Chapter Twenty-Three

 

The butler showed Sophie and Martin into the sitting room to wait. Sophie did not seat herself but paced nervously. Since she’d moved out of the palais, she hadn’t spoken to either her father or sister. Anton was the only one who had visited her at Palais Schelling and had dinner with her and Eleanor’s family.

They didn’t have to wait long as her father soon strode into the room. Count von Hagendorf greeted Martin jovially, shaking his hand enthusiastically while he barely spared a glance at his daughter.

“My dear boy, what can I do for you?”

Martin said, “Why don’t we ask the others to join us? I think it will be of interest to your whole family what we have to talk about.”

The count shrugged. He rang for the butler to inform his wife and children to come to the sitting room as soon as they finished their breakfast. While they were waiting for the others to arrive, Sophie’s father settled in his favourite chair and asked Martin to take a seat as well. Sophie was too wound up to sit and remained standing.

“Tell me, Count, what do you know about your soon-to-be son-in-law?” Martin asked boldly.

“What do you mean?” von Hagendorf replied defensively. “He is a man of substantial means, one of my business associates, and a widower.” He threw an angry glance at his daughter, but Sophie refused to meet his gaze or to feel guilty for this intrusion on the privacy of her father’s home.

“Do you know any of his other friends?” Martin asked.

“One or two, yes. Can you tell me what this is all about?” he asked impatiently but had to wait for an answer because his wife, son, and daughter entered the room. Helen and Emma appeared equally astounded to find Sophie there.

Anton was delighted to see his sister again. He rushed to her and hugged her fiercely. “You look good, Sophie," he whispered. “Love certainly suits you.”

“Thank you.” Sophie twinkled as she let go of him.

Anton remained by her side. “What’s this all about,” he whispered.

"Shhh. You’ll see.”

“Well?” the count said. “Why are you asking about von Bernthal?”

“Since you are so keen to know and you think so highly of the man, am I to believe that it doesn’t matter to you that he raped my cousin and is boasting about it to his friends in public?”

Martin spoke as emotionally devoid as possible when Sophie knew he was actually seething.

Emma turned paler than she already was. Helen gasped and covered her mouth in shock while the count went red with fury.

“Emma,” von Hagendorf said harshly, “is this true? Did Count von Bernthal violate you?”

Emma concentrated on her neatly folded hands in her lap. She would not look her father in the eye. Sophie had seen that stubborn look before on Emma with shame and anger bubbling up uncontrollably.

Emma jumped from her seat and rushed at Sophie, pointing an accusing finger at her. “This is all your fault,” Emma spat out. “If you hadn’t been so damn selfish and egotistical, none of this would have happened to me or to this family.”

“I beg your pardon?” Sophie was completely taken aback. “What are you talking about? Ever since Father decided you should marry this vile beast, I tried to stop it. You insisted I should step back and not meddle in your affairs.”

Emma shouted, “Because you refused to give father the money you inherited from your mother so he could save the factory. He would have lost everything if it weren’t for the count. We’d lose this palais, the villa, everything. I have to marry him because you wouldn’t help. Count von Bernthal said father would risk being shunned by his peers if they knew.”

Shocked, Sophie asked, “Is that why you told me to back off?”

“Of course. Since you were so adamant to keep your precious money to yourself, what was I to do? You could have prevented this entire mess from the beginning, but you were acting like an awful hypocrite.” Emma voice was harsh, and she wiped furiously at the tears of frustration running down her cheeks.

“Father?” Sophie took a deep breath. She felt broken inside at the arrogance of the man. He wouldn’t even acknowledge her. He refused to look her way. “Father, how could you? Your own damn pride was more important than your daughter’s health and welfare? You’d rather sell Emma to such a disgusting piece of work than ask me for money?”

“That is not the point.”

“Of course, it is the goddamned point,” Sophie shouted, outraged, before addressing her sister. “He never asked me for money, Emma. I didn’t know about his troubles at the factory. I was never approached by him. You must believe me. Because if he had asked, and if I had known what the alternative was, I’d have given the money to him in a heartbeat.”

“You never knew?” Emma asked wearily.

“No. I didn’t.”

“Why are you here now? It’s too late.” Emma cried dejectedly through her tears. “It’s done. Father took the money, and the Count took me.”

