Sophia nodded, and her mother smiled encouragingly. “All ladies feel this way! Are you afraid of the marital act? You mustn’t be, my dear. It can be a wonderful aspect of marriage. And Lord Harold is not unattractive physically. He will be careful with you, I am sure. But we mustn’t speak of such things yet. I will tell you all about that when the time comes.”
“No, Mama, it isn’t that.” Was it? “What if he isn’t the one? I know that you loved Papa.”
Her mother frowned and turned back to the mirror. She picked up a brush and dabbed some powder onto her nose and cheeks.
“It is not so simple as that, dear. Yes, I loved your father with all of my heart. He filled my life completely. But aside from the love, aside from the joy of giving birth to you, there was not much else. We lived on my awfully small dowry, but that didn’t last long. And after your father died, not only was I devastated by the loss of him, we were left penniless.”
Sophia knew all of this.
“What of Mr. Scofield, then. Do you love him?”
Her mother’s shoulders sagged at the question. “I feel great affection for him. He is considerably older than I, you know this. But he promised security and comfort for both of us. If not for Mr. Scofield, who knows where we would have ended up? There are aspects to marriage that last much longer than grand passion or romantic notions.”
“But—”
“No buts about it, dear. There comes a time when we must make practical decisions, decisions based upon rational thought and logical facts. Is Lord Harold good to you? Does he frighten you? Has he not offered you his protection and affection? These are not small matters. Anyhow,” she added. “I think that youdolove Lord Harold, as he so obviously loves you.”
“Mother, but what if I don’t?”
Her mother shook her head before turning back to face her. This time her eyes were earnest and slightly pleading. “Sophia, darling, the contracts have been signed. Everything is already in place. I’m afraid you no longer have any choice in the matter.”
Sophia shook her head, not quite understanding what her mother meant by this.
“Lord Harold’s family is so exceedingly happy to welcome you into the family that they have placed an annuity upon Mr. Scofield, Dudley, and myself! They have set funds aside for you and your future children. Have you not noticed that we are keeping the candles burning longer? That the food has improved significantly? Not to mention the new clothing for myself, your trousseau, and Mrs. Crump! Darling, your Lord Harold has quite been the answer to our prayers.”
Sophia was stunned. She ought to have known though. The pastries, the visits to Madam Chantal, and yes, the candles had been left burning longer. Some misguided optimism inside of her had attributed it to Mr. Scofield’s ingenuity. When it fact it was all due to her betrothal.
She ought to have known, but she’d been too caught up in her own world.
“Is this not something I ought to have been informed of earlier?” She loved her mother. She wanted her mother to have her heart’s desire. But knowing of such payments, she suddenly felt… sordid.
Was it a simple matter of Lord Harold’s benevolence?
“How large are the annuities, Mother?” she asked gently when her initial question went unanswered.
Her mother looked up with wide eyes. “I wouldn’t know the details, dear. You know how Mr. Scofield is regarding financial matters. And you ought not to worry about them either. I simply told you so that you would be reassured of Lord Harold’s love, that he holds you in such high regard as to ensure your family’s security.”
What? This made no sense at all. Of course, she’d expected her husband to provide for herself upon her marriage, and perhaps eventually, her mother. But this… was most unusual, was it not?
When Cecily married, it had beenhermoney which had gone to the groom’s estate.
Her mother waved one hand in the air. “It is of no matter, darling. Now, oughtn’t you to be getting changed?”
But Sophia continued to sit facing her mama, feeling confused. “I wish Rhoda were joining us tonight.” Rhoda had a way of making sense of these things.
At the change of subject, her mama brightened. “Why don’t you send a messenger to invite her. I had planned on bringing Aunt Gertrude, but she is under the weather. Her grace won’t object, I’m sure, if we substitute one guest for another. The numbers will still be the same.”
Yes, yes, this was an excellent idea. Sophia sprang to her feet and went to find one of their manservants. She mustn’t delay, as Rhoda would need time to dress. Oh, she hoped Rhoda could attend. Sophia had so many questions, and her friend was so much worldlier than she.
She wished it could be all four of them, Emily and Cecily as well, but since Cecily had married, nothing was the same.
And now Sophia was to marry as well.
When had her life become so complicated?
* * *
“If she is not herein five minutes, we will leave without her, Sophia.” Mr. Scofield stood at the mantel, glass in hand, not at all pleased to be delayed.
