As far as she was concerned, the other mamas could gossip as much as they wished to about the Duke marrying his servant, if it should happen that way, because they would still have had love in their lives. Something which sadly not everyone did. In reaching this decision the Duchess had however completely ignored the effect of being named in the scandal sheets, and being shunned by polite society. Since she believed what she read in them to be mostly wicked lies. There was far too much hypocrisy in the world now! She had also never been one for abiding by social rules set by others. People who caused great unhappiness, and should frankly know better.
She laughed then with delight at the possibility of her wish coming true, causing her to splutter into her tea, and Ned looked curiously at her. Not wishing to make him suspicious about what some might regard as a highly unladylike scheme, she turned it quickly into a cough. Using her embroidered handkerchief to cover her mouth. "All better now," she said, innocently enough, and with a beaming smile. Making him wonder what she had been thinking about. His heart sank when he imagined what it could have been, but at least she seemed to be in good spirits again for which he was grateful.
Still smiling Cynthia began the interview by asking Sophia to tell them a little about herself, and her education. Feeling that these were safe and easy subjects for her to talk about, without of course knowing the truth of the situation. That Sophia was alreadyon the verge of causing a scandal by running away from home, and an arranged marriage to Lord Dilley.
Chapter 9
Without wishing to do so Sophia quickly looked away from the Duke, to smile at his mother instead. In her best softly spoken voice she politely expressed concern that her Ladyship had suffered the loss of Ruth, and how hard this must have been for her before she began to talk about the small, and relatively unknown, finishing school for young ladies which Lucas had found for her in Wales. Without adding that this had no doubt been a much cheaper option than sending her abroad or letting her stay in England. As anticipated neither the Duke nor Duchess had heard of it, but were happy for her to continue talking about what she had learned.
"Essentially I was taught to be a debutante, your Ladyship, and prepare for the London season which led to me being presented to Queen Charlotte. Unfortunately however, due to a pressing family matter, I was unable to continue the season this year. My brother advised me to seek employment with you, after he had spoken to the Duke," Sophia said, inclining her head respectfully to Edward, to acknowledge the part he had played in her being with them.
"I am very grateful that attending a finishing school also made me suitable as a ladies' companion. I have already been introduced to polite society, and learned the social skills I will need to satisfy your expectations. Of lesser importance I learned French for several months, perfected my dancing, and deportment, also how to curtsey properly with a level of dignity and poise."
Cynthia nodded in complete agreement with what Sophia had said, impressed by her presentation at Court, and asked her then about the accomplishments she was most proud of. That made Sophia's heart sink. Owen and she hadn't talked about the questions she might be asked, assuming that they would be straightforward and factual like the first one. Making her feel bewildered by the latest one. In her opinion her greatest achievement so far in life had to be writing poetry, and that shewas a blue stocking, but she had already made her own mind up not to mention this.
Seeing her hesitation and alarm, the Duke attempted to help her reply to the question, by pointing out that there really was no need to be shy, which only made Sophia feel even more anxious than she already did. Since she regarded his observation as a likely criticism of her social skills. Realising she wouldn't have any longer to think about it or that there would be anything else she could truthfully say she began, hesitantly at first, to talk about her writing. Much to Cynthia's delight when Sophia's face came alive with joy, and a clear feeling of love for what she did. This also resulted in Edward not being able to stop himself from staring at her again. Miss Sophia Barlow was truly an extraordinary young lady, and had come into their lives like a breath of fresh air.
Nevertheless the Duke was feeling more than a little confused, which he couldn't solely attribute to the obvious attraction he felt for her. When she had walked through the door he had been stunned by how beautiful she was, clearly very intelligent, yet seemed to be attempting at first to present herself as one of those vapid debutantes he detested. She hadn't revealed the reason for her leaving the season. He hadn't however heard her name mentioned in connection with any of the current scurrilous gossip, but equally it didn't seem unreasonable to assume that a great beauty like her would have received any number of marriage proposals even though it was only her first season. He wondered why she hadn't simply accepted one of them, to prevent Owen's advice to her to seek employment. Although he didn't agree with marrying where love wasn't at the heart of it, that was by far the easiest way out for so many young women who didn't otherwise have the means to support themselves.
He also assumed correctly that there was a definite spark to her personality beneath the subdued exterior she had projected, which only served to intrigue him. There was clearly a lot more to Miss Sophia Barlow than met the eye. The question now was whether he could take the chance of employing her when she didn't have any previous experience of being a ladies' companion, or what this actually entailed. Even more importantly there wassomething which he couldn't quite put his finger on, and that she wasn't telling them about her personal circumstances.
It was clear that his mother liked her enormously, and wished him to appoint her. Judging by the encouraging looks she had been giving him. Along with the occasional tap on his ankle with her shoe, which had grown harder the longer the interview continued. Nevertheless it had to be said that the Duchess did have an impetuous nature, and he had inherited the duty from his father of having to manage this from time to time, to avoid her getting into difficulty. However, knowing from experience that she also liked to get her own way and could be quite difficult when she didn't, maybe he should give Sophia the benefit of the doubt despite his reservations? He had been intending to do this earlier, since he had met her father and liked her brother enormously. There was also the matter of her being the only applicant for the position.
Even though he wouldn't be there to oversee her employment Mrs Agnes Pender, the housekeeper in Yorkshire, was highly trusted by him along with of course Jenkins. They could deal with any impropriety which might occur during his absence abroad, if an intervention proved necessary, which he of course hoped it wouldn't. All this was less than ideal, but it could be the only solution to the dilemma. He really didn't want to lose the trading agreement with Lord Watson by not going to Paris, or incur the Duchess' wrath by not employing who she wished as a companion. Mostly however, irrespective of her employment, he needed to distance himself from the infatuation he felt for Miss Barlow when this was highly inappropriate.
Meanwhile the two ladies were deeply engrossed in conversation about the poetry they liked to read. Sophia discovered that Lady Cynthia enjoyed a wide variety of verse, and novels. Including her favourite William Butler Yeats, and much to her delight, Miss Jane Austen. She was able to respond by telling her ladyship that she was still reading Northanger Abbey. The Duchess also apparently liked being read to, and said that she found Sophia's voice gentle and soothing, which Edward also couldn't deny.
Until Sophia became so carried away by the conversation and sheer joy that her employer wouldn't prevent her from reading as much as she wished to, the truth came out then that she alsoloved writing her own verse. Cynthia was very impressed by this, and began to talk about the soiree she had already arranged when there would be poetry readings. Both of them became very excited by the prospect of this, and the Duke was delighted to see his mother become so animated. Ruth hadn't unfortunately been as well educated as Sophia, or a great reader. Despite the Duchess trying to encourage her to pick up a book at every opportunity, and although she tried her best, she obviously wasn't a great lover of reading but more well versed in the practicalities of being a ladies' companion.
Sophia's heart was racing, and she summoned all of the willpower she possibly could to appear composed. When she caught the Duke staring at her again with his dark, and brooding, eyes this had felt a little intimidating. Despite her attraction to him, he was a titled gentleman whereas she was a merchant's daughter, far below him on the social scale and even worse than that, not being entirely honest about her circumstances. Nevertheless she hadn't experienced anything in the past like her feelings for him now. She could sense the power within him, and his strength, which made the butterflies in her stomach begin to flutter. She couldn't understand why Owen hadn't warned her that the Duke could be so intimidating. Especially when he started to frown, as he did now. Giving her reason to tear her eyes away from him.
Sophia decided then that there would be little or no advantage in exaggerating her own accomplishments. Why would the Duke of Carlfield and his mother be interested in that? A tiny voice inside reminded her that she was already being less than honest with them, so she should at least tell the truth about everything else. Then again, if she proved herself to be an excellent companion as she fully intended to try to do, would it really matter to them later why she had wanted the position? Surely a powerful duke and his mother wouldn't be interested in her personal life? Why should they be? Sophia began to feel a little better once she had thought of this, and began to tell Cynthia about the nature poem she was still working on.
Sophia was completely caught off guard when the Duchess became incapable of containing her excitement, and said that she would like to appoint her as a companion. Much to the surprise of the Duke who had rather assumed that the decision would be his to make. Although he would of course have consulted the Duchessfirst. Nevertheless, irrespective of all the reasons he had already told himself should be against it, he was inclined to agree with her when they discussed it later that Miss Barlow seemed to be the perfect choice.
He took control of the conversation at that point, to remind Sophia and his mother of his intention for them to leave London the following morning, and travel by carriage to Yorkshire. So the offer which had been made was subject to Miss Barlow being able to travel with them,to which Sophia readily agreed.
Hannah was waiting inside her carriage, whilst Owen walked up and down outside, since they were without a chaperone. It was a bittersweet moment when Sophia told them her news. They were highly delighted on the one hand that she would be able to escape marrying Lord Dilley, but not that this also meant they would no longer see each other for some time if all went well for Sophia in her new position, as they very much hoped it would. Hannah said immediately that her carriage would call for her in the morning, to take her back to Belgravia, so that she wouldn't be late to travel to the Duke's Yorkshire estate.
Later that evening, Sophia was busy packing her belongings putting the pearl and coral necklace carefully into the smaller bag she intended to keep with her at all times. Along with a handkerchief, and the small amount of money Owen had been able to give her. Assuring her that he could easily manage to do this when she expressed concern. Not wishing her to leave without any money at all, he told her that she must spend it if she wanted, or needed to. Although he was certain that her new employer would take care of any emergency which might arise. The Duke of Carlfield was an honourable gentleman, so she need not be afraid of being part of his household.
Owen had also told her that he had spoken briefly to Edward after she had joined Hannah in the carriage, and the Duke confirmed that she had made an excellent impression on the Duchess. However, he didn't of course admit to the effect which Sophia had on him, so Owen remained unaware of this. He did however add that he would make certain she was well cared forwhile she was under his roof, the same as he did for all of his servants, helping to dismiss Owen's fears for Sophia. All he had to do now was make sure that she left safely, and Lucas didn't discover her whereabouts.
Thankfully he had also been able to confirm that Lucas would be out all evening. Furthermore. as he was expecting to drink a lot of alcohol which he often did, he would stay the night at one of his favourite clubs and wouldn’t be home until late the following morning. Fate had once again been in Sophia's favour! This meant that she would have sufficient time to make her escape while he wasn't at home. Hopefully even be well on the way out of London, before he became aware of her absence.
Meanwhile Edward was seated at the dinner table with his mother while the servants were getting ready to move back to Yorkshire the following day. Most of them were thrilled by the prospect of it, regarding the north of England as their home. Despite the hustle and bustle of London being a welcome change every year the general opinion remained that it was always nice to go home, and see the loved ones they had left behind.
The Duke's thoughts were however filled with Sophia. He hadn't expected her to be as beautiful as she was, and had to continually remind himself that she was far beyond his reach as his mother’s companion. There couldn't possibly be anything romantic between them. Irrespective of how much he desired this. He could imagine the scandal it would cause if a prominent duke of the land, such as himself, was to begin courting a lady so far beneath his social rank. He could still see the indignation on the faces of those persistent mama's in London, who couldn't believe he wasn't interested in any of their daughters, which almost made him smile again. Whilst Miss Sophia Barlow was entirely different to them. His mother also couldn't stop herself from repeatedly commenting on what a lovely young woman she was. Leaving Edward to summon every ounce of willpower he had, so as to not seem too interested in her, and encourage the Duchess in any of the plotting she might have in mind.
He was more than ever now secretly relieved to be going abroad. It would give him good reason to stay away from the fantasising he felt certain his mother was doing, about the enchanting Miss Barlow and himself. Ned knew her well enough to realise that a possible romance, between her new companion and son, could easily have become her latest scheme to create a better world. However inappropriate this might be the Duchess was often perfectly content to ignore social convention, leaving it to him to guide her. Irrespective of how difficult it might prove to be on this occasion.
Chapter 10
The following morning Sophia was woken at dawn by Amy knocking quietly on the door of her bedchamber. The maid was holding a tray with a cup of tea on it which she had made for her. Amy was always the first one to get up in the morning. One of her duties was to get everything ready for the family before they left their beds. Including lighting the fires in winter, and boiling water for them to wash. So not long afterwards she returned with a jug of hot water.
Although she hadn't intended to at first, Sophia had told her about her plan to leave that morning after swearing the maid to secrecy on the small silver locket she always wore under her dress. Sophia knew this had been a gift from her mother before she left home to go into service. Also that she treasured it dearly, since it had been in their family for many years. So both of them appreciated the gravity of the promise she made not to reveal Sophia's secret, and that she would not only be letting herself down but also her mother and family if she did.
When Amy said that she wasn't in the least surprised by her decision to go, she had hoped that Sophia would reveal her intended destination, but all she would say was that she had found a safe place. The two young women hugged each other realising just how much they would miss each other's companionship. "Promise me that if things get any worse here, Amy, you will find another position," Sophia said, anxiously. Afraid that she would be the next one to fall foul of Lucas' bad temper.
