The Reluctant Countess

by Wendy Vella

  “I will take Timmy,” Letty said firmly. “We will look forward to your visit, my lord. You may call for Sophie at two o’clock.”

  Patrick smiled, then bowed and walked away.

  “Calls to mind a large jungle cat, all feral grace and beauty,” Letty whispered.

  “He suspects something, Letty, I am sure of it,” Sophie chewed her bottom lip.

  “Stop gnawing on your lip, dear. He may suspect, but what can he do? My brother died two years ago and shortly before that he married you. We have the certificate to prove it and even the powerful Earl of Coulter can do little to change that and why would he bother?” Squeezing Sophie’s hand, she continued. “I think it is you he is interested in and that makes you nervous, and who would not be when confronted by such a man. Why, he makes me feel quite heated all over.”

  “Letty, you are wicked.”

  “I may be old, child, however I am not dead.”

  “Old,” Sophie scoffed. “I think you use that as an excuse when you wish to manipulate me.”

  Laughing, Letty merely waved her fingers at Sophie and walked toward her friend Lady Beatrice Bottomley. Her parting words caused Sophie’s lips to twitch. “So my late husband often told me, dear. Now get ready, you are about to have company … lots of it.”

  Soon Sophie’s hand was claimed and she was quite content to dance each set; at least then she barely had to speak and could do little to trip herself up should a difficult question arise.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Sophie was never at her best in the morning. She watched Letty pull funny faces across the breakfast table at Timmy. His high-pitched squeals of delight had her wincing and then reaching for another fortifying sip of tea.

  “I am still astounded you managed to hold a maid’s position in Melton’s household for so many years, Sophie.”

  Stifling a yawn, Sophie took another sip of tea before she responded. “It is the late nights. When I was in service, I am sure I got a lot more sleep than I currently do.”

  Letty watched her sister-in-law miss her mouth completely and tip several drops of liquid down the front of her dress. It really was some feat that Sophie had managed to fool the highest-ranking members of society. Handing Timmy a piece of toast, she then offered Sophie her own napkin, as hers was now soaked with tea.

  “Did you burn yourself?”

  “No, but I fear this dress will need another wash.”

  By day, Sophie, Countess of Monmouth, struggled to maintain the appearance that her position in society demanded. Letty watched a long curl pull free of its pins to trail down Sophie’s spine. She often walked around their town house in a state of disrepair, and only made a move to rectify this if she was out in society.

  “I am sure Miss Lloyd will be able to remove the stain, dear, do not fret,” Letty said, handing Timmy another finger of toast.

  “I wonder if she has heard of …”

  “If you recite another recipe for stain removal or boot-blacking in my presence, young lady, I will be sorely vexed.” Letty softened her words with a smile.

  “ ’Tis who I was for many years.”

  “But it is not who you are now,” Letty added firmly.

  Sophie nodded and began to nibble her own toast, while Letty read the morning paper and fed Timmy at the same time.

  “Fee, Fee!” Timmy squealed waving a finger of toast at Sophie, who in turn poked out her tongue, which had him gurgling with laughter.

  “M-may I have the carriage, Letty? I wish to visit Morton’s bookstore this morning.”

  “Of course, dear. Bea is visiting and we will take Timmy into the gardens while you are gone.” Sophie beamed at her, given the prospect of a new book.

  Letty, too, still felt momentary qualms over what they had achieved two years ago, but her qualms were not the same as Sophie’s. She felt no shame over the efforts the two women had undertaken to secure their futures and that of Timmy. Letty’s only worry was for Sophie and her ability to keep up the façade she was now forced to endure for the rest of the season. Letty noticed that Sophie rarely stuttered now, unless she was agitated or upset. Looking at the dark smudges under her sister-in-law’s eyes, she knew the toll each evening took upon her. Not once had Sophie slipped up; everyone now thought of her as the unattainable Countess of Monmouth. They had certainly practiced for many hours, and in this her sister-in-law had been diligent, studying every book Letty had given her and following every step she was taught.

