Unknown to Sophia she had brought one of her own to give to her, in case she needed it. Appreciating how little she actually owned because of Lucas' penny pinching, but she saw the love in Sophia’s eyes when she touched the coral beads which she often did. Hannah realised then that this must make her feel closer to her mother. She decided not to say anything about her own necklace, and Sophia did look beautiful. She hadn't simply said it to make her feel better.
However Hannah desperately wanted to say something else to reassure her. So even though they had spoken of it many times in the past, as young girls do in dreaming about their future husbands, she said, "I believe with all my heart that what you are doing will be for the best, Sophia. Please don't worry about it. I have been thinking a lot more about love, and back to all of the conversations we had about the famous poets. Remember the verse they wrote about love, and Jane Austen's books. They were right, and so are we. Holding up love as the best thing to want in a marriage, and our lives. Lucas can't have any love in his heart to have done this! You are perfectly right to have found a way to avoid spending your life with a man you don't love. Nor is it likely that you'll grow to, because of your dislike for Lord Dilley which I completely understand."
"Hannah, thank you so much. You are my oldest and dearest friend. I only hope I can please the Duke of Carlfield enough for him to employ me, and remain hidden on his Yorkshire estate at least until my birthday. It never once crossed my mind that I would one day be applying for a job as a companion. I'm afraid now that I may not be well suited to it. Nevertheless I shall try hard. Maybe if his mama is sufficiently taken with me she will be happy for me to carry on being her companion, despite the subterfuge, if and when it comes to light. As it surely must eventually. I appreciate it will be a lot to ask the Duke and her to do, but I can't see any other way to escape from Lucas. Now, or after my birthday.
I hope that this will also give us the chance to see each other again, one day in the future." Sophia said, pausing since her voice had filled with emotion. "I can't bear the thought of not seeing Owen or you, ever again!"
The two young women clutched each other then as Sophia tried hard not to cry any more, but accept her situation as dire as it might be. Until Hannah said firmly, to disguise her own doubts, "we shall, Sophia. We must!"
Their conversation was interrupted not long afterwards by the arrival of the carriage at Hyde Park. As arranged Owen had found a quiet place to wait for them, and he climbed discreetly into the carriage as soon as the coachman had stopped the horses.
The light from the smile which Hannah gave him lit her eyes when he took the seat opposite, and he returned it warmly with his own.
Chapter 7
Meanwhile Edward was sitting in his study, busily writing in his ledgers. It was a traditional room, lined with panelling from the Elizabethan era. Sunlight poured in from the garden, through the diamond panelled windows in which the glass was mostly original. The desk Edward sat behind was large, It had belonged to his father. He shared his love of oak furniture, and the tradition which had always been acknowledged by Papa that what he had would one day belong to his son.
Edward felt a pang of guilt again, as he recalled him saying this when he was a small child, to whom the desk seemed overly large and daunting. Even more so now that he hadn’t yet been able to produce his own heir to the Carlfield fortune, one whom he could pass onto all that he had in this lifetime. Carrying on the family tradition. Not yet having an heir made him wonder sometimes why he continued to try so hard at building his business affairs. Until something deep inside reminded him that he would have a wife, and at least one son if he carried on believing that this could happen. Hopefully, daughters too. He had to! If not for his own sake but mama's, and the duty he owed to his family name as the present Duke of Carlfield, to ensure its continuity.
Edward rubbed his eyes. He had been staring at the same set of figures for a while now and had lost concentration. The loss of Ruth, and the effect of this on his mother, had made him realise the importance of family. How no man was truly an island, and shouldn't try to live in isolation which he had been attempting to do for far too long. He was also well aware that if his father was still alive, he would more than likely have been encouraging him to produce an heir. Instead Edward had focused on, and taken pride in building his father’s empire since he passed away. The time had gone quickly, and it was only recently that he realised he had been upholding the reputation and the family’s name on his own for the last nine years.
This train of thought was interrupted by Jenkins, informing him that his mother wished if possible for him to have tea with herin the drawing room. Edward closed the ledger, and left the study to join her feeling surprised by the amount of small plates, covered in cakes and biscuits, which had been laid on the table for tea. Cynthia smiled as soon as she saw the look on his face, and told him that she wanted to create a relaxing atmosphere for when she conducted her interview with Miss Barlow.
