“But you have not touched your meal,” complained Drummond.
“You have it,” scorned Vale, rising, and was disgusted to see him set to with vigor.
Chapter Fourteen
To Lord Wroxham’s delight, the week wore on with neither sight nor sound of his lordship and it emboldened him in his quest to win Sophie’s affections. The fact that he became a constant visitor at Blake House was not lost on the duchess who mentioned the matter to Sophie when, on a particularly sunny afternoon, they drove out together in Hyde Park. With her usual perception she noticed that Sophie was forever searching the crowds, even though she tried to hide the fact behind her parasol.
“And who may you be looking for, child?” she asked, smiling. “Don’t think that I haven’t noticed. Could it be that you are desirous of seeing Lord Wroxham? Do you not tire of his company? He has worn out the steps to Blake House this week past.”
“I look for Dominic,” confessed Sophie, coloring. “I do so wish I knew where he had gone.”
The duchess hesitated a moment and then took her hand in hers and patted it gently. “I would ask you something, child,” she said softly. “Something that you may not wish to tell me, but I must ask. You must forgive me if I seem too direct. Do you love my son?”
“I do,” replied Sophie without any hesitation. She had no thoughts to dissemble, and the duchess was surprised by the tears that came to her eyes.
“My dear, there is no need to be distressed,” assured her grace, smiling. “We will be delighted to have you as our daughter, indeed we have said so many times.”
“You do not understand, your grace,” cried Sophie. “Dominic would not marry me; he has no desire to be married. Indeed, I have heard him say so. He thinks only of me as his pupil.”
“Then he is a fool,” stated the duchess. “More of a fool than I gave him credit for.” Then as an afterthought, “Have the two of you quarreled? Is there some issue between you?”
Sophie gave no reply but turned away. “I thought as much,” stated the duchess. “Why else should he absent himself without any word? Have no fear, my love, his petulance will not last and he will come around. He is my son and although he would not thank me for saying it, I understand his ways. You must not let him depress you. All will be right, I am sure.”
“I wish I could believe that,” said Sophie, smiling through her tears. “I feel his absence keenly.”
“You would not believe it, but so do I,” replied the duchess in return.
*****
Lord Wroxham presented himself at Blake House that evening and was much encouraged by the reception he received. The conversation which she had with the duchess had improved Sophie’s spirits somewhat and it was with a much lighter heart that she received the corsage he presented and pinned it to her gown before taking his arm and allowing him to lead her to his carriage. An outing to Drury Lane had been arranged to see David Garrick in his farewell performance, as the actor had stated his intention of retiring and on such a momentous occasion, the theatre would be full to overflowing with society’s notables, amongst them the Duke and Duchess of Lear and their family. However, Lord Wroxham had begged that he should be allowed to escort Sophie in his carriage and, permission being granted, he handed her solicitously into the vehicle, seating himself at her side.
As the coach moved forward in the wake of the duke’s carriage, he attempted to possess himself of her hand, but Sophie drew it away and hid it in the folds of her cloak.
“I see I have not yet earned the right to you hand,” he said, his countenance hidden in the shadows of the interior. “But I trust that you will not deny me the hope of one day achieving it, my dear?”
Sophie could not reply and he saw concurrence in her silence. “Indeed, there is a matter of great import of which I would speak to you,” he said, “but now is not the time. If you will allow it, we must talk later.”
Sophie still did not answer, but gazed through the carriage window her thoughts returning to when Vale had possessed himself of her hand and kissed her fingers at their last meeting at Lady Buckmaster’s. She dared not think of what had transpired earlier in that day, in that day of mixed emotions. For she could not think of it without the desire for Vale to once more repeat his actions. Even though he had terrified her, she could not but long for his embrace. However, this would not do, and she knew it. She had no right to such longings, though for a long time now, she had wished for him to kiss her as he had kissed his Bird of Paradise. She had even been guilty of the thought that though he had no wish to marry her, if he so desired, she would go to him until he tired of her, so was her love for him.
She knew a moment’s irritation when Lord Wroxham broke into her reverie to announce their arrival and laying her hand on his arm, she allowed herself to be assisted from the carriage, joining the duke’s party as they stood in the theatre’s foyer.
An air of eager anticipation seemed to fill the theatre, everyone impatient to see Garrick’s performance. So well-loved was he as an actor that he would be sadly missed amongst the devotees of the art. The duke ushered all before him into the family box, Lord Bannington, who had joined the company, and Lord Wroxham being forced to the rear because of the press, the duchess, Regina and Sophie being seated overlooking the rim, having a clear view of the stage.
As the play progressed, Sophie lost herself in the magical world of William Shakespeare and, watching her features transformed with the delights of the play, Lord Wroxham became even more determined in his intentions of securing her before the earl should return. He was no fool, he knew she did not love him, but in his desire for possession, he was confirmed that eventually he could overcome this. Indeed, would not the intensity of his own regard prove impossible to ignore? He had evolved a plan that would not be put aside which he believed would further his suit and it was his intention to put it into action once he was able to speak to Sophie alone, convinced he knew her reaction.