She sank into a chair, her shoulders slumped. There was no fight left in her, and the spirited sister Sophie knew was completely defeated.

Sophie looked around the room. Emma’s fate was now sealed, and everybody in the room knew the price paid, and on top of everything, Emma had alienated her sister and helped turn her out of her rightful home. Emma had done this because she was envious and willing to be hateful to Sophie in order to get her way.

Understanding came to Sophie as though she’d been hit by a wrecking ball. She understood now that she had always been the strongest of them. She had, despite her accident and mishap, a purpose in life, and she was free to love who she desired. She was free, unlike the family sitting in front of her.

“Slut.” Her mother’s voice broke the silence. Disgust at her daughter was written on her face. “I can’t believe it,” Helen shouted. “You’re nothing but a filthy little whore.”

“Mother!” Anton voice was outraged. He looked to his father, but he sat silently in his chair.

“What? Look at her!” Helen said. “Look at them! One is a filthy lesbian and the other a whore.” Helen staggered to her feet and before anybody knew what happened or could react, she rushed over to Emma and slapped her across the face.

Sophie stepped between her sister and stepmother, and Martin was at her side in an instant, glaring at his aunt. “Stop that right now,” he said, his words sharp. “She’s not at fault. Don’t you understand? Emma had no choice in the matter. The man raped her.”

Helen ignored him. “She has to marry! Now more than ever. Other-wise the scandal will ruin us. Ludwig, say something!”

Sophie observed her father, who sat sunken in his chair as if he had aged over the last few minutes. He met her gaze, and she no longer recognised the man she used to know. She thought she should feel for him but try as she might she simply couldn’t. Not after everything he had done. Her father had been lying and scheming, playing one daughter against the other to keep his pathetic pride and reputation.

So, she did what she should have done long ago. Sophie took a stand, certain he would not stop her. For the sake of avoiding too much uproar, she was willing to give up her mother’s inheritance. She didn’t care about the money, if only her sister could be saved from marriage to a monster.

“I will give you the money you need,” Sophie stated, “to pay off the Count and save your factory, but Emma is coming with me. She will leave this house never to return. I don’t care what you tell the count or your friends. That is what we will do.”

“All right,” he rasped, hanging his head in shame.

“If she leaves here, all she’ll get are the clothes she’s wearing right now,” Helen threatened viciously. “And she will no longer be welcome here.”

“Rest assured, she won’t need anything else from you, not now or ever.”

Sophie held out her hand to Emma who reluctantly took it and let herself be pulled to her feet. Martin took her other hand and they walked to the door

Before they left the room, Sophie stopped and spun around to face her father. “I will make sure everything is in order by the middle of next week. You will have control over my money by then and can get rid of the count. Anton, you are always welcome.”

“I know, Sophie,” he acknowledged gratefully as his sisters and cousin left. “Thank you.”

Martin helped them into the carriage before he climbed in himself and ordered Parker to drive to the palais where he knew his mother was waiting anxiously for their return. The ride was a solemn affair. Nobody said a word while Emma merely clung to her sister’s hand like a lifeline. Sophie put her arm around Emma’s shoulders and rested her chin gently on the top of her head. With her eyes closed, she sat rigidly, providing the strength Emma needed.

Martin looked at the shivering form of his cousin and the pillar of strength Sophie was for her sister. After everything that had happened between the sisters, he doubted he could have forgiven so easily.

He sighed heavily. If he needed any more proof that Sophie was the perfect match for his mother, he had gotten it. Martin would make sure to tell his mother how he felt now. She deserved to know.

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Eleanor descended the stairs when they entered the palais. When she spotted Emma next to Sophie, her lips curled into a slight smile.

“Welcome, Emma,” she said as she greeted Sophie with a chaste kiss on the cheek.

“Thank you,” Emma mumbled, unable to look at the woman she had betrayed so badly.

“Martin,” Eleanor suggested mildly, “why don’t you show Emma to the room Mrs. Kavanaugh has prepared for her? The one right next to your sister’s.”

“Of course, Mama.” He offered Emma his arm, which she took hesitantly, and led her upstairs.

Sophie and Eleanor watched them leave before Eleanor took her hand and said, “Come, darling.”

Hand in hand, they strolled into the library where Sophie stopped right inside the door to engulf Eleanor in a tight embrace. They didn’t know how long they stood holding on to each other but when Sophie felt her inner turmoil was settling, she reluctantly let go of Eleanor.