Edward had mixed feelings about what she had done. It was a step too far too soon. It seemed that the Duchess had already decided Sophia would be a suitable replacement for Ruth so intended to befriend her, without even meeting her or taking part in an interview. Clearly this was wishful thinking, which was perfectly understandable and to some extent matched his own. He hoped very much that Owen’s sister did impress his mother when the two ladies met. However it still concerned him that Ruth had set a high standard to follow. She truly had been a wonderful companion. Nothing had been too much trouble for her to do, and she seemed to understand the Duchess’ every need. He sincerely hoped again that his mother wouldn't be disappointed with Miss Barlow in any way. For his own part he was prepared to dispense with the need for references since she was Owen's sister, a companion was needed very quickly, and he was happy to rely on his own judgement of character.
This train of thought was interrupted by Cynthia who told him that she wished he wouldn’t travel as much, and reminded him once again of her wish for grandchildren. Especially now that she was older. What he had said last night at dinner gave her hope that he was going to take the matter more seriously. The Duchess hesitated at this point, but she clearly had something else she wished to say to him. So she continued by reminding Edward that she had hoped something more would come of his relationship with Felicity whom she now understood had given her husband, Lord Longford, a son.
The Duchess' words were enough to turn Edward's thoughts once again to his selfishness in waiting this long to find a spouse. Admittedly he had time on his side, since he wasn't yet thirty years of age, and however hard he tried he still wasn't entirely convinced that the right woman whom he could love would come along. Evenwhen he did begin to look for her in earnest. Or at the very least believe he could make a life with. He began to frown, and quickly stopped himself. Not wishing his mother to see him doing it. Nevertheless she didn't know or understand why he had been quite so reticent in the past about speaking to Joey's father, and making a proposal for Felicity's hand in marriage.
Despite the imminent arrival of Mr and Miss Barlow, Ned knew that he couldn't wait any longer to tell his mother the real reason why he hadn't married. She had clearly only just found out that Felicity was now a mother. He went to stand next to her chair, and put his arm around her shoulders. "Mama, I am so sorry you feel hurt. I understand how much you want a daughter-in-law and grandchildren, and I also know how much you are troubled by Ruth leaving you so suddenly. However the loss of Felicity as a wife wasn't in any way due to laziness, or lack of attention on my part. It is difficult for me to tell you this, but in the same way as I loved Joey as a friend, I did have similar feelings for her. Nevertheless it wasn't quite so simple." Edward hesitated, and cleared his throat.
"After Joey was killed in a skirmish with Napoleon's soldiers before the Battle of Waterloo, it left an enormous hole in both of our hearts and lives. So that each time we looked at each other it reminded us too much of how close, and inseparable the three of us had been as children. Even so there was a part of me that still couldn't accept I wouldn't have been able to prevent my best friend's death. Even if I had been in France with him, which would have been against Papa's wishes for me to stay in England." Edward sighed heavily. "It was never really spoken of by Felicity and I, but I saw it in her eyes when they misted with tears after she looked into mine. Both of us had been badly hurt by Joey's death, and strangely enough because we had been so close when he was alive, we couldn't rely on this to console us. Every time we looked at each other we had too many memories. With the result that Felicity soon took to avoiding me whenever she could, and I couldn't pursue her. It didn't seem right or proper to do this. When the mourning period was finished and she came out, I understand that she accepted the first proposal she received. As you already know it was from Lord Longford, and now, Felicity has given him a son. I am very sorry I didn't feel able to tell you sooner, mama,about how I felt. However, my feelings for Felicity have begun to fade, and you have my word that I shall begin my search for a wife."
The way the Duchess of Carlfield said, "my poor boy, Ned, I am so very sorry. I didn't realise," only made him love her even more. Making the feeling stronger as she saw that her own eyes had filled with tears.
Neither of them had time to say anything else however, since Jenkins knocked politely on the door to announce the arrival of Miss Sophia Barlow for her interview.
Chapter 8
Sophia took a deep breath as she walked into the drawing room, and tried to calm her thudding heart. Wishing that Owen and Hannah had been able to accompany her, she suddenly noticed the most handsome gentleman she had ever seen looking at her. He stepped forward immediately to greet her, with a smile which reached his eyes. As if he sensed her discomfort, and wished very much to put her at ease. Edward introduced himself as the Duke of Carlfield before gesturing to an older woman whom he explained was his mother, Lady Cynthia Carlisle.
Sophia could feel the heat in her cheeks from the intensity of the Duke’s gaze, and realised that she must be blushing. So much so that she had forgotten to curtsy. When she did remember it was almost too late so became rushed, and not as elegant as it ought to have been. However in that split second she knew, from the excitement and warmth she felt inside, that she had never been as attracted to anyone else in the same way as the Duke. Certainly not any of the gentlemen Lucas had arranged for her to meet. She also realised just how nice his mother looked. Cynthia was smiling at her kindly, and had motioned for her to take a seat. Whilst the housemaid who had appeared with a fresh pot of tea, since the first one had been left standing for too long without being poured, was attending to this. Having been instructed to do so by Jenkins, the Butler.
