While Sophia worked on undoing her attachment to Edward during the following days, Jack decided to have a heart-to-heart conversation with Felicity. However, it had been nearly impossible for him to seek her out in private since the assembly hall dance, during which it appeared she’d attracted Viscount Cumberland’s and Mr. Irving’s interests. The two men had practically been glued to her ever since.
So Jack eventually decided to knock on her bedchamber door one afternoon while everyone else enjoyed an afternoon nap. It took a moment before she admitted him, her expression one of surprise when she saw who had come to call. “How out of the ordinary, Jack. I rather expected Kaitlin, Mama, or one of the maids.”
“I hope I’m not disturbing your rest?”
“Not too much. I was working on a drawing if you must know.”
“I see.” He glanced beyond her shoulder and spotted her sketchpad on the bed. Returning his gaze to hers he asked, “May I come in?”
“Of course.” She moved aside and he stepped past her. The door closed with a soft click. Once he knew no one else would overhear, he turned toward his sister and said, “I’ve asked Sophia to marry me.”
“What?”
“Perhaps you’re not aware, but the fact is, I’ve loved her since forever, and when I learned I might lose her I—”
A squeal of delight cut him off and then Felicity’s arms were around him, squeezing him with all her might. Good grief. He coughed and sputtered, prompting her to release him.
“Sorry, Jack. I’m just so incredibly pleased.”
“I thought you might be.” He met her gaze evenly. “Especially since this means Edward won’t be getting married either.”
Felicity sucked in a breath and spun toward the window. Her fingertips pressed into the pane of glass as she stared out across the barren winter landscape. “What are you implying?”
“I think you know.”
She swallowed, appeared to straighten herself, and finally faced him. “He doesn’t feel the same way about me or he would have said something. At the very least, he would not have asked Sophia to be his wife.”
Her eyes, which had grown watery as she spoke, spilled over. She sniffed and averted her gaze once more, clearly embarrassed by her lack of composure.
Jack pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her. “There’s a good chance he’s as big an idiot as I am.”
“Pardon?” She dabbed her eyes and blew her nose.
“I didn’t tell Sophia how I felt either, mostly because I tried to ignore the yearnings of my heart. Instead, I made some drastic decisions which could have had serious consequences on all of our lives.”
“You should have fought for her when you realized you loved her. I’m sure Papa and Mama would have given their blessing. After all, they’ve welcomed Sophia into our home since that one time when Kaitlin and I invited her over to see our kittens. We met during Sunday tea at the vicarage after church, if you will recall. I don’t think Kaitlin and I were older than four.”
“I remember it well.” Seating had been limited so his sisters had sat in his lap. Until they’d scampered off and hidden beneath the table with Sophia. No one had minded. In fact, the adults had all pretended there was nothing amiss. “However, this realization of mine has been rather recent. Struck me like a punch to the face if you must know. And Papa will not give his blessing. Right before I left he said…”
Felicity tilted her head in question. “What?”
“Nothing.” Repeating the insult his father had dealt Sophia would only make him angry once more. “The point is I’ve only one option if I am to make Sophia my wife, and that is to wed her in secret.”
Felicity’s hands flew to her mouth. “No, Jack. You can’t do that.”
“Once it is done, however, I fear Papa will refuse to listen to reason, so if you wish to marry Edward, then I would suggest we work on accomplishing that first.”
“But Edward hasn’t even asked me.”
“Only because he never believed he stood a chance of winning your hand.”
She shook her head and lowered herself to the edge of her bed. “Edward is the finest gentleman there is.”
“Agreed, but his yearly income won’t be much to speak of. Papa will likely point this out and, if he chooses, use this argument to try and encourage you to make a different match.”
“He’s already told me that it would thrill him if I were to form an attachment with Cumberland.”
Jack snorted. “Of course it would. The viscount is like a bloody champion race horse among a bunch of mules. Wealthy, titled, handsome, and young, he would be impossible for any man to compete with if he chose to offer for you.”
“If my heart weren’t otherwise engaged, I’d heartily agree, but how can I marry a man for money and position when I’m in love with someone else?”
“I’ve been asking myself a similar question lately, which is how I realized I need to act – stop Sophia from marrying Edward, ensure I marry her instead, and face whatever the outcome may be. At least she and I will be together. I know we’ll be happy, even if Papa does cut me off and deny me my inheritance.”