Eleanor brushed a stray hair behind Sophie’s ear and let her palm rest against a warm cheek. She saw the storm of emotions in the dark brown eyes. “Tell me!”

It was all the encouragement Sophie needed to get everything off her chest that she had learned at her father’s home. While she spoke, a myriad of conflicting emotions ran through her: anger, frustration, pity, fury, regret, loss, pain. She finished the sad tale by saying, “I still can’t believe he did all this.”

Sophie rose from her seat and moved over to the windows. Staring out into the garden, she saw the weather changing dramatically. Large, dark grey clouds were gathering, and in the distance, she saw a flash of lightning. It perfectly reflected her mood. She heard the rustle of skirts behind her and felt the warmth of Eleanor’s body behind her. Eleanor wrapped her arms around Sophie’s waist and rested her chin on her shoulder.

“Nothing of this is your fault,” Eleanor said softly, realising that this was exactly what Sophie was feeling.

“I know,” Sophie said. “To know the truth in my head is something else than knowing it in my heart.”

“Why don’t you talk to Jonathan about the transactions that will have to take place? He is very adept in these things. He knows what to do to get everything done properly and without problems or chicanery, and you won’t have to bother yourself with it.”

“I will consult him. Thank you.”

Sophie turned in Eleanor’s arms to kiss her, conveying the love she felt for her in the most intimate meeting of lips. When they parted, they rested their foreheads together, trying to catch their breaths.

“Will you still love me,” Sophie asked, “when I’m poor and devoid of any substantial means?”

“Darling, nothing you do will make you less dear to me. I love you. Please, never doubt that.”

“I love you, too.”

“I never thought I would be one of the lucky few to find the love of my life twice in a lifetime,” Eleanor said gently before she placed another tender kiss on Sophie’s enticing lips. A kiss that was meant to soothe and calm became arousing and exciting. Sophie ran her hands through Eleanor’s hair, dwelling in its silky texture as she further deepened their kiss.

“Show me,” Sophie suddenly mumbled against her lover’s lips.

“What?” Eleanor was caught off guard by the request.

“I need you, Eleanor. Show me your love. Right now, please, I’m aching for your touch.” Sophie panted as Eleanor pulled back slightly from their embrace and gazed into her flushed face to find her pupils dilated and her lips swollen from their kisses. Eleanor swallowed hard before she took Sophie’s hand in her own to drag her out of the room and honour her request.

As they rushed out of the library, they ran into Henry but before he could utter a single word Eleanor brushed him off, “Not now, Henry. There are more pressing matters we need to attend to.”

He shot Sophie a questioning look, but she merely shrugged her shoulders before giving him conspiratorial wink.

Comprehension hit Henry right between the eyes, and he called at their retreating backs, “By all means. Take your time, my dear.”

“I intend to.”

As his wife’s voice floated down the stairs, his grin broadened.

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After Martin showed Emma to her new room, she was grateful he soon excused himself to go in search of his sister. Feeling lost and undeserving, she sank onto the large bed that dominated the room.

After what happened, the duchess had shown her more sympathy than she felt worthy of, more understanding than even her own mother.

Before she had too much time to dwell on the past or think of the future, there was knock on her door. “Come in, please!”

“Hello, cousin.” Charlotte smiled reassuringly at her. “Do you mind if we come in?”

“Please do.”

Emma watched expectantly to see who else was with her. Charlotte stepped into the room followed by Adele, who closed the door behind them. Emma recognised her immediately. Charlotte joined Emma on the bed while Adele chose the chair in front of the vanity.

“Our room is next door,” Charlotte informed her warmly. “If you need anything, just pop in.”

“Thank you.”

“But don’t forget to knock.” Charlotte giggled, while Adele rolled her eyes at her antics.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I knock?” Emma asked, confused.

“What my love is trying to tell you, Adele said dryly, “is she doesn’t want you to walk in on us, which would not happen at all since we make sure to lock our door,”.

“So, you mean . . . you two are—”

“Yes, most definitely,” Adele said, daring her to utter demeaning words. But Emma merely looked from one woman to the other. She couldn’t understand why someone as beautiful as Charlotte would rather be with another woman, even one as fierce as Adele for that. It was much less understandable than Sophie’s choice.