Sophia felt her hands tremble when she accepted the cup and saucer from her. Hoping that she wouldn't drop them, and disgrace herself. Thankfully she had politely refused to take the piece of the cake which had been also offered to her. The white icing on the top looked delicious, and her taste buds had responded accordingly, but the mere risk of speaking with her mouth full was enough to prevent this. Why did the Duke have to be quite so handsome, and a distraction she couldn't help thinking in frustration? When all she needed was to concentrate completely on the interview, to do her best. She had been drawn straight away into the intensity of his dark, brooding eyes. His broad shoulders and slim waist were equally attractive and although he wasn'tfashionably dressed so far as she knew, but elegantly, it was definitely in the style of a gentleman. Without any outrageous colour for his cravat or waistcoat, which were both a subdued shade of blue. Almost the perfect match for her best dress, she couldn't help thinking but not understanding why this made her blush even more.
The interview was always going to be difficult, without the excitement she now felt because of being in such close proximity to him, and the deliciously warm feeling she had inside. While her inner voice was screaming at her that she must pull herself together, or risk not being able to present herself properly to her new employer, and face once again being doomed to a loveless marriage to Lord Dilley.
Meanwhile, Edward was watching Miss Barlow carefully. She was exceptionally nervous. Just then she looked up from her tea cup, and her hazel eyes met his. Edward was immediately mesmerised by the softness in them. She was equally moved by the light in his blue eyes, which fascinated her. At times it appeared almost green, and she was unable to avert her gaze. Resulting in them both staring at each other for a moment too long, which could easily have been deemed scandalous had they been in a different situation.
Much to his surprise Sophia's ethereal beauty had captivated the Duke, and this train of thought was soon interrupted by a delighted Cynthia. She hadn't failed to notice any of this, or that Sophia was exactly as she had hoped she would be. Very beautiful to the point of being willowy, softly spoken, and demure. Perfect for what she now had in mind. Moreover if she knew anything about it, which she did, nature had already started to play its part in the way Ned had looked at her. After his earlier admission about Joey's sister, Cynthia had soon felt the need to give her son a helping hand. She appreciated that some might well regard it as meddling, including himself. However she felt vindicated by the fact that she had become a lot more forgetful lately, which she hoped he hadn't noticed. She had begun to feel her increasing age, and this was the main reason she had wished to replace Ruth as quickly as possible. Even more so now, if the quite charming MissSophia Barlow could also set Ned well and truly on the path to finding love.
There was also the niggling thought at the back of her mind that she was partially to blame for what had happened to Ned. Not that she had of course wanted him to die at Waterloo, but her husband wished initially to give his blessing to him accompanying Joey when he went to fight Napoleon. He said it was a matter of honour, and was proud that it was in his son's blood to do it. She was the one who had argued vehemently, and possibly selfishly, against it. Pointing out that Ned was his only heir, and May it never come to pass, what would happen if he didn't come back? Maybe she shouldn't have been quite as quick to think this. Given the effect which it ultimately had on Ned, but this was the opportunity now to make everything right again.
Having Sophia in their lives would give them both a new lease of life. Just because she wasn't like the rest of those mostly dreadful mamas she had to listen to every season, since she didn't have a daughter to launch, that didn't mean she couldn't help her only son find a wife. Albeit without letting him know what she was up to. She had always been a no nonsense sort of woman, which meant that she didn't have a great deal of hesitation now in giving Ned a helping hand when he needed it. He was obviously still grieving for the loss of Joey, and Felicity too.
Cynthia knew from her own experience of true love, that having the right woman share his life would cure him from the horror she anticipated he felt whenever he gazed sadly into the distance. If this occurred at the dining table his food would be left untouched, and he seemed so far away that he could no longer hear her voice speaking to him. Even though he was sitting in the most beautiful room beneath the most enchanting candlelight, being served exquisite food on the finest antique plates in the land, Ned was like a lost soul. Whilst it was her duty as his mother, especially now that his Papa was no longer with them, to help him make his way in life.
Cynthia had learned from her own marriage to his father, in particular at the end of his life, that it was only love which couldsave us in times of despair and hopelessness. A love which was so strong that it had the power to overcome whatever obstacles fate placed in our way, and make us truly want to live again. That was the love she wished for Ned, and made no apology for the way in which she was prepared now to help him get it. No, this was the right decision to make! Whatever polite society might think of his romance if it should be with Miss Sophia Barlow, and from the way they had looked at each other a moment ago, there was every chance it might well be. Cynthia sat up straight in her chair, even more determined than ever that this should work out well for them both, and her too.
