The Temporary Betrothal by Lily George Read Free Book Online

felt that kind of
desperation. Maybe my sister hid it from me. I even turned down two marriage
proposals.”
    Lucy spluttered and choked on her tea. “Beg pardon?” she
coughed, dabbing at her eyes with her handkerchief. The waitress returned with a
small china plate of sandwiches.
    Sophie waited until the waitress left before picking up the
thread of conversation.
    “Yes, it’s true. I turned down Captain John Brookes and another
redcoat—James Marable.” It was embarrassing to admit it now. Especially as Lucy
sat staring at her, looking at her as though she had just sprouted horns on the
top of her head.
    “Why?” Lucy took a careful sip of her tea, continuing to eye
Sophie over the rim of her cup.
    “Because I did not love them.” Why did it feel like an
admission of guilt? After all, Harriet had promised her long ago that she did
not have to marry anyone she did not love. Even after Mama died and Sophie was
riddled with guilt and sorrow, Harriet promised her she had made the right
choice.
    Lucy set down her cup with a clink. “Well, then, I must say
yes. It sounds to me that your sister did protect you. I envy you your freedom,
Sophie. Most young women in dire poverty would marry anyone without delay. No
picking and choosing allowed.”
    “And that’s why I am seeking my own fortune.” Sophie lifted her
chin in the air. It wasn’t as if she was lolling about in bed all day, eating
bonbons. She worked very hard for Lord Bradbury and his daughters. And she was
building a future for herself until she could strike out on her own and become a
modiste with a proper shop.
    “And so you are.” Lucy reached out and clasped Sophie’s hand
warmly. “But listen, Sophie. Not everyone’s experience is akin to yours. We do
not all have the same background, breeding or talent to make something of
ourselves. And to be perfectly honest, not all of us are as pretty as you.” She
released Sophie’s hand. “You mustn’t judge other women for what they may choose
to do to survive.”
    “I don’t,” Sophie protested. “I am just stunned, that’s all. In
our days of poverty, I never had to consider such a thing. And it both addles me
and humbles me to know that others do. I never knew how hard my sister worked as
a writer to save my family until this moment.”
    A sympathetic light kindled in Lucy’s eyes, easing some of the
turmoil in Sophie’s heart. Lucy wasn’t dismayed by her refusal to marry. And for
that she was grateful.
    Lucy tapped the table with her forefinger for emphasis as she
spoke again. “So now that you have this position, what do you wish to do with
the rest of your life?”
    “I wish for peace and freedom.” Why, she could even feel it—the
sensation of being lifted up on wings. Not relying on anyone. Making her own way
in the world. “I should like to have my own dress shop someday. When Amelia and
Louisa no longer need my services.”
    “And what of marriage? If another proposal came your way, what
would you say?” Lucy cocked her head to one side.
    “I do not know.” An image of brown eyes in a stern face flashed
before her mind’s eye. Charlie Cantrill. If Charlie asked her, what would she
say? And why was she thinking of him, anyway? Theirs was a mere business
relationship. “It would depend upon the gentleman, and my own feelings in the
matter.”
    “Ah, c’est bon. ” Lucy stirred her
teacup meditatively. She fell silent, brooding over the steaming brew.
    Sophie regarded her carefully. Lucy seemed so lively, so
independent, and yet she had no family. Other than her charges and the other
servants, she had no one to speak to, to care for. Her existence must be so
lonely. She needed to find others to share her life with. Perhaps reading to
Ensign Rowland would allow her to branch out, and forge connections with
others.
    “Lucy, you’re so clever.” Best to start with flattery. Everyone
loved a nice compliment. “There’s someone who needs your help. Lieutenant
Cantrill