Amanda pointed toward the bedroom. “It is good for you that Veda is dependable. Your dress is ready.” The afternoon gown dropped to the floor, and Sophie quickly stepped out of it. Amanda motioned again. “I’ll fix your hair while Fanny tightens your stays.”
Sophie followed her cousin’s instructions, and soon she was sitting in front of the dressing table. Amanda tugged on Sophie’s hair, pulling the brush through her tresses with less than gentle strokes and then pinned the curls in place.
“Ouch! You’re jabbing those pins into my scalp, Amanda.” Sophie reached up and tried to loosen one of the curls. “And I can hardly draw breath. Must you corset me so snug?”
“You’ve eaten quite enthusiastically on our trip,” Fanny said. “The waist of your gown will never close if we do otherwise.”
“I shall endeavor to curtail my gluttony,” Sophie said, frowning. “I wouldn’t want Wesley to think me too plump. That would pain me greatly.”
“You may be in far more pain once Mother confronts you,” Amanda said.
Fanny slipped the gown over Sophie’s head and began to do up the back buttons while Amanda went back to work to fashion a cascade of brown curls around Sophie’s shoulders. Fanny sat down on the edge of the bed. “You should confide in us first and tell us where you have been sneaking off to. Every day we’ve had to make some excuse for you. If you tell us about it, then perhaps you’ll be well rehearsed for Aunt Victoria’s myriad questions.”
Sophie grinned at her younger cousin. “You’re not fooling me in the least with that suggestion, but it does hold merit.” Her eyes met Amanda’s in the mirror. “I’ve been meeting Wesley, of course. Just now I went out to the stables to locate him and tell him of my pleasure that he would join us in London.”
“Oh, how delicious,” Fanny replied. “And did you? Find him, that is?”
“Yes. We walked through the garden and then sat on one of the benches. Wesley is everything I could ever want in a man. He treats me with respect, yet I know he cares deeply for me.” Sophie tucked one of the curls into place. “And we share a common sense of humor, too. I do believe I’ve met the man I will marry.”
Amanda gasped as she inserted the final pearl pins into Sophie’s hair. “Please don’t be foolish. You’ve only just met Mr. Hedrick. Do you realize you’re speaking of marriage to a complete stranger?”
“Amanda makes a good point, Sophie. Mr. Hedrick is likely a very nice man, but you should move slowly. And he’s older than most of the fellows you’ve acquainted yourself with in the past. You may find you have little in common once you get to know him better.”
Sophie folded her arms across her chest and glared into the mirror. “I know much more than either of you can imagine.” She pushed away from the dressing table and surveyed herself in the mirror across the room. The gown fit to perfection, and the pearls in her hair were a lovely touch. She cared little what her cousins or her aunt thought. She and Wesley made a perfect match.
“Wesley sets me on fire. I feel all atingle when I’m near him. My heart races and I can scarcely draw breath.”
“Sounds like a state of apoplexy, rather than love,” Amanda said, raising a brow in disapproval.
Fanny giggled and got to her feet. “I felt that way once when I fell out of a tree.”
Sophie shook her head. “I would have thought that at least you would understand, Fanny. You at least suppose yourself to be in love with Michael.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Fanny questioned, sobering. “I do love Michael, and I need not speak as though I’m in need of medical attention to prove it.”
“Well, if he doesn’t set your heart aflutter and leave you breathless, perhaps you should reconsider Daniel Irwin.” With that Sophie stormed off for the door, the blue gown swaying fashionably behind her. “Or better yet—go climb another tree.”
6
Monday, November 8, 1897
Daniel’s accident delayed their departure for London, but it gave the girls time to smooth over their differences. Amanda had been first to apologize, and Fanny had quickly followed. Amanda knew there would be little peace in the house if they didn’t afford Sophie her dreams. Ever the peacekeeper, Amanda could never stay angry at either of her cousins for long. She supposed being the eldest gave her cause to consider the consequences of delaying apologies.