Felicity paled. “Deny you your inheritance? Jack what are you talking about? He cannot do that. The house is entailed so it has to go to you.”
“The house yes, but not the funds.”
Felicity narrowed her gaze and rose to her feet with stiff movements. “Are you telling me Papa has threatened to strike you from his will if you marry the woman of your choosing?”
Jack nodded. He’d not meant to reveal so much – had no desire for his own strained relationship with their father to impact his sister’s. But years of bitterness and resentment bottled up inside him caused the words to pop out, unbidden. “It made me so bloody angry I could scarcely see straight.”
“As well it should,” Felicity said. She balled her hands into fists. “Papa has no right.”
“On the contrary, he has every right. It’s his money.”
“That doesn’t make it fair.” She marched past him and flung her door open.
“Felicity, wait. Where are you going?”
“To give Papa a piece of my mind.”
Jack’s heart knocked against his chest. He rushed after her. “You mustn’t. We need to think rationally about this.” He caught her arm and forced her to stop. “The last time I acted in anger I nearly ruined everything.”
Her jaw tightened as she gazed up at him with fiery eyes. “Then what’s your plan?”
“To safeguard your future with Edward. Once that has been achieved, I’ll marry Sophia.”
“Even if it means giving up your inheritance?”
His lips quirked. “Of course. I could hardly claim to love her if I were unwilling to choose her above all else, now could I?”
Felicity scrunched her nose. “You’re certain you don’t want to fight for both?”
He shook his head. “I don’t want to warn Papa of my intentions since doing so will provide him with the chance to stop me. So I’ll take the risk of forfeiting my inheritance.” When she gave him a worried look he said, “Sophia and I will be fine without it. After Papa issued his threat, I worked toward ensuring my independence so I’d have the freedom to do as I please. The returns I’ve made on my investments are substantial, Felicity. You mustn’t concern yourself about that.”
“Very well. If you’re sure.”
“I am.” He glanced toward the hallway clock and noted the time. “Everyone will be heading downstairs for afternoon tea in another ten minutes, so we need to leave now if we’re to avoid being detained.”
“Leave and go where?”
“To the vicarage of course, so we can discuss our next move with Sophia and Edward.”
Excitement flowed through his veins as he helped Felicity into the carriage. As reckless as his decision to circumvent his parents’ approval on a matter that could impact all their lives, it was also liberating. For once, he felt free, like he’d cast off the shackles he’d worn since birth and escaped the rules that had governed his life thus far.
He gave the coachman directions and leapt in after his sister, eager to be on his way before anyone had a chance to stop them and ask where they were headed. With only two miles between Eastgate Abbey and the town of Ramcroft, they reached their destination swiftly.
Jack opened the door and alit, then handed Felicity down. Forcing a moderate pace even though he was tempted to race toward the front door, he tempered his impatience and guided Felicity calmly up the garden path.
“Ready?” he asked. When she nodded he reached for the knocker and gave the solid wood door three loud raps. His stomach fluttered and his heart raced. This was it. They were finally going to make things right – cement a plan and undo the mess he’d caused. Four people’s happiness hung in the balance, his own included.
The Fenmore maid of all works named Gertrude answered his call. “The family’s in the parlor with a visitor. I’m sure they’d be happy to have you both join them.”
“This visitor,” Jack inquired while he removed his hat and Felicity took off her bonnet. “Anyone we might know?”
“Possibly,” Gertrude said. She took his hat and Felicity’s bonnet and set the items aside on a table. “It’s the Marquess of Maypoole. Recently arrived from London, from what I gather.”
Jack stilled in the process of shucking his greatcoat and met Felicity’s gaze with a frown. Jack had encountered Maypoole at his club a few weeks prior, and although the two weren’t friends, Jack had stopped to offer his condolences on the passing of Maypoole’s father. It had been a brief conversation but the marquess had mentioned his intention to visit this corner of England soon and had promised to call at Eastgate when he did. Jack had not been aware of his acquaintance with the Fenmores though. Odd that.
Then again, if memory served, Mr. Fenmore had a distant cousin attached to some branch of the peerage, so maybe this was how they knew each other. He shrugged and hung his greatcoat on the coatrack, then helped Felicity do the same with her pelisse.