After the play, and somewhat later than anticipated, as members of the audience were reluctant to let Garrick go, the party returned to Blake House for a late supper. Everyone appeared in high spirits, even the duke joining in with the good-natured banter. Much to Lord Wroxham’s annoyance, the opportunity to speak to Sophie alone did not arise until, as he was making his departure, he drew her hastily to one side.
“My dear, I have news of Dominic for you,” he whispered urgently, “but it is such news that I would wish to impart it to you when we are alone. It is for your ears only. Can you meet me on the morrow? Could you perhaps take a walk in Kensington Gardens with your maid around noon and I will then be able to reveal my information?”
Much perplexed, Sophie was only able to nod briefly in agreement, a feeling of trepidation threatening to overcome her. Whatever could this information be that Lord Wroxham found it so difficult to explain?
When everyone had retired to their bedchambers and Sophie had dismissed her maid, she lay propped on her pillows unable to find solace in sleep, all manner of situations presenting themselves not to be dismissed. In the few short days since she had last seen his lordship, the disquiet in her breast had in no way lessened. It helped not that the duchess had discovered her secret, for she could not go to her for comfort. Whatever sorrows she might have, she must bear alone.
If Dominic does not want me, it would have been better that he should have let me go with Raymond, she reasoned illogically. I cannot remain here relying on the duke’s charity forever. They must soon grow tired of my dependency, and then where have I to go? Back to Aunt Lydia? I think not! She would most definitely not welcome my return.
*****
If Vale had only been aware of the torment evolving within his pupil’s heart he would have quitted Kennington immediately, but he did not. An equaling disquiet was at that moment raging within his breast but his resentment towards Wroxham drove all other thoughts from his mind, finding only the distance between them precluding him from bringing the matter to a satisfyingly violent conclusion. Fitzwi
lliam was determined that they should spar, and to this end had gone in search of a suitable venue. However, as so many of the sporting crowd still patronizing the town had the self-same idea, he was having some difficulty in making the arrangements. Nonetheless, returning to The Pheasant just after supper he informed his lordship that he had been able to secure a placement at Rimmington’s Barn, where a ring had been erected and a temporary school set up for those wishing to indulge in the sport. Even though the appointment was for two days hence, he congratulated himself on his achievement as there were so many wishing to take part that there were those who would be sadly disappointed. However, he confided that the laying out of some blunt had assured their chance of an outing.
Vale found the delay in these arrangements somewhat frustrating but nonetheless agreed to remain in Kennington until the projected match. Perhaps, by then, he reasoned to himself, his temper may have cooled sufficiently for him to return to once more present himself to Sophie and finally bring about some understanding between them.
Chapter Fifteen
Taking Sophie’s elbow, Lord Wroxham continued to steer her away from the crowded areas of Kensington Gardens, her maid following at a discreet distance.
“Could we not persuade the girl to await you here?” he asked pointing to a bench on the main pathway. “It would not do that she should hear what I wish to impart.”
Nodding in agreement, Sophie directed her maid to the bench where she sat secretly smiling to herself, convinced that she was party to a lovers tryst; reasoning, was not the young miss, who had been so dejected of late, entitled to some happiness?
Lord Wroxham led Sophie a little further down the pathway until a secluded arbor came into view. “Will you sit here with me, my dear?” he asked. “Then we will not be interrupted.”
Sophie sat on the stone bench, which was screened from the view of others by a hedge of laurels.
“John, will you not tell me what news you have?” she pleaded, finding it difficult to contain her impatience any longer. “Surely you have kept me waiting long enough. Is the news so dreadful that you dare not impart it? Is he injured, or worse...?”
“You must remain calm, my dear,” he said, seating himself at her side. “He is certainly not injured—perhaps it would be better that he was. In fact, I would that the news I have to tell you was merely some such.”
“I cannot bear this suspense, John,” she cried. “I would not have thought you so cruel. Assure me that he lives.”
“Oh, he is alive! Very much alive!” he scoffed. “But, to put the matter bluntly, as it seems no other way will suffice—he has found himself a mistress with whom to pass his time.” Seeing her face visibly blanche, he continued to press his point, “I only wish that I could have been the bearer of happier tidings, as I know your regard for him, but believe me, it is of you, and only you, that I am thinking.”
“Where have they gone?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“He has taken her out of London,” he continued, perpetuating his lie. “It seems he wishes to conduct his affair away from your sight, hoping to keep you in ignorance of it.”
Sophie rose as if to go, her gaze seeing straight through him, but he placed a restraining hand on her arm and guided her back to her seat.
“My dear, I hope you understand my reluctance to place this information before you,” he said solicitously, “but surely you must see that it is necessary to apprise you of all the facts and make you aware of his actions. In his conduct he shows no regard for your feelings whatsoever. Why, he even slights you!”
“Dominic owes me nothing,” she cried. “He is in no way tied to me. He is free to take whomever he wishes to be his mistress.” Then inaudibly to herself, in my foolishness have I not told him so?
Wishing to move matters along, his lordship possessed himself of her hand, holding it in a firm clasp so that she could not pull away.
“In relaying this information to you,” he continued, “I realize that I have rendered your position at Blake House untenable, and I would offer you an alternative, a solution to your problems if you would but allow it. Will you hear me?”
Sophie sat in stunned silence only her eyes betraying her devastation at his revelations. Taking this as agreement to his plea, his lordship continued to press his suit.
“I offer you my hand, Sophie,” he said quietly. “In accepting, you will be rid of all your problems. I am fully aware that you do not love me, but I am confident that time will overcome this. However, I feel that you do not find my attentions totally abhorrent and as such, believe that we would deal very well together. I can give you a home, and whilst not as great as Vale’s, my fortune is considered well enough. You would have no further need to rely on the Duke of Lear’s charity. Indeed, I understand that such dependency would prove repugnant to you. You cannot stay at Blake House indefinitely, it would become an embarrassment,” and he paused, awaiting her answer, waiting for her reactions to his words.
Still stunned, Sophie could not take in all that was said, the only aspect which was clear to her at that particular moment of time being that she certainly could not remain at Blake House. But what was the alternative? At last bringing her gaze to Lord Wroxham’s face, she said quietly, “I’m sorry, John, I cannot decide anything now. I must think. My mind is in turmoil and no decisions can be made.”
“There is no time, my dear,” he cajoled, knowing that time was of the essence if he was to have the matter settled before Vale’s return. “We have no time for formal courtship and engagement. It is best that we be away before opposition can be raised.”
“I cannot give you my answer now,” she reiterated, tears sounding in her voice. “I will send you word. I must be allowed to think, to decide without pressure.”
Hiding his irritation, his lordship patted her hand. “It shall be as you wish,” he said, “but final arrangements must be made. Therefore I beg you to hasten your decision.”
Rising to stand before him, Sophie assured, “You will have my answer soon enough, John. I will send you word. Now take me back. I tire.”
*****
Returning to Blake House, Sophie was just in time to witness Lord Bannington’s departure and Regina excitedly bade her to join her for some refreshment in the small salon and could hardly wait for the maid’s departure before telling her news.
“The engagement is settled,” she cried enthusiastically. “The notice will appear in the Gazette the day after tomorrow and we are to marry in the spring. Father approved all this morning. Is it not exciting?”
“Very,” agreed Sophie giving only half a mind to the announcement, wishing nothing more than to be allowed to retire to her own apartment. Instead, she was obliged to feign interest in Regina’s prospective match.
“Have you had any news of Dominic?” she asked eventually, as Regina paused in her narrative, hoping that evidence had evolved which would lay lie to Lord Wroxham’s information.
Regina’s brows snapped together. “I am completely out of patience with Dominic,” she stated. “Why all this mystery should attach itself to his disappearance I know not. But then, he was never of a mind to tell us of his scapes. I vow he only does it to irritate. Anthony says that he was seen taking the north road out of London and he was pushing his team hard, though why he should find it so necessary to...”
“Was he alone?” interrupted Sophie scarcely daring to hear the answer.
“I neither know nor care,” stated Regina flatly, “but at least he could have left some message for Mama and so allayed her anxiety. She doesn’t deserve that he should treat her so.”
Confirmed now in her fears, Sophie allowed Regina to prattle on about the wedding plans that must be made and to congratulate herself on contracting such a brilliant match, her own thoughts being engaged elsewhere. Until, remembering a dressmaker’s appointment, Regina retired to her apartment to receive the good lady and discuss the lengthy preparations for her trousseau.
Sophie sat al
one in the salon, the whole house seeming unusually quiet, only the ticking of the mantle clock invading the silence and never had she felt so disconsolate and alone. The sound of it chiming the hour of three startled her, breaking her revere. No matter how she would try, no solution to her dilemma, other than the one offered by Lord Wroxham, would present itself and the tears stole slowly down her cheeks. She could not face once more attempting to survive in this great city alone; the mere thought of it terrified her, so what else would be the alternative? Try as she might, she could not reconcile herself to remaining at Blake House to become a burden to the family. It was better that she should go now than run the risk of being an embarrassment, of them becoming tired of her dependency and wishing her elsewhere. Lord Wroxham was a kind man and she believed him to have a genuine affection for her. Reasoning that in time she would at least be able to be comfortable with him, for if Dominic did not want her, what did it matter with whom she should spend her life?
On this resolve she rose and made her way to her apartment and there wrote a note to Lord Wroxham stating her intention to marry him. This was dispatched in the hands of her maid, who was now even more confirmed that she was party to an elopement. Her romantic spirit rose to the occasion and she assured her mistress that she would not tarry in its delivery. Once the maid had quitted her, Sophie took another sheet of paper. She could not leave the duchess without some word of gratitude for her kindness. She deserved better than she should leave her care without some explanation of her actions. As she penned the missive, she found it necessary to pause frequently to wipe away the tears, finding it difficult to contain her despair.
The note she received from Lord Wroxham was brief and to the point—
My love,
I will be eternally grateful for the trust you have placed in me and assure you of my undying devotion.
Dominic (Books We Love historical romance) Page 12