Even now, knowing that Sophie had once again slipped away to meet Mr. Hedrick in private, Amanda tried to be understanding. She’d never known the feelings Sophie espoused, so how could she remain critical of the matter?
“Obviously Sophie is quite taken with Mr. Hedrick,” Fanny said, tossing aside her embroidery. “We shouldn’t suppose that her feelings are less than genuine. One cannot always choose whom they will love. I am a perfect example of that.”
“Yes, but I do wish she would practice more discretion.” Amanda shook her head. “Sophie has been looking to fill the emptiness inside her since her mother passed away.”
“It’s not just her mother’s passing that created the loss,” Fanny said. “Losing your father strips away a certain security, too.”
“But she’s not lost her father.”
“In some senses she has,” Fanny said thoughtfully. “Uncle Quincy has hardly been taking an active interest in what Sophie does. He seemed quite happy to be rid of her. And her siblings are hardly kind to her. They act as though she’s more of a bother than anyone has time for. Then Mr. Hedrick comes into her life and shows her genuine affection and attention.”
“I suppose you’re right. Still, I would hate to see her suffer additional loss. After all, what will she do when we return to America? I heard Lady Illiff state clearly that Mr. Hedrick intends to remain here in England for some time.”
Fanny shrugged. “If he cares for Sophie as much as she believes, then perhaps we’ll have yet another man to accompany us on the ship home.”
“Well, he is wealthy and a gentleman, so apparently he needn’t work for his living. I suppose it wouldn’t be a far stretch to imagine he might join us,” Amanda agreed. “And it would give us time to better know him.”
“Exactly. We may have misjudged the situation. Even if he is older than Sophie, he may very well be the perfect man for her.”
“I can hardly imagine you both married. I’ve not yet met a man who captures my thoughts the way you and Sophie have.”
Fanny smiled and reached out to pat Amanda’s arm. “He will come in time. Sometimes he’s right in front of you, and you never even know it.”
“I cannot even begin to see myself with any of the young men I know. None care about the things that interest me. Most are too frivolous with their father’s money or lack interest in anything other than increasing their fortunes.”
“You speak as though being financially secure is a bad thing,” Fanny said. “I’m quite blessed to know that there is money for my use—even if I have to wait until next spring to have say over it. Still it’s nice to know that the security is there if I should have need of it.”
“But money is hardly a security,” Amanda countered. “Our trust is in the Lord.”
“True, but the world still demands it. We’ve known nothing but comfort. We live lives that few people know of.”
“My point exactly. There are so many causes—so many people who have needs. I want to use my abilities and fortune to better society.” Amanda sighed and put her own embroidery away. “I can’t hope to ever convince Father, but Mother seems to understand. I believe she will be my advocate.”
“In what way?”
“In allowing me to go to college.”
“Are you certain that getting an education is what God would have you do?” Fanny asked.
Amanda shrugged. “I know God would have me help others. I wouldn’t feel such a compelling drive to involve myself in such matters if not. Acts of kindness and assistance to the poor are hardly things Satan would desire of me.” She smiled. “Nevertheless, pray for me that I might know exactly what I am to
do. Obviously I have no love interest to put my attention on as you and Sophie have.”
Fanny laughed. “Yes, but you can never tell when that love interest might come into your life. Until we came here, Sophie had no idea of Mr. Hedrick’s existence. Your very own Mr. Hedrick might be awaiting you in London.”
Amanda shook her head and rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “Goodness, but I hope not. One of us acting like a lovesick ninny is quite enough.”
The three Broadmoor girls thought Daniel’s injury would give Fanny the peace and solitude she desired. He would, after all, be unable to keep pace with her until his leg completely healed. Unfortunately, Lord Illiff declared the best remedy for the soreness was exercise—particularly walking. Lady Illiff had suggested the gardens as a perfect place for the young man’s recuperation and Fanny the perfect person to escort him. And Victoria had concurred.