“Please show us in,” he told Gertrude who promptly led them through to the parlor. Exhilaration bubbled through him with each step he took. He could scarcely wait to see Sophia again. Already it had been two days since he’d last spoken with her, which was much too long now that he knew she loved him as fiercely as he loved her.
Gertrude opened the parlor door and announced their arrival. “Lord Hawthorne and Miss Felicity have arrived.” She stepped aside so Jack and his sister could enter the room.
“How good of you to join us,” Mr. Fenmore said in an uncommonly strenuous tone. He immediately stood, as did Edward and Maypoole. All three men had been occupying various armchairs while enjoying tea with Mrs. Fenmore and Sophia who sat on the sofa. Mr. Fenmore gave the marquess a hasty look before returning his attention to Jack and his sister. He cleared his throat. “You are most welcome. Please, Miss Felicity, come have a seat.”
Edward immediately gestured toward the chair he’d vacated, then offered Felicity his hand to help her into it while she greeted the rest of the occupants in the room. A few whispered words passed between them, Jack noted. A flush brightened Felicity’s cheeks, instilling in him a certainty that she and Edward were indeed meant for each other.
He swept his gaze toward Sophia and instantly frowned in response to the startled look in her eyes. Was it just him, or did the atmosphere seem rather strained? Tempered by the awkward feeling of having intruded on an important meeting, he kept his attention on the woman he loved. “Miss Fenmore.” He dipped his head in greeting, then quickly acknowledged her mother before giving his attention to Maypoole. “Welcome to Ramcroft, my lord. I trust your journey went well?”
“Indeed.” Maypoole stiffly accepted the hand Jack offered and gave it a firm shake. “I had intended to come a bit sooner but then a complication arose with regard to my father’s will. Apparently a cousin of his wished to contest part of it, but all of that has been cleared up now so here I am at last.”
“I’m glad of it,” Jack said even though he wasn’t sure anyone else felt the same. It was awfully hard to gauge their emotions.
“Thank you.” Maypoole’s expression grew somber. “My father has everything to do with it. Turns out, he had quite the confession to make on his death bed.”
“Oh?” Jack accepted the cup and saucer Mrs. Fenmore gave him and took a quick sip. Perfect.
“Apparently, my brother and I are not his only children.” Maypoole’s eyes darkened. His lips flattened into a hard line. “My mother perished in childbirth while my brother and I were away at Eton.”
“I’m sorry,” Jack told him.
Maypoole’s answering snort surprised him. “According to what we were told, the child – a daughter – died from influenza a few months after. Only that wasn’t true. My father just couldn’t stand to be near the person who’d taken the love of his life from him. So as soon as the infant outgrew her wet nurse, he travelled with her to these parts, placed her in a basket, and left her inside the church for strangers to find. Thankfully the agent I hired to track her down has proven to be a competent fellow.”
Jack froze, the tea he’d just drunk like a lump of lead lodged in his throat. He stared at Maypoole, then at Sophia, and once again at Maypoole while the enormity of what had just been revealed sank in. Sophia the orphan, daughter of only God knew who for most of her life, was a marquess’s sister?
“I still don’t understand how he managed it,” Mrs. Fenmore said. “There must have been questions. Did you not suspect anything?”
Maypoole shook his head, his expression somber. When he spoke, bitterness laced every word. “Like I said, my brother and I were absent. Rather than returning home that year for the holidays, our father came to collect us. He said he had to escape the memories crowding him at every turn – that he needed to spend some time with us alone, away from it all. We had no cause to doubt him. As for the servants, those in senior positions were fiercely loyal to him. As proven by the fact that his valet was able to make his voice crack whenever he mentioned my father’s struggle to keep my poor sister alive. Knowing the truth – how unjustly he treated her – is eating at my very soul.” His eyes clouded with deep regret. “I have to make this right.”
Jack’s stomach tightened, then unclenched as his shock subsided. Although the deception clearly angered Maypoole, this was actually excellent news – the best he’d had in years. For if it were true, then there really was no reason for him not to marry Sophia. His father would no longer have any cause to object. Which meant they could have it all – the happily ever after they wanted and the inheritance he would have had to give up otherwise. Not to mention that he’d avoid the potential scandal he might have faced if he married a woman with no connections.
Maypoole took a deep breath. “Naturally, I have no wish to break up what looks to be a happy family. My intention is not to insist Sophia leave the home she has known all her life or the people who have been kind enough to love her. But as my sister, she will have certain privileges. For the sake of establishing these, I’d like to make her existence known to the peerage. Officially, that is.”
