Tainted Bride (25 page)

She turned her head, but the weepy tone returned. “Go away, Daniel.”

For several seconds he watched her. “I implore you not to do this, Sophie. Do not destroy what is between us.” When she didn’t respond, he walked through and closed the door.

When she didn’t come down for meals, Daniel sent trays up to her. He accompanied the tray and watched, refusing to leave the room until he was satisfied she’d eaten enough.

It grew cold in London and Janette and Cissy prepared to go to the country. The house was in a constant state of motion with all the packing and preparing. Still Sophia didn’t come out of her room.

He never missed a meal and little progress was made with regard to Pundington. If he didn’t keep his wife healthy then there was no point in destroying the man. He needed to be present at meal times and soon realized, even if she said little and didn’t appear happy to see him, he enjoyed seeing her. He contented himself in the fact she never demanded he leave.

“Janette will move to Dulcet Hall soon.” Daniel tried to draw her into conversation with small talk.

“What is that?” Her voice rang with concern.

“A lovely house we own not far from Marlton.”

“It will be nice for her to be close, but she need not leave Marlton Hall on my account.”

Her good nature filled him with joy. “I told her as much, but she insists that you must have your own time as countess without her interference.”

“I’m sure I should not mind her staying.” She looked out at the dreary day lost in her sorrow once again.

“I’m buying her a house in London as well. She refuses to come back here next season. I believe I have found something suitable. Would you like to come and see it tomorrow?”

She shook her head before he’d even finished the question. “Another time. I’m tired, my lord. I’ll sleep now.”

“You sleep too much, Sophie. You need to get out of this room.”

“Soon.” The word rang empty and false.

At some meals, they wouldn’t talk at all. They would eat, then he would leave and return with the next meal. He never asked her to come back to his bed. She would have to make that decision for herself, though he hoped she would return soon.

Often, they would speak of the weather. Mostly, he would tell her it was a fine day and she should consider walking in the garden or the park, which she always declined.

His worry increased with each day she refused to leave her room. Mrs. Braighton had visited, as had Lady Collington. Neither had managed to get Sophia to rejoin her life.

* * * *

Daniel sat with Dory and Elinor while they waited in the parlor. “I’m sorry for the wait, ladies.”

Elinor sat with her feet crossed and her hands on her knees, perfectly comfortable. “It is no trouble, my lord.”

Dory narrowed her eyes. She paced like a warrior about to enter the battlefield. This was the third day in a row Sophia’s friends had come to see her. They had been sent away the last two days as Sophia refused company.

Daniel sent up a prayer that today would be different.

Janette entered the parlor frowning with her hands clenched. “Ladies, I’m sorry, but the countess is not ready to receive company at this time.”

Elinor nodded and rose as if to leave.

Dory pursed her lips and put her hands on her hips. “I have called these past three days and been told the same thing. It is enough.”

“I’m sorry.”

“So am I, Lady Marlton. Please forgive me.” Dory walked past the dowager countess, into the hall and strode up the steps.

Both Janette and Elinor stared after her with opened mouths.

Daniel laughed. “Have I ever told you how much I admire Dorothea Flammel, mother?”

* * * *

Sophia made no response to the incessant knocking on her bedroom door. Maybe they would just go away if she ignored them.

Dory pushed through and hovered over her. “I have called for three days and written you letters.”

“Hello, Dory.” Her heart ached, and not even the sight of Dory brought any joy. She looked out over the gardens. She was still in her white dressing gown in spite of the noon hour.

“Hello, yourself. What is going on? Why have you refused to see anyone? There are people who care for you, Sophia. Thomas Wheel has also called a number of times. I saw him last evening at the Blessington ball and he asked me how you are. I told him that I have no idea.”

Part of her was dead. Everyone should see that and leave her alone. “You could have lied.”

Dory gaped. “Lied? What in the world has happened to you?”

Sophia did her best to hold back another bout of tears. “Nothing really. People lose their parents every day.”

Dory rushed over and knelt in front of her chair. She clasped Sophia’s hands. “I know you are hurting and you miss your father, Sophia, but you cannot stop living. You must go on and this is no way to do it.”

Turning her head, she pulled her hands away. She wanted to scream or beat someone until they felt as bad as she did. “You would have me out at balls as if nothing was wrong?”

Dory touched her cheek. “No, dearest, not that, but I would have you washed and dressed each day and perhaps taking a few callers who wish you well. No one expects you to go out dancing, but you should get out of this room.”

When she said it like that, it seemed like so little to ask. Sophia hung her head and let out a breath. “I’ll get dressed.”

“Every day.” Dory’s voice took on the warning tone, which sounded like her mother’s.

“I’ll get dressed today and come and have tea with you.” Even the thought of it exhausted her.

“If my presence is required then I shall come calling each day and drag you down for tea. If you can do it today, then tomorrow will be easier and the next day even easier. Promise me you will dress and have tea in the parlor every day.”

Sophia heaved a deep breath. It was such a small thing. “I promise I shall get washed and dressed every day.”

Dory narrowed her eyes and frowned.

“And go down for tea.” It came out on a long resigned sigh.

“Good.” Dory paused. “I do not know if I should bring this up, but there have been rumors, Sophia.”

“What rumors?”

“They are saying your marriage is failing. It is none of my business, but servants talk to other servants and they tell their employers. That is how rumors get from household to household and then to the ballrooms and clubs. I do not know what has happened between you and his lordship and I’ll not ask. I would like you to know, if you need to talk to someone, I’m here for you. You should be careful, dearest. The ton is a cruel lot and they can tear down even a strong marriage.”

“Then mine should be an easy effort for them.” Daniel would be happy to be rid of her. She might get her quiet home in the country after all.

“Do you want to tell me what has happened?”

“No. Nothing has happened. I’ll get dressed and come down for tea if you have time to wait.”

Dory stood. “I’ll send in your maid and see you downstairs.”

As promised, she washed and dressed before joining her guests. She said only what polite conversation demanded.

His lordship excused himself after she entered the room. It was kind of him to sit with her guests while she was above-stairs. Likely, he didn’t want to start a new bout of gossip. Sophia’s heart pounded watching him go,
but she sat and had tea.

* * * *

The crowd at Whites pressed in so Daniel stood near a fireplace rather than try to squeeze into one of the card tables. He sipped his whisky and watched the crowd.

He was in a temper after having just wasted ten minutes fending off regrets for his failing marriage. How the ton always knew when one’s throat was exposed he would never know, but they did. As always, their teeth bared for the kill.

Determined not to allow such things to interfere with his personal life, he sipped his brandy and readied himself for the next wolf. As soon as he figured out what troubled Sophie, they would work out their problems. She had every right to be upset about his delay in getting to London, but he was sure there was something else, something to do with her dreams.

Anthony wound through the crowd and shook