Sophie glanced up as Fanny rushed into the bedroom and came to a halt in front of Amanda. “Your mother is insisting I go walk with Daniel yet again this afternoon. Do say one of you will come with me. I cannot abide another afternoon of listening to him speak of my lovely tresses or beautiful eyes. He’s even begun reading poetry to me—very poorly, I might add.”
Sophie rocked back on the bed and collapsed in a fit of giggles. “Daniel reading poetry? I daresay that is something I would truly like to hear.”
“Then come with me,” Fanny urged.
Sophie shook her head. “I doubt Daniel would recite poetry to you if Amanda or I came along. However, I’m sure I can devise a plan that will prove quite enjoyable for all of us.” While rubbing her palms together, Sophie instructed Fanny on what path she should walk with Daniel. “Don’t deviate, or we shall never find you among all the twists and turns, and I don’t want to miss hearing him.”
“You needn’t worry. We’ll be on the bench by two o’clock. I do hope this works.”
Sophie clucked her tongue. “Trust me. After this, Daniel will never again recite a poem to you! And should he fail to bring along his book of verse, you must encourage him to recite from memory.”
Once Fanny departed, the two of them secured their bonnets and walked toward the gardens. Amanda admitted she thought the plan fun, but as they descended the stairs, she hastened to remind Sophie she would take no blame for the idea. “If Daniel speaks to Mother, you must confess that you devised this scheme. I doubt she will be pleased to hear we’ve made him the brunt of a joke.”
Sophie was more than willing to take full responsibility for their afternoon of diversion. Other than needlework or reading, there was little else to occupy her time. Wesley had accompanied Lord Illiff to a distant farm to purchase another horse, and they weren’t expected to return until evening. Indeed, the opportunity to hear Daniel’s poetic reading would be worth any reprimand her aunt could mete out.
Winding around the far end of the garden, Sophie pointed to an opening where they could cut through the hedge. Amanda pursed her lips. “You seem to know your way around these hedges better than Lady Illiff.”
Sophie grinned. “It isn’t difficult once you understand the design. Wesley made a drawing for me. The arrangement of the flower gardens and hedges is quite easy to navigate once you’ve seen it mapped on paper.”
“It’s good to know we need not worry about losing you,” Amanda remarked. Though she barely knew him, Amanda had made it abundantly clear she didn’t approve of Wesley. However, Sophie remained confident that once Amanda became better acquainted with Wesley, she, too, would think him the perfect match for her.
“This way,” Sophie whispered. “Keep your voice low, or he may hear us. We’re getting close.”
Sophie had chosen the perfect spot. There was a bench on each side of the hedgerow that provided both seating and the ability to hear Fanny and Daniel as they conversed. The two girls tucked their skirts tight to prevent any rustling when they sat down. Amanda leaned close to Sophie’s ear. “I don’t hear anything,” she whispered.
Sophie touched her finger to her lips and leaned against the back of the bench, straining to hear. Perhaps Fanny had misunderstood her instructions. She’d nearly given up when she finally heard Fanny speak to Daniel. “Do come along, Daniel. You’re walking much too slow. At this rate you’ll never regain strength in your leg.”
Daniel loudly complained of his pain and the need to rest.
“I suppose if you can go no farther, we can rest on this bench for a time,” Fanny said. “Did you bring your book of poetry?”
Sophie poked Amanda’s arm and grinned.
“Not today.”
Sophie curled her lip and Amanda shrugged. Unless Fanny could persuade him to recite something from memory, this wouldn’t prove to be much fun. Sophie truly doubted Daniel had committed much poetry to memory.
“I’m disappointed. I thought you said you wanted to read to me,” Fanny said.
“I do. I’ve written something especially for you. Something that expresses how I feel about you.”
Sophie clapped her hand over her mouth to keep from shrieking with joy. She could barely contain herself. What pure delight— Daniel had prepared a love poem for Fanny, and they would have the pleasure of hearing him recite to her.
“I call this ‘Ode to My Love.’ ” Daniel cleared his throat. “It goes like this:
“My one true love shall always be,
A woman who daily walks with me.