“Thank you, my lord,” Mr. Fenmore said with marked hesitation. “You are…most generous.”
“I am merely attempting to right a terrible wrong,” Maypoole said. He shifted his gaze toward Sophia. “I am terribly sorry for what has happened, Sophia.”
“It’s quite all right.” The strain in Sophia’s features suggested it would take time for her to adjust to Maypoole’s news. Yet to Jack’s amazement, she faced her brother with gentle dignity. “If it hadn’t, I never would have met the Fenmores, and I can assure you, my lord, that I am most grateful I did.”
“To be certain, you were better off in their care than you ever would have been in my father’s.” Maypoole sighed. “If you wish to visit any of the family estates, you and the Fenmores are welcome there any time. My carriages are at your disposal and as of this moment, I shall be bestowing a monthly allowance on you. Furthermore, I’d like to plan your entrance into London Society this coming spring. As my newly discovered sister, you’ll have some mystery attached to your name. This will undoubtedly aid your popularity, most notably with regard to encouraging suitors.”
Jack blinked. This new situation, which had begun as a pleasant surprise, was starting to snowball out of control. If he didn’t say something soon, he might lose the reins on it altogether. He turned to Maypoole, who’d always struck him as a sensible fellow. “Before you proceed any further, my lord, I wonder if it might be possible for me to have a word with you in private?”
Surprise caused Maypoole’s eyes to flicker. He stared at Jack just long enough to suggest he’d like to conclude his business regarding Sophia first and that he found Jack’s interruption frustrating. But as the gentleman he was and, Jack reasoned, in deference to his position as an earl’s heir, Maypoole dipped his head in agreement. “Very well.”
“May we make use of your study, Mr. Fenmore?” Jack asked.
“By all means.” In spite of his easy tone, deep grooves were present on Mr. Fenmore’s brow. Clearly the man was concerned over Jack’s unusual request. Jack couldn’t fault him when they’d all been deep in a conversation that had by all accounts been moving along with great promise.
Edward, on the other hand, who’d remained at Felicity’s shoulder since she’d claimed his seat, offered Jack a nod of encouragement as Jack turned for the door.
“You are aware that this request of yours to speak with me in private when I was in the middle of laying out ways in which I hope to improve Sophia’s life may not only be construed as rude but highly suspicious.” Maypoole stepped inside Mr. Fenmore’s study, shut the door, and crossed his arm. “I hope your reason for it is sound.”
“It is.” Jack faced the marquess with steel in his spine. Maypoole was ten years his senior – seventeen years older than Sophia. They’d never run with the same crowd. Indeed, the marquess had always struck Jack as the somber sort who never engaged in anything fun. Which prompted Jack to wonder how his wife, a lovely lady with a tremendously outgoing personality, tolerated him. He cleared his throat. “Since you mentioned sponsoring a Season for Sophia, I thought it best to tell you that she and I intend to marry.”
Maypoole’s brows dipped. “According to what Mr. Fenmore has told me, she was engaged to his son until they broke things off last night.”
Relief swam through Jack’s veins. He’d not had a chance to inquire how things stood between Sophia and Edward – if they had spoken and come to a mutual agreement. He was glad to know they had. Hopefully, Edward’s parents did not begrudge them this decision and all would be well in the end.
“Which they did because Mr. Edward Fenmore would rather marry my sister Felicity while Sophia wishes to marry me. She and I love each other, my lord.”
“Then why, if I may ask, did she wind up engaged to another man?”
Jack gave Maypoole a swift account of the facts, then added, “As I’m sure you can appreciate, I needed to secure an income and a viable path forward if I was to thwart my father and marry Sophia. This took time. Mistakes were made, I’ll grant you. She didn’t know until now that my heart beats for her and her alone. Truth is, I didn’t realize it either until I returned and found her attached. As a result, she lost hope, and since she did not believe she had many prospects, she accepted the offer of marriage she received.”
“Yes, but how did…” Moorland waved his hand. “Never mind. I doubt it matters and even if it does, I’ve little desire to try and comprehend the intricacies of this mess you’ve created. So, let’s focus on the facts at hand. You wish to marry Sophia, yes?”
“I do.”
“And if what you say is true, she wishes to marry you as well?”