Adele, as if sensing her thoughts, continued. “Whatever it is you’re thinking either about Sophie, the duchess, or Charlotte, I would highly recommend you keep it to yourself.”

“Darling, please,” Charlotte chastised her gently. Adele’s features softened instantly. This sudden change in attitude didn’t go unnoticed by Emma who was surprised by Adele’s readiness to back down so easily.

“Sorry, my love. I didn’t mean to be harsh.” Adele stood and brushed off her skirt. “If you excuse me, Emma, I promised Giulia to show her a couple of my essays on women’s rights and suffrage.”

Before she left, she kissed Charlotte on the mouth, putting a blissful expression on her face by the sheer gentleness of the gesture.

When the door closed behind her, Charlotte turned to Emma. “Don’t worry! Her bark is worse than her bite. She’s just very protective.”

“Adele was always brash,” Emma said. “We never got along that well. Most of the time we merely tolerated each other. I can’t hold it against her though. Not after what happened.”

“You know, it doesn’t matter if you can’t understand this, what Adele and I have between us, I mean. Just try not to pass judgement. May I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Why did you do what you did? Why did you try so hard to drive my mother and Sophie apart?”

“I was angry. I felt betrayed but most of all I think I was jealous. Sophie had her freedom to be who she wanted to be and love who she wanted to. I resented her this freedom, this happiness.”

“And now?” Charlotte was genuinely intrigued.

“Now I’m glad my sister is a far better person than I am and has a bigger heart than I deserve.”

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Sophie’s and Eleanor’s absence at lunch was noted, but not commented upon. Henry wore a knowing smile, as he inwardly congratulated his wife on her blissful happiness.

He looked around the table at Jonathan, his children, niece, and great grandmother-in-law, seeing content faces all in all. Emma seemed a bit subdued which was only understandable given the circumstances. After everything Martin had told him, she must feel embarrassed and humiliated, but she tried to keep her head high.

Jonathan had already started the business of helping Sophie with her transactions, and he was positive everything could be over and done with sooner than anticipated. He had also assured Henry that Sophie would not be penniless. She would keep some of her financial assets, but the largest portion of her fortune would indeed be gone when she signed the papers he was preparing. Henry had no worries about that since his wife’s independent wealth would provide enough for them to live comfortably for many decades.

He gently cleared his throat before he addressed the newest member of his family. “Tell me, my dear Emma, do you think you will enjoy coming to live with us in London?”

“I don’t know. I don’t want to be a burden.”

“Nonsense.” He waved her off. “You are no burden. What a ridiculous notion. You’re Sophie’s sister, Martin’s cousin. I’d say that makes you family.”

Seeing the distress on Emma’s face at the overwhelming kindness, the contessa thought it the right moment to intervene on the poor girl’s behalf. “Why don’t we give Emma time to adjust before we run her over with our protectiveness and affections. Let’s have a nice, relaxed luncheon and give the girl room to breathe. Wouldn’t you agree, Henry?”

“Yes, quite, Nonna.” Henry saw the blush on Emma’s face and had to admit, albeit grudgingly, that Giulia was right.

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After missing lunch, Sophie and Eleanor decided to be decadent and spend the rest of the day in bed. Their lovemaking was only interrupted by short naps and a light snack they consumed in bed. Lying blissfully sated in her lover’s arms, Eleanor drew lazy circles on Sophie’s chest. She was teasing her nipple with a light touch before she captured it between her lips.

“Oh, love,” Sophie moaned in appreciation, running her hands through Eleanor’s soft white hair. What her lover’s mouth did to her felt so good. Never had she thought she’d become this insatiable, but she couldn’t get enough of Eleanor’s touch. “Please, don’t stop.”

“Never,” Eleanor promised wickedly.

And keep her promise she did, driving Sophie to pleasure over and over until she begged her to stop. Eleanor kissed her way up her body, while Sophie lay on her back, spent, and covered with a fine sheen of sweat, trying to catch her breath.

Eleanor felt incredibly pleased with herself as she propped her head in her hand and gazed into Sophie’s smouldering eyes. “You are incredible, darling.” Stroking an elegant finger down her brow, over her nose to her lips, she turned Sophie’s head and covered her mouth with her own, letting Sophie taste herself on her lips.