Her auburn hair the breeze does billow,
And wave before me like a pussy willow.
Her eyes of brown shimmer in the light,
To present me with constant delight.
She moves with practiced grace at dawn,
Like an elegant, long-necked, gliding swan.
Her long thin fingers I long to hold;
Or should I attempt to be so bold?”
“No! You should not be so bold,” Fanny shrieked.
Sophie had doubled over and was holding her nose in a valiant attempt to remain quiet while Amanda chortled behind her gloved hand.
“Who is there?” Daniel shouted. Soon he was clubbing the hedgerow with his cane. “Come out of there, or I’ll flog you with my cane!”
“Stop, Daniel! It’s Amanda and Sophie, and you’re going to hurt them.”
Sophie moved to one side as the wooden cane sliced through the hedge. When she turned around, Daniel had stuck his head and shoulders through the opening and was peering at her as though she’d grown another head.
“What are the two of you doing eavesdropping on us? Your behavior is unconscionable.” A branch flipped back and slapped him in the face, and he withdrew. “Don’t either of you attempt to run off. I want to speak to you.”
His leg was apparently feeling much better, for he rounded the end of the hedge and hurried toward them at full speed.
“Do be careful, Daniel. We wouldn’t want you to further injure your leg,” Sophie said.
He pointed his cane at Amanda. “I can believe Sophie would do this, but I’m surprised you would condone such behavior, Amanda. I plan to discuss this conduct with your mother.”
Sophie chuckled. “And we plan to discuss your conduct with her, also.”
“Mine? There is nothing to tell her. I have done nothing untoward.” He looked over his shoulder, obviously hoping to receive Fanny’s affirmation. When she remained silent, he motioned her forward. “Tell them, Fanny. My behavior has always been that of a gentleman, has it not?”
“I believe it would be best if you said nothing of this incident to my aunt,” Fanny said. “I wouldn’t want my cousins to be punished for simply enjoying a few moments of laughter.”
“At my expense.” His eyes shone with anger.
Sophie patted his arm. “You do need to learn to control your anger, Daniel. Otherwise you would be a poor choice as a husband, don’t you think, Fanny?”
Fanny nodded her head. “No woman wants to wed a man who is easily provoked to anger. Personally, I find a sense of humor an excellent quality.”
Daniel leaned on his cane, obviously sensing defeat. “I don’t suppose there’s any need to discuss this with Mrs. Broadmoor. There’s been no real harm done.”
Sophie considered telling him that his attempt at poetry had caused great harm. It was, after all, an assault upon the human ear. However, she refrained from further comment. No need to provoke Daniel at the moment, though Sophie wondered what he might think if she recited his poem after supper tonight. She stifled a giggle.
Arrangements had been made: they would leave for London the next morning. A fact that was no longer of great import to Sophie, for she wanted only to be in Wesley’s presence. Veda finished lacing a ribbon in Sophie’s hair and then gave her an approving nod. “You look quite lovely, miss. I’m certain Mr. Hedrick will approve.”
“Thank you, Veda. I do hope so.” Accompanying Lady Illiff to visit one of her friends had held little allure for Sophie until she realized Wesley would be in attendance. Last evening she’d first finagled an invitation from Lady Illiff and then convinced Aunt Victoria the outing would be properly chaperoned. In all, the feat had required a great deal of finesse and no small amount of time, but she’d finally received both Lady Illiff’s invitation and her aunt’s permission. Today, Sophie would enjoy the fruits of her labor.
She descended the stairs, pleased to see Wesley gazing up at her from the entry hall. She accepted his outstretched hand, enjoying the tingle that coursed up her arm. “You look lovely, Sophie,” he whispered.
“Thank you,” she replied softly. She adjusted her bonnet then took the cloak offered her by the butler. She frowned at the intrusion, but the man moved away quickly to tend Lady Illiff as she descended the stairs.
“I hope we might speak privately today,” Sophie told Wesley. “Time seems to be slipping by more quickly than I’d hoped.”
An Unexpected Love Page 8