“If you doubt me, you may ask her yourself.”
Maypoole smirked. “Fear not, Hawthorne, for I intend to do precisely that, I can assure you. But if she is willing, then I suppose a marriage would be possible. Technically speaking. After all, now that she has connections, I doubt your father will keep protesting the match. Which should allow you to retain the inheritance you stood to lose while also avoiding the possible scandal of him cutting you off.”
“My thought exactly.”
“By the by,” Maypoole said, “I do commend you for trying to make your own way – for fighting for what you wanted by creating your own fortune. I respect you for it, truly I do. However…”
Jack braced himself. Unease stroked his spine.
“I’m inclined to believe my sister can do better.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Your reputation is practically in the gutter. You’re a reputed rake. Indeed, it’s near impossible to read a paper without seeing your name in the gossip column.”
“I’ll admit there have been some indiscretions.”
“Some?” Maypoole snorted. “Point is I value my good name too much to have it tarnished in any way, as would likely occur if you became my brother-in-law. I also worry about my sister’s future. After everything my family put her through, I feel it’s my duty to give her the best chance of success I possibly can. So I’m sorry, but I shall have to oppose this match.”
Jack stared at the marquess. A violent haze of red descended upon his vision. Heat shot up his spine and into his skull. He leaned toward the opposing force standing before him and balled his hands into fists. “No.”
Maypoole raised one arrogant brow. “No?”
“You will not have a say in this matter. I refuse to allow it.”
“You refuse to allow it? Ha!”
“Test me if you must,” Jack persisted. “In any way you choose. Allow me to prove my worth or so help me, I’ll challenge you here and now. One thing is certain, I will not let one more person ruin my life, or hers.”
“From where I stand, I just improved her life greatly,” Maypoole drawled with irritating smugness. “But I would hate to have a duel forced upon me, so let’s see...”
Jack held his breath while Maypoole seemed to consider the options. Eventually, the marquess narrowed his gaze and stared straight into Jack’s eyes with unyielding force. “You will have to grovel, beg Society’s forgiveness for your rakish ways, and ensure the papers don’t mention your name for one full year. At the end of which, I’ll reconsider your request to marry my sister.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“And don’t even think of eloping or ruining her to force my hand,” Maypoole added. “Or I will make certain your family suffers the consequence.”
“But if you’re giving Sophia a season then…” Jack swallowed. “Then she will attract attention. Gentlemen will vie for her hand.”
“And she may choose one of them instead. One never knows what it will take to turn a young woman’s head. And since you need to stay out of the papers, you’ll not be able to attend.”
It took every effort Jack possessed to hide his sudden contempt for the marquess. How dare he do this to him and Sophia? How dare he swoop in out of nowhere and lay claim to both their futures? It was beyond the pale. Outrageous and unfair. But since his foe was a powerful man who could easily follow through on his threat, Jack saw no way out. So he stuck out his hand and waited for Maypoole to clasp it.
“I agree to your terms, my lord.”
Maypoole smiled as he shook Jack’s hand. A bitter taste slid over Jack’s tongue. It felt like he’d just made a deal with the devil. The only thing that lifted his spirits later was the kiss Sophia gave him in the Fenmore garden once Maypoole was gone. They’d stepped outside, partly to give Felicity and Edward a chance to reveal their intentions to the Fenmores in private, but also so they could be alone.
Jack wrapped his arms around Sophia and held her close, dreading the moment when they’d have to part. “This is quite a change for you.”
“I still can’t believe it,” she said. “It’s so unexpected.”
“But a welcome surprise?”
“Only in the sense that it makes things easier for you and me.”
Jack smoothed his thumb over her cheek. “Sophia, Maypoole has stipulations.”
She frowned at him. “What do you mean?”
He took a deep breath and told her, ensuring he left nothing out. Her features hardened with every word he spoke, and when he was done, her hands had balled into fists. “He cannot do this, Jack.”
“Of course he can, but at least he’s willing to give us a chance – to give me a chance to truly win you.” He pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Promise me you won’t fall in love with anyone else.”
A gorgeous smile brightened her eyes until they sparkled. “There will never be anyone else, Jack. I will wait for you as long as it takes.”
Bolstered by her words, Jack pressed his mouth to hers, imparting in his kiss all that was in his heart and the dream he had of a future with her by his side.