“Is there anywhere we can bathe?” he asked. “As I’m sure you can imagine, it got rather hot inside our carriage.”
The innkeeper nodded. “There’s a washroom on the ground floor, beyond the foyer but before you reach the dining room. I’ll have them prepare the tub for you.”
“Excellent,” Sophie breathed.
The innkeeper left, closing the door behind himself, and she watched as Nicholas set their bags down. She was tempted to flop onto the bed but wanted to be clean first.
“I think we made good time today.” Nicholas rested his hands on her hips and kissed her. “Thank you for being patient. I know it was difficult to be confined to the carriage for so long.”
The corners of his eyes were creased in a smile, his dark eyes fond as he gazed down at her, and her heart filled to bursting. The Sophie of a week ago would never have dreamed she’d be about to spend the night in an inn with Nicholas Blackwell while eloping.
It was inconceivable, and it thrilled her. She hadn’t thought it possible to be so happy.
“You’re welcome.” She stretched onto her toes and kissed him. “Thank you for running away with me.”
He chuckled. “There’s no one I’d rather have as my partner in crime.”
Her insides warmed. “I feel exactly the same way.”
CHAPTER 27
The maid slidone final pin into Sophie’s braided chignon and fluffed one of the curls that framed her face. “Are you pleased with your hair, my lady?”
Sophie studied her reflection. The curls gave her an air of mischief, and the rest of the arrangement was perfectly done with every lock in place. It was clear that the maid had plenty of experience dressing hair for weddings.
Although, perhaps that ought to be a given, considering that she was employed by the Maxwell Arms Inn in Gretna Green.
“It’s lovely, thank you.”
She smiled. “You’re welcome, my lady. I’m glad you like it. Shall I help you into your shoes?”
Sophie lifted one of her feet and waited while the maid set about fastening her laces.
She and Nicholas had traveled for three days, and they had been long and hot. She’d been beyond grateful when they’d arrived last night, and she was eager for the ceremony they’d be undertaking shortly.
Nicholas was preparing elsewhere, and she’d asked tomeet him in the private dining room they had booked for the ceremony and a small wedding breakfast.
While she didn’t have a formal wedding gown or the jewelry she’d have worn if they’d married in London, she’d still made an effort, choosing a gown that Kate had designed and she hadn’t yet worn. It was a pale shade of green, and she’d paired it with white gloves and a white flower that the maid had woven into her hair.
As she gazed at herself in the mirror, her chest tightened.
Was this where Violet had gotten married?
Had her sister missed their family and wished they were present as much as Sophie did?
She blinked rapidly, staving off the tears.
You’re happy,she reminded herself.You get to marry Nicholas.
Yes, she was, and she did, but she still longed for her family. Emma would fuss over her, and her mother would no doubt have an awkward talk about her new duties as a wife. Perhaps Violet would say something thoughtless, but they wouldbe here.
Weddings were supposed to be family affairs, and while this had been her idea, something in her was a little sad at missing out on that.
But at least she would have the husband she desired and wouldn’t be forced to spend a life with a man she didn’t truly care for, and she had a piece of Kate with her in the form of the dress.
When she had both shoes on, the maid departed, and Sophie ventured down the hall to the private dining room. A small table was laid out with dinner settings in one corner. Beside the other table, upon which rested their wedding papers and a vase of flowers, stood Nicholas.
Immediately, her melancholy receded.
