“I believe she is with Miss Blake at Windmere. You must realize that not everyone will be happy about the news, Stephen.”
Sophie bit her lip. Did she mean Stephen’s sister would not be happy about their marriage, or this neighbor, Miss Blake? She thought again of hearing the captain murmur the name “Jenny” in his sleep. Was Miss Blake’s given name Jenny? Might he have planned to marry her? Sophie hoped not. Would it be worse than learning his own sister disapproved the match? She was not sure.
“That is unfortunate,” the captain replied. “But the opinion of others was not the primary factor in my decision to marry.”
“No? And what was?” his mother asked.
“Well, it will be time for dinner before we know it,” the colonel interrupted. “Perhaps we should let these two go up and get settled.”
Mrs. Overtree sent her father a knowing glance, then drew herself up. “Quite right, Papa. No doubt they will wish to rest before changing for dinner.”
The captain led the way up the stairs and along the corridor. “I’m sorry about that. I had not anticipated this maneuver of Grandfather’s.”
“It is very kind of him, really. He naturally assumes we would... wish to be together.”
“I must say, you are handling this well.” He opened the door. “Remember, it will only be for a few days.”
She reminded herself of that fact by the moment.
The room was large and lovely but somewhat formal, with ornate oak furniture, floral draperies, and bed-curtains of primrose and green.
Stephen looked around. “Yes, I can see why Grandfather thought you might like this room. I am surprised he left it furnished to Grandmother’s taste even after she passed away.”
“Are you? Apparently, he was quite devoted to her.”
“Yes, he was. He is.”
Along with a four-poster bed, there were two armchairs, a desk, dressing table, cheval mirror, and—as the captain discreetly pointed out—a hidden commode.
“There are his and hers dressing rooms with separate, outside entrances for valet and lady’s maid. Here is yours.”
She followed him to the adjoining door and peeked inside. The small room had been overtaken by wardrobes, built-in gown drawers, and deep shelves for bandboxes. There was barely enough space to turn around inside, let alone change clothes. No wonder the dressing table and long mirror remained in the bedchamber itself.
He gestured toward the opposite side of the room. “Mine is not so crammed. And it has a decent sofa. I can sleep there for the time being.”
For the time being?Why had he phrased it like that? Did he anticipate things between them would change in future—especially when he’d said he didn’t think theyhada future?
Perhaps she should have objected, insisted he share the bed, but she did not.
A maid scratched on the door and entered, bobbing a curtsy. “Ma’am. Sir. May I help you unpack? Or would you like to rest first?”
“Rest. Definitely,” Sophie answered.
“Very good, ma’am. I’ll come back in an hour to help you dress.”
“Thank you... Libby, was it?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
When she had gone, the captain went into the other dressing room and Sophie lay down atop the bed. She thought she would be too nervous to sleep but soon nodded off. Lately, it seemed, she was always sleepy.
Libby returned as promised and helped her change for dinner. Sophie chose the less wrinkled of the evening gowns she had brought from Bath, hoping it was not terribly out of style.
As Libby laced her into it, Sophie thanked heaven for the current fashion of high waistlines that came in under the bosom before belling out wide and nearly shapeless past the ankles. Oh, the many indulgences that could be hidden under such frocks.
Then she sat at the dressing stool, while Libby brushed out and repinned her hair. Sophie wondered what Stephen and Wesley’s sister would be like. She imagined her tall and imposing like Captain Overtree and his mother, and beautiful like Wesley. She felt intimidated at the thought.
A soft knock sounded, and the dressing room door inched open. There stood Captain Overtree, looking masculine and almost handsome in evening dress. If only he would let someone cut his hair and tame those unruly side-whiskers.
