Chapter Eight
Sophia paused outside the drawing room. Her family was assembled inside the room already: her mother, both brothers, her niece and nephew, Hannah, as well as Oliver. The bell calling them to dinner would be rung in about thirty minutes, which left her just enough time for her to reveal her engagement and intention to marry.
This is going to cause a sensation.
Would that prove too much excitement for her heart? The last six months she’d spent as a shell of her former self, too afraid to do anything, to enjoy anything for fear she would expire prematurely. And now, here she was, with a pretty ruby ring on her finger on the verge of telling her family that she would marry for the third and last time, merely to settle her daughter’s future and to make sure her own last days weren’t spent in loneliness or boredom.
Were those two things good enough reasons?
Only time would tell, and unfortunately, time was what she didn’t have in abundance. As she leaned her back against the wall, low-pitched laughter drifted to her location. Easily, she discerned Oliver’s timbre. It tugged a small smile from her. Truly, the man was a gem and as honorable as they came. For him to do this, to give up so much for her sake? She was still in awe of that, but the worry she carried wouldn’t subside. How could she look forward to the upcoming wedding? How would they even be allowed a license?
There were so many unknowns.
Finally, Sophia stirred. She couldn’t very well stand about skulking in the corridor for the remainder of the evening. After taking a deep breath, she let it ease out between her lips, squared her shoulders, and then entered the drawing room. Both of her brothers held snifters of brandy while occupying two matching chairs. Julianna sat in one opposite Arthur’s. Her fat beagle—Regent—reclined at her feet as if he were indeed his namesake. Oliver stood by the fireplace with a hand resting on the mantel. Her mother occupied a sofa with Hannah beside her. One of the kittens lay curled in a ball in a corner of the sofa. The other one was nowhere to be found. Charles and Emily sat on the opposite sofa across a low table from them. Every one of them was so dear to her! How could she leave them with nothing but memories and grief?
“Good evening, family.” She glanced at Julianna. “And soon-to-be family.”
Regent lifted his head and gave a soft bark of welcome.
Her brothers and nephew scrambled to their feet. The grin on Oliver’s face had the power to steal her breath, for in his expression was such pleasure, such pride, that she couldn’t imagine her mere presence in a room could affect anyone thusly. If fortune was with her, she would belong to him in days and he to her.
I hope, for I… I need him.
“Good evening, Sophia.” Arthur lifted his glass in salute as he regained his seat. “You look like summer itself. It’s good to see a bit of color in your cheeks again.”
“Thank you.” The mint green gown she’d chosen was lined with pink tulle at the bodice. A spattering of tiny pink glass beads and seed pearls decorated the hem and cuffs of the short sleeves. It was a garment that brought her comfort and confidence, both of which she would need tonight, and she felt pretty while wearing it. Her heart ached as she thought of all the lovely gowns in her clothespress she wouldn’t have the occasion or opportunity to don if she expired like the doctor warned. With an effort, she shoved those musings from her mind. Now was not the time. “I’ve decided to dress as if there is no tomorrow—and because it pleases me.”
Her mother smiled. “Life is very precious and should be celebrated as a gift each day.”
“Yes.” Sophia nodded at Gilbert, who rolled his eyes and readjusted his hold on the head of his cane. Then she winked at Charles, who snickered. Once everyone seated themselves, she drifted to a chair near Oliver’s location. “I am glad you are all here, for there is something I would say to you.”
Truly, there was no sense in dancing about the issue or causing a delay.
Immediately, all attention turned to her. Hannah fairly bounced out of her seat, so great was her excitement. Even Regent glanced in her direction, though she suspected the fat hound assumed there would be food involved.
Concern shadowed Arthur’s face. “Are you well? Has your health taken a turn for the worse?”
“Not yet.” She refused to think about that at the moment. Instead, she peeked at Hannah, who grinned like a cheeky monkey. “As all of you know, six months ago, my life changed in ways I had never anticipated, in ways that I’ve been trying to make sense of ever since.” Then she looked at Oliver and flutters moved through her belly.
He gave her a nod of encouragement. The affection and support in those stormy eyes of his imparted a modicum of peace.
I have been quite fortunate.
A tiny sigh escaped her. She forced a hard swallow into her suddenly dry throat. “When one faces a certain early death, everything comes into sharp relief.” With a small smile, she glanced about at her family. These people had been there for her every step of the way. “I suppose, in a way, death is what gives meaning to life, for we know that we will all eventually succumb, but we don’t know when.”
Gilbert harrumphed. “Must we be maudlin tonight? What is it you are trying to say?”
“For shame, Gilbert,” their mother hissed in a whisper. “Have some compassion. You will miss your sister when she’s gone.”
One would like to think.
“I apologize.” Her brother drained his glass, and his hand shook slightly. “Pray, continue, Sister.”
Sophia nodded. Suddenly, everything was just so very… tiring and ordinary. She wished to withdraw into herself, seek wisdom, and solace there, but that wouldn’t solve her problems. And she’d spent all too many days and nights like that already.
No more. Now, just as Oliver had said in the maze, it was time to live, to extract every ounce of joy and happiness from the days she had left.
“Earlier today, I had an interesting conversation with Mr. Mattingly.” Again, her gaze strayed to him. He straightened to his full height, tugged on the hem of his dinner jacket, and she admired that proud bearing, the handsome profile he made. For a younger man, he was quite fine, and she still couldn’t believe she’d said yes to him. “In any event, the ambassador presented me with a sound step for my future.” As all the members of her family stared, Sophia smiled. “I have agreed to marry him.”