  “You must buy as many books as you like, Sophie, you know money is no object.”

  Lifting Timmy from his chair, Sophie busied herself wiping his hands.

  “I know, Letty, but it does not come easily to me … this … this spending,” she whispered into Timmy’s curls.

  “Now, dear, we have been through this before.”

  Timmy was now clutching several handfuls of Sophie’s hair, his laughter making both women smile.

  “I know—it just never gets any easier.”

  “Are you unhappy, Sophie?”

  Silence greeted Letty’s words as she watched Sophie ruffle Timmy’s hair and blow on his cheek, something the young boy loved. Seeing them together, a picture of youth and innocence, merely reinforced Letty’s belief that the decisions she had made to secure all their futures had indeed been the right ones.

  Letty had lost her husband more than ten years ago. He had woken one morning complaining of chest pains and by nightfall her beloved Henry was dead. Unfortunately, they had not been blessed with children; therefore, Letty had been left with neither money nor a home. Henry’s nephew had inherited everything she had believed hers and had not offered to provide for Letty. Were it not for her brother’s insistence that she live with him, she would have been destitute.

  “Sophie?” Letty prompted when the girl remained quiet.

  “I am not unhappy. How could I be when Timmy and I no longer face a future of poverty?” Lowering Timmy to the floor, she watched him walk unsteadily round the table. “It is just that I am so scared of failing you in some way. I fear exposure, and then the ridicule and humiliation that would surely follow.”

  “Oh Sophie …”

  “Not for us, Letty, but for you,” Sophie rushed to add. “I think the sooner I can leave London and retire to Monmouth, the better for us all.”

  Letty clasped her sister-in-law’s hands before she spoke. “Now you listen to me, child, for I will only say this once more.”

  Sophie nodded, her eyes solemn.

  “You have given me something I never thought to have, a family to love as my own. I have happiness in my life, and you and Timmy have given me this. I can also live my life in society, Sophie, amongst friends whom I hold dear, and this, too, would have been denied me had we not wed you to my brother.”

  A single tear trailed down one of Sophie’s cheeks as she looked into the face of her dear friend.

  “Oh, Letty, you must know that Timmy and I love you, too.”

  Both women stood and embraced, and it was Letty who spoke next.

  “Now I want to hear nothing further on this matter, child, we will do what must be done in London, then I will see you safely home to Monmouth. Yes?” she finished as she gave Sophie’s shoulders a small shake.

  “Yes,” Sophie whispered.

  “Now go to Morton’s and then to that shop which has all those funny little knickknacks and dolls you love.”

  Sophie looked surprised. “Now how did you know about my interest in dolls and knickknacks?

  “I have seen the books in your room, Sophie, and the way you inspect every cabinet and nook of every grand house we enter at night,” Letty said, with a knowing look. “I want you to purchase a doll, Sophie, as I suspect it will be your first.”

  Sophie just smiled and then, with Timmy in her arms, she left the room.

  * * *

  “I wish to visit some other shops, Robbie, if you would like to walk the horses for a while,” Sophie said as she left the bookshop and approached Letty’s c
arriage.

  “You make sure to stick close, Jenny, we don’t want any trouble,” Robbie said to Sophie’s maid as he took her books and placed them in the carriage.

  Sophie sighed loudly. It really was too bad that Letty had chosen to use the Monmouth servants to accompany them to London.

  “You can count on me, Mr. Robbie,” Jenny declared, coming to stand beside her as if to prove that she was more than equal to the task.

  “I will be fine, Robbie, please don’t fuss.”

  Of course the problem was that at one time, Sophie had been one of them, and Letty, feeling that Sophie would be more secure surrounded by faces she knew, had enlisted a handful of them to accompany her to London.

  “Now, Soph … I mean Countess, Lady Carstairs has asked that we keep an eye on you,” said Robbie as his eyes creased at the corners and his head tilted slightly to the side. His expression was similar to that of an adult addressing a small truculent child. “That Jack Spode made those nasty threats before we left Monmouth and Lady Carstairs says we must always be on the lookout in case he tries to harm you.”

