anyone would hear them. Samson whinnied loudly, visibly upset. Pounding his hoof, he kicked out and managed to kick a hole in his stall door.

  The big smelly one pulled Sophie in front of him and pushed her up against one of the stalls. Leaning his head down, he tried to kiss her, the smell of his rancid, alcoholic breath turning her stomach. Moving her head away, she deflected as much as she could and felt bile rising in her throat as he tried to kiss her again.

  “Get your hands off me, you moron.” Sophie slammed her head against him. She tried for a head-butt, however only managed to clip him on the chin and give herself a headache. She tried to kick as hard as she could but she couldn’t get any momentum in her hoop skirt and tight bodice.

  Slapping her hard across the face, he fattened her lip and she could taste blood. “Quit fightin’ me! You might be uppity and rich, but you’re all the same in the end. You’re going to like this.”

  Squeezing her eyes shut, Sophie closed her mouth tight and tried to keep him from kissing her. All of a sudden, she felt a tug and then he no longer held her in his filthy grip. She opened her eyes when she heard flesh connecting with bone and turned to see the big smelly drunk passed out on the floor of the barn. The lieutenant stood over him, shaking out his hand.

  She turned to see Richard pull the other one off Christine and grasp her upper arms. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes.” Christine braced herself against his chest. “Thank you both for the assistance.”

  “What the hell were you thinking coming all the way out here by yourselves? Have you lost your minds? Why didn’t you tell anyone where you were going? Why didn’t you come and ask me to escort you?” Richard ranted.

  “Richard, you were otherwise engaged and neither one of us came here alone. We had no reason to think anything like that would happen.” Christine stepped away from him.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Richard narrowed his eyes. “You are never to do anything like that again, do you hear me? If you hadn’t come out here alone, this would have never happened. From now on, you are to tell me what you are doing at all times.”

  “Excuse me?” Sophie snapped.

  He grasped her shoulders and squeezed. “You are never to do anything that stupid again.”

  “Richard, you don’t own me.” Sophie pushed at his chest. “Technically, I can do whatever I want and you have NO say in the matter!”

  He crossed his arms. “You’re a woman, Sophie—my woman. You need to remember that, and act accordingly. You are my responsibility, and I have every say in what you do and don’t do.”

  Sophie rubbed her temples. “I am most definitely not your woman, so how is it I’m your responsibility, Richard? I’m technically more of Michael’s than yours, considering I live in his home.”

  “Regardless of that fact, Sophie, I am your protector and therefore, you need to adhere to my direction.”

  She fisted her hands at her side. “My protector, Richard?” Sophie threw her arms up. “You’re an ass!” Stomping out of the barn, she didn’t make it to the doors.

  Richard pulled her back to him, roughly grabbed her upper arms, and shook her.

  “Let go of me,” she ordered.

  “Not until you do as I say.”

  He squeezed harder and she whimpered. “Richard you’re hurting me.”

  “Get your hands off her,” James warned.

  Richard didn’t budge. James walked over to him and physically removed him from her, staying between them. “I said, get your hands off her. You have no right to touch her like that.”

  “Lieutenant, it’s none of your business,” Richard snarled.

  “It became my business when you started man-handling her. I understand you’re upset, but it’s never acceptable to touch a woman in anger. Why don’t you take some time to pull yourself together and then you two can talk when you’re calmer.”

  Sophie stood behind James and glared at Richard.

  He grimaced and reached his hand out to her. “Sophie, I’m sorry.”

  “Just go away, Richard. You’ve had too much to drink. Again.”

  Christine approached and laid her hand on Richard’s arm. “Richard, why don’t we walk back to the house? Sophie will be fine with Lieutenant Emerson.”

  Richard looked at Sophie, nodded at Christine, and they left the barn. When they were alone, James turned to Sophie. “Are you all right, ma’am?”

  Her quiet groan echoed through the space. “Lieutenant Emerson, please call me Sophie, or even Mrs. Ford. I abhor ma’am.”

  He cocked his head to the side. “There’s a little bit of blood on your lip. Let me wipe that off for you.”

  Pulling out his handkerchief, he reached out to touch her lip, but she put her hands over her face and stifled a sob. He said nothing as he removed his jacket, settled it over her shoulders, and then gently pulled her into his arms. As she cried harder, he stroked her hair and held her closer. “Shh, it’s okay.”

  Sophie let him hold her, drawing comfort from him.

  He even smells like Jamie. What am I going to do?

  Sophie took several deep breaths, stifled by hiccups, and then forced herself from his arms. “I’m so sorry, Lieutenant. I’m not normally this emotional.”

  “You’ve had a rather terrifying experience. I’d be more surprised if you weren’t upset.” He cupped her cheek gently. “And please call me, James.”r />
  “Thank you, James.” She looked up at him and gave him a small smile.

  “Are you ready to go back to the house? I’m sure they’re concerned about you.”

  “Yes, that’s probably a good idea.” She smoothed the front of her skirts and adjusted her bodice. “This night was meant for you and your men, and here I am keeping you from it. I apologize.”

  “Don’t. It’s fine, truly.” Taking her hand, he gently folded it into the curve of his arm. She felt safe as they made their way out of the barn.

  He patted her hand and Sophie gasped at the sight of his swollen, red knuckles. “Your hand! We need to get you some ice.”

  He fisted and un-fisted his hand. “It’s fine.”

  “Just how hard did you hit him?” Sophie’s eyes searched his.

  He grinned. “Not hard enough. He’s still breathing.”

  Sophie felt a flutter in her belly at the impish grin, so familiar to her. Taking a deep breath, she let him take her hand again and they made it back to the house to find Richard pacing the foyer. He turned as soon as he heard the door and started towards her. James quickly put himself between the two of them and Sophie smiled as she laid her hand on his back.

  “It’s fine.” Removing the borrowed jacket, Sophie handed it back to James and watched as he moved to the corner of the foyer but not out of sight.

  “Sophie, I apologize for raising my voice. Everyone was concerned when we were unable to locate you. At first I wasn’t as worried, thinking you were visiting Samson but when we got to the barn and heard you antagonizing that bastard and then saw him hit you, I just lost my mind. If James hadn’t acted so quickly, I think I might have killed him.”

  Sophie scowled. “So, I was antagonizing him and that’s why he hit me?”

  “That’s not what I said,” Richard argued.

  “Actually, it’s exactly what you said. Why is it, Richard, that regardless of the situation, you jump to the conclusion that I somehow brought it on myself? You have this attitude that women are weak and incapable of doing anything without a big strong man around to guide us. I don’t know where you got the impression that you are my protector. I have never asked for that, nor promised more than friendship. I expect my friends to respect me. You seem incapable of that.”