The captain offered, “Sophie’s father is a portrait painter of some renown. Claude Dupont.”
“Dupont. I believe I recall Wesley mentioning the name,” his father said. “So since you were not successful in finding Wesley, you found a wife instead?” The man smiled, attempting a joke, but the smile did not reach his eyes.
“You must forgive us,” Mrs. Overtree added. “We have only just received your letter and are still struggling to credit the news.”
“It is quite true, Mamma, I assure you.”
An older man with excellent posture came striding into the room. “Stephen, my boy. Welcome back. I hear congratulations are in order.”
“Thank you, sir.” He turned to her. “Sophie, this is my grandfather, Colonel Horton. Sir, my... Mrs. Overtree.”
“How do you do, my dear. How do you do.” The older man’s smile was warm and genuine. His skin was weathered, his grey hair thinning, but he was still a handsome man.
He clapped Stephen’s shoulder. “Decided to take the plunge with this fellow, did you? Brave woman. I applaud your courage.” His eyes twinkled.
“I am afraid you have quite shocked your mother and me,” Mr. Overtree said with an uneasy glance at his wife. “I never expected something so impetuous from you, Stephen. Sounds like something Wesley would do.”
The captain answered coolly, “Yes, it does.”
Colonel Horton beamed at his grandson. “I don’t find it so shocking. Passion runs in the family. When we see what we want, nothing stops us—ay, my boy?”
“Something like that.” The captain turned to his mother. “I don’t want to put you to any trouble. I thought we might give Sophie one of the guest rooms. Or she could have my room, and I shall—”
“Not a bit of it,” Colonel Horton said. “It’s all decided. You two shall have my rooms.” He turned to Sophie and explained, “I lost my dear wife, you see, these three years gone. I don’t need all that space, or two dressing rooms, just for me. It’s time.”
“No, Grandfather, I won’t put you out of your apartment.”
“Already done. I have moved my kit into your room. The maids are still cleaning, but all shall be in order shortly, Mrs. Hill assures me.”
“Really, there is no need,” Captain Overtree protested. “Sophie would probably sleep more soundly in one of the guest rooms. Without me, that is. I snore terribly.”
“Oh? Since when?” his mother asked.
Sophie wondered if he protested more for her sake or his.
“I am restless at night,” he went on. “All my years with the regiment, I suppose. Camping in dangerous places. I’d hate to keep her awake....”
“Nonsense! You two are newly wed,” his grandfather insisted. “Plenty of time to sleep later.”
His mother added, “You must grow accustomed to one another eventually. Besides, Miss Blake may wish to stay, with her father gone to town so frequently. And one never knows when your Mr. Keith might turn up. So all our rooms are accounted for. Besides, your grandfather has already gone to quite a bit of effort to sort through and box up his things, and I helped with Mamma’s.”
“It’s all right, my... Captain,” Sophie spoke up. “You are kind to think of me, but I am sure I shall sleep perfectly well. Besides, it shall only be—” She broke off. She had been about to say it would only be for a few days, but what sort of bride would eagerly anticipate her new husband’s imminent departure? Instead she finished lamely, “It shall only take a day or two to grow accustomed to my new surroundings.”
The captain sent her a sidelong glance, then said to his grandfather, “I... don’t know what to say, sir.”
The older man grinned. “Thank you will suffice. Your boyhood bed isn’t much wider than an army cot. You shall thank me in the morning, I don’t doubt.” He winked at his grandson and slapped his other shoulder.
Sophie felt her neck heat at the implication. Everyone else ignored it.
“That’s settled then,” Mrs. Overtree said, injecting a cheerful note into her voice. “You traveled without a maid, Mi...” She hesitated. “How strange. I don’t know what to call you. I am afraid I shall struggle to call you Mrs. Overtree, which has been my name for ages.”
“Two Mrs. Overtrees under one roof,” the colonel said. “What a bounty of blessings.”
“Please, call me Sophie,” she offered.
“Very well.” Mrs. Overtree stepped to the wall and pulled a cord. In a few moments one of the footmen appeared. “James, please see that Captain and Mrs. Overtree’s baggage is carried to the blue bedchamber, if you please. And ask Libby to attend the new Mrs. Overtree. She hasn’t a maid of her own.”
Captain Overtree glanced around the parlour. “Where is Kate?”