“And you are nothing short of amazing,” Sophie whispered, her voice full of desire as she pulled Eleanor on top of her.

She loved the feeling of their bodies pressed against each other. Eleanor straddled her waist and slightly lifted her upper body, her lips never losing contact with Sophie’s. Sophie’s hands caressed her thighs, gliding up her slightly rounded stomach to cup full breasts. Eleanor sat up straight thrusting her breasts into her lover’s hands, arching her back when Sophie’s thumbs brushed over erect nipples. Sophie was awed by her lover’s beauty. Her head was thrown back, her eyes closed and her lips slightly parted. The light of the late afternoon sun bathed her pale skin in a warm golden glow. She looked simply magnificent.

“I need you, darling,” Eleanor whispered wantonly.

Sophie let her right-hand slide down her side, to her hip, over her thigh before she found the one place where Eleanor needed her most. She felt her lover’s wetness coating her belly and relished it. She let two of her

fingers glide inside her lover’s core while her thumb was circling her clit. Her left hand tweaked a hard nipple between thumb and forefinger.

“Open your eyes, love,” Sophie commanded gently.

Difficult as it was because of the wonderful things happening to her body, Eleanor obliged. Blue eyes locked with brown as she felt the slow but steady building of her orgasm. She moved in perfect rhythm with Sophie’s hand, riding higher and higher, until finally, a cry of ecstasy was torn from her lips. Her inner walls clenched around her Sophie’s fingers, and Eleanor collapsed forward and felt strong arms around her back holding her tight.

Sophie pulled the sheets over their entwined bodies and pressed a gentle kiss to Eleanor’s temple, “I love you.”

“I love you, darling.”

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Giulia leaned back on the sofa she’d been sitting on during afternoon tea with the family. Now that everybody else had left the drawing room, she closed her eyes and thought about the family’s unspoken acceptance of her granddaughter’s absence. The family had accomplished so much more than any of them had ever hoped for before they departed on this journey. Charlotte found the love she’d sought for so long, and Eleanor had once again fallen in love with a woman her equal in every way, except for her title.

A wistful sigh escaped Giulia’s lips when she let the past few months pass by her inner eye. Each addition to the family was welcome and highly appreciated. Adele—she could tell by the way she looked at Charlotte—loved her great granddaughter fiercely. There was no question that Charlotte had her wrapped around her finger, which was quite mutual. Although Adele had a fast temper, Giulia was not at all worried for Charlotte since she had witnessed the way Adele would instantly rein in her temper when talking to her. She treated Charlotte most reverently, with loving care and tenderness.

Watching them together made Giulia’s heart ache because it reminded her so much of her own love, Bridget. Yes, those two were a wonderful match. She could sense Adele felt contempt towards Emma, but she hoped that given time, it would change.

The thought of Eleanor and Sophie made her smile wider. Giulia had initially feared their attraction was based more on intellectual grounds than on anything else, but after today she had no more doubt in her mind that their love and attraction was also very physical. It was heart-warming to know that their desire for each other led them to such actions. Good for them.

At the gentle clearing of a throat, Giulia snapped her eyes open to find out who was interrupting her contemplation.

“Sorry, Nonna,” Martin said sheepishly from the door. “I didn’t mean to startle you. May I join you?”

“Certainly.” She invited him to take the seat next to her. “What is it, dear?”

“Nothing, really. I thought you might enjoy some company, but since I saw your content face, I’m not so sure I should have interrupted you.”

“I always enjoy company.” Giulia patted his arm encouragingly. “What about you? Are you happy?”

“Yes. Seeing Mama with Sophie is still strange though. But it’s getting easier. I think Sophie is good for her and vice versa.”

“Give it time, my dear.”

“I will. I would have never thought that Charlotte of all people would fall in love.”

“Your sister had very high expectations,” Giulia said, “and your parents are quite extraordinary role models. It is hard for anybody to live up to their standard. I’m glad she has finally found her happiness.”

“Do you think so?”

“Yes, I do. They love each other and are already very devoted to each other.”

Martin thought about it for a moment before he asked, “Do you think Philip and I will be as lucky one day?”

“I certainly do, darling.” Her grandmotherly embrace was returned with care and gratitude. “Now let’s go find your father. He still owes me another game of bridge so I can win back my money and reclaim my reputation as the family’s shrewdest player.”