Bess stood in the doorway, hand over mouth, her eyes twinkling with amusement. George came up behind her.
“They were kissing,” Bess announced unabashedly.
“Were they, indeed?” George replied. “And high time too, I say.” He stepped forward and shook Tobias’s hand. “You are a brave man to take on a force like Sophia. Just the sort of brother we need in the family.”
“Oh, pooh!” cried Bess. “You men already outnumber us. We need more women in our ranks.”
“Perhaps you will have your wish, Bess, now that Sophia has cleared the way for us all.”
At last, the Grant family had a wedding to celebrate. They were as planets, circling the orbit of the radiant couple. For Tobias, his world was now complete. He sighed contentedly, his eyes never swerving from his precious love. And when Sophia returned his gaze, without fear or hesitation, he knew all would be well.
Chapter Twenty-Six
To wait amonth seemed like an eternity. But Papa had insisted on having the banns read so that all would know their happy news.
Sophia thought the days would crawl by. All she wanted now was to be with Tobias. No more worry. No more secrets.
Well, maybe just the one. She had been preparing a little surprise, with Katie as her willing accomplice. Sophia did not even tell Adriana when she and Freddy came to visit. It was enough to see the family whole again. She did not need to draw attention to her little project.
She almost let the truth slip out with Tobias. He was so observant; it was hard to hide anything from him. So, she talked about Italy. And distracted him with kisses. It was very effective.
In the end, the month was full and glorious and a wonderful prelude for all that lay ahead.
When the day finally arrived, Sophia felt strangely calm. She did one more check that her trousseau was ready and all her papers were carefully bound in their leather portfolio. Her bonnet and a light coat lay waiting on the bed.
Katie brushed her hair. They had discussed twisting daisies into her strands, but Sophia was afraid the bonnet would crush them. Besides, her dress was cheerful enough—a grass-green muslin with white lace trim about the neck and shoulders. Itmatched her dark looks and the renewed freshness of her spirit. She felt young—girlish, even.
All the way to church that summer morning, she flexed her feet in the carriage. Her father merely thought she was nervous. She knew better. After all, there was nothing about marrying Tobias that brought any sensation other than joyous anticipation. But her feet must be ready, and strong.
Papa descended the carriage and helped Bess down first. Then he beckoned to the footman to carry Sophia into the church.
“No, Papa, I can manage.”
Her father looked dubious. “Let me at least help you down the steps.” He took her by the waist and lifted her lightly through the air, setting her down carefully. He waited until she had steadied herself before he let go. But he did not step back.
“Do not worry, Papa, I can stand on my own two feet. I’ve been practicing.” She looked at the long path to the church entrance. “Perhaps, though, I might not mind leaning upon you a little.”
“It would be my privilege,” he replied, tucking her hand into his elbow and wrapping it with his own. But he remained somewhat distracted. “It is a long distance to Italy,” he murmured, patting her hand absentmindedly. “And you are likely to push yourself too hard. Are you certain it is for the best? We could take care of you until his lordship and your husband return.”
Sophia turned to face her father. “I am strong enough, Papa. You will see. And I will write to you every day to share all the adventures I am having. You will be assured of my wellbeing. Even a little amazed, I should think.”
Her father squeezed her hand. “I am sufficiently amazed already. There is no need to prove yourself to me.”
Sophia looked up towards the church entrance. It was a portal to her new life—one in which she could be fully herself. Papa was right. There was nothing more to prove, just a life to be lived, and lived well.
Her brothers had preceded them on horseback and were already seated inside, but a handful of people waited outside the door to greet the bride. As Sophia took her first steps, Adriana hastened toward her.
“Fee! It is too far. You will tire before you reach the building.”
“I feel fine, Deedee. But you may walk with me if you wish. Though I daresay your condition is more fragile than mine.”
Adriana blushed and touched her hand to her belly. “It is scarcely a bump yet. How did you know?”
“Freddy has been beaming like the cat that got the cream.” Sophia indicated toward him with her head. “Though you could have waited until I came back from Italy. I will be sorry to miss the arrival of your little one.”
“Well, I hope to be there to welcome yours.”
“One thing at a time,” replied Sophia, stopping to catch her breath. She looked toward the door, estimating the distance that remained to pace herself. “Is that Lord Carthige with Freddy and the vicar?”