  Sophie shivered at the mention of Jack Spode’s name. He was a part of her past she wanted to forget, yet the memories of his physical threats and verbal tirades were still as clear in her mind as if they had taken place only yesterday. Drawing in deep, steadying breaths, Sophie pushed thoughts of him aside—she would not allow that man to spoil her day.

  “I will walk the length of these shops.” Sophie waved one gloved hand to indicate the buildings before her. “Please meet me there,” she added, pointing to the end.

  Ignoring the clucking coming from Robbie, Sophie turned on her heel and walked into the first shop. She did not often go out on her own, and most especially not into fashion establishments. Today, however, she wanted to get Letty a gift, something special that went a small way toward thanking her for all she had done for Timmy and herself.

  She found just the thing in a display of brooches. It had the two things Letty cherished most—roses and diamonds. Miniature versions of three long-stemmed pink roses were bound with white gold and centered with a sparking gem. It was beautiful and simple; everything that her sister-in-law would love.

  With her purchase wrapped and tucked safely in her reticule, Sophie collected Jenny and started toward the shop with the knickknacks. She had first noticed it when Letty had brought her shopping two days after they had arrived in London. Back then, Sophie had been too terrified of the big city to explore it. Now, she was more than ready. The sign in the window said DRAVEN’S DELIGHTS, and a small bell tinkled as she walked inside.

  “Welcome, my lady,” a voice called, and Sophie’s eyes searched around the room for its owner. “My name is Mr. Draven, please feel free to look your fill.”

  Sophie clenched her teeth together to stop her jaw dropping open. He was tiny. She was not overly tall herself, but this man reached her chin. He wore a vibrant yellow jacket and white knee breeches. So many colors made up his waistcoat that Sophie did not even try to catalogue them. His hair was pulled forward in the latest style and formed a frame for a sweet cherubic face decorated with a pair of startling blue eyes. He was a strange combination of adult and child.

  Nodding, she headed for the first glass cabinet, her eyes already feasting on its many delights. This one housed small figures of birds and animals, but it was the next one that caught her attention.

  “Do you have a house at your residence that you wish to furnish?” Mr. Draven queried.

  “House?” Sophie reluctantly pulled her eyes from the cabinet.

  “Small domicile for your little people,” Mr.Draven urged, pointing to several dolls sitting on the shelves before them.

  Sophie looked at him blankly.

  “Doll’s house,” he prompted.

  “Oh no, I have yet to obtain one,” she whispered, taking the small doll Mr. Draven handed her. It had wheat-gold curls and blue eyes made of glass and was dressed in a long white nightgown as if ready for bed. It was perfect in every way, right down to the little fingernails, which were painted pink. Lifting first the arms and then the legs, Sophie knew she had never wanted anything quite so much in her life, then immediately felt silly for her reactions. A doll at her age? What was she thinking?

  “You must buy it!”

  Clutching the doll close, Sophie turned to see who was standing behind her.

  “Sorry, I did not mean to frighten you. I am Miss Pette; we have not been introduced, but I have often seen you at social gatherings.”

  “Of course.” Sophie sank into a curtsy. “I have seen you also. How do you do?”

  “I have a doll’s house that Mama says I spend far too much time with for a grown woman. However, it is not a child’s love I have for my collection, but that of a woman who admires something so perfect,” Miss Pette said with a wide smile that made her brown eyes twinkle. “Like someone who collects fine art or books, I just like to look at them, not play with them. Would you like to come and see it some time?”

  Sophie thought she would like nothing more than to visit with Miss Pette and see her doll’s house, and was very surprised by the observation. She was usually on guard with strangers.

  “Of course, I realize you are a countess and therefore would not be interested in seeing my doll collection …”

  “No!” Sophie rushed in, noting that Miss Pette suddenly looked uncomfortable. “Please, I would love to see it.”

  “Really?”

  “Really,” Sophie reiterated.

  She could be very pretty, Sophie thought, looking at the young woman before her. She remembered seeing her sitting with the other girls who sat around the walls night after night, often never receiving an offer to dance. The few times Sophie had noticed her, her dark auburn hair was pulled back in a severe knot with little or no adornment and her gowns were shapeless, doing little to enhance her figure. Not that Sophie was any great authority on fashion, but she had learned a little in her time as a countess.

  She guessed Miss Pette was close to her own twenty-two years, well past marriageable age.

  “Is this not the most beautiful little jacket you have ever seen? I have just the young man for it; his name is Charles.” Miss Pette held up a tiny coat.

  Sophie moved forward to examine the intricately sewn little garment.

  The next hour flew by for Sophie as she and Miss Pette, who had urged Sophie to call her Amelia, oohed and ahhed over the contents of every cabinet. By the time Jenny had intervened and drawn attention to the time, the two ladies had become firm friends.

  “I shall look forward to your visit, Sophie.” Amelia gave her a quick hug before rushing out of the shop with her maid behind her.

  With her doll clasped under one arm, Sophie said goodbye to the now smiling Mr. Draven, then started toward the place where the carriage waited. Meeting Amelia had been wonderful and for once Sophie had not been tongue-tied and forced into her habitual haughty behavior.

  “Countess, what a pleasant surprise to find you here, and all alone.”

  Every muscle in Sophie’s body clenched at the nasal drawl. Shooting a glance up the road, she thought briefly of picking up her skirts and fleeing to safety. Instead, she wiped all expression from her face, drew in a deep breath, and turned.

  “My lord.” She slipped into an elegant curtsy.

  “I am surprised my aunt lets her most treasured possession out unescorted.”

  Ignoring the snigger coming from the female clasping his arm, Sophie lifted her chin and looked at her cousin by marriage. He was a most repulsive individual. Greasy slicked-back hair and small beady eyes that darted in several directions, a loathsome creature Sophie had every reason not to trust.

  “Thank you, my lord, it is truly a compliment to hear you call me a treasured possession,” Sophie said, composing her features into a blatantly false smile.

  “I meant no compliment, madam!” Viscount Myles Dumbly snapped. Small drops of spittle flew from his mouth and Sophie instinc
tively took a step backward. He followed.

  “You have ruined my life, Countess, and you will pay for that!”

  Even standing on a busy street with people walking around her, Sophie suddenly felt very alone. Jenny was behind her, but really, what could she do if Myles threatened her physically? No, Sophie was alone. Looking out the corner of her eye, she tried to find Robbie, but could see no sign of her carriage. Retreat was her only option, for although she could defend herself if need be, Myles would surely hold the advantage and without Letty she was not safe with the viscount. His stance was threatening and his eyes filled with rage.

  “I fail to see how I have ruined your life, my lord, when upon the death of my husband you inherited a title that comes with several properties and a more than substantial remuneration,” Sophie stated as calmly as she could. “Now I must return to my carriage. Please excuse me.” Her heart was beating so hard it hurt.

  “Not so fast, Countess; I will have my say!”

  Sophie felt her fragile newfound confidence shatter as the Viscount released his companion and grabbed her arm.

  “Un … unhand me at once, sir.” Sophie knew her words sounded desperate, fear clawed at her throat as she struggled to control her breathing.

  “I will uncover the truth, Countess, and then you will be sorry … very, very sorry.”

  She tugged her arm, but he would not release her.

  “I did not gain the title I wanted! I should have been the Earl of Monmouth and inherited all the estates, yet I received a mere portion of what should rightfully have been mine.” He pushed his faced closer to hers until only inches separated them.

  Sophie wondered how a street that had until recently been filled with people could now suddenly seem so devoid of them.

  “I knew nothing of you until my uncle passed away!” Myles continued, his fingers biting into her arm. “You changed his will, you and that reprobate aunt of mine.”

  “Do not dare speak of Letty like that!” Sophie felt her own anger rise at the mention of her sister-in-law. She would protect Letty with her life if need be.