The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch (best new books to read .TXT) 📗

bright smile on her face. “I’m sure it will be a lovely dinner. You’re doing good work helping the ladies learn skills that will aid them in leaving their former lives behind. I’m afraid you’re correct though. I won’t be able to attend your party. I’m afraid I won’t be here.” If she presented the situation as fait accompli, perhaps Mother wouldn’t put up too much fuss. “Mamie and I are planning a trip to the seashore for a few weeks. We’re leaving as soon as possible. By tomorrow, if we can.”

When she realized she was rushing her words and twisting her fingers red, Sophie forced herself to relax. “You may wish to invite the new baron and his wife though. It would give you an excellent chance to study them, and I’m sure they’re curious about you as well. What do you plan to serve? Isn’t it nice that so many things are in season at the moment? Is Cilla going to help you with the flowers? She has such a nice touch with arrangements.”

Mother held up her hand. “Stop, Sophia. Don’t try to bury me in words. What’s this about a trip? With Mamie? Surely Marcus isn’t dropping everything to take you to the shore?”

“No.” Sophie said the word slowly. “Actually, he’s given permission for us to travel under the care of Captain Wyvern.”

The dowager’s sharp eyes went to the captain, who stood near the door. He wore his most commanding and haughty expression, and for some reason, Sophie wanted to giggle again. She’d mentioned that Mother loved pomp, and he was certainly providing that.

In spite of his demeanor, Mother shook her head, her tight curls bouncing on her cheeks. “Ridiculous. I forbid it. Get this notion out of your mind, Sophia. I won’t have my daughter traipsing about the countryside like a traveling minstrel. I’m shocked that Mamie, at her age, would even consider such a journey. You should both be content to stay at Haverly until your mourning period is over. Once that is completed, I shall begin the search for a new marriage partner for you.”

“No. No.” Sophie blinked, shaking her head. “No.” Why did she seem to be able to say nothing else? A new marriage? Unthinkable. She had already met the love of her life, and she had lost him. There would be no other. She backed up a couple of steps, grazing the mantel with her shoulder. “I do not wish to marry anyone.”

“You say that now, but you’re young. Once you get over the romance and the tragedy of it all, you’ll see that a sensible match is the best thing for your future. I always suspected I could get a better husband for you if you would have allowed me to conduct the search instead of accepting a mere baron’s proposal. Now, don’t get in a snit. Rich was a nice boy, and I liked him, but you have to admit, as a duke’s daughter, you could have had your pick of suitors. Certainly a marquess or an earl. Possibly even a duke.” Mother melted a bit of wax from the end of a stick onto the flap of an envelope and pressed her seal into it as it hardened. “I know what’s best for you. I shall begin casting my eye about, and this fall we can host a house party. It will be a bit on the early side, considering that Rich only passed away this summer, but it won’t hurt to look around. That way when the Season starts, we’ll have some ideas.”

Sophie couldn’t imagine the prospect of enduring a London Season as an eligible woman. She had foregone that ritual by becoming engaged to Rich before she had to make her society debut, and she had not regretted it for a moment, though her mother had moaned that she’d been done out of bringing a daughter out. Time to get back to the subject at hand. She would deal with Mother’s matchmaking schemes when she had to, but for now it was the trip that must be settled.

“Mother, Mamie is desirous of seeing her birthplace before she is no longer able, and I wish to accompany her. Marcus has given his blessing, provided you are also amenable to the idea. I feel a trip to the shore will be beneficial to me as well, a chance to get away from unpleasant memories and the changes that are bound to occur at Primrose and settle my mind to what lies ahead.” Mother might think that included a betrothal and marriage, but she would be disabused of that notion soon enough. “We will be under the watchful eye of Captain Wyvern, who has graciously offered to see to our protection and comforts.”

“Madam.” He bowed, clicking his heels together as he did so. “I assure you, the ladies will be safe in my care. I shall provide escort, see to their lodging and safety, and not leave their side until they are ensconced in suitable quarters. I shall make it my duty. And as you know, an officer’s duty is sacred.” He actually put his hand over his heart.

Sophie looked quickly out the window to hide her smile. Mother pushed her chair back and stood, all but floating over and presenting her hand. Did her lashes actually flutter?

“Captain, I am sure you would be a more than suitable chaperone for Lady Richardson and my daughter, but surely you can understand a mother’s misgivings? Sophia has never traveled on her own before, and she’s in such a fragile state of mind, what with being so recently bereaved. I’m afraid it’s quite impossible that she should leave home at this time.”

Sophie’s hopes sank. She should have brought Charlotte along to help her convince Mother.

But Sophie hadn’t counted upon the captain.

He took the dowager’s hand and led her to the settee. “Madam, I understand your concerns. I know it might be difficult to imagine, but as a captain, I have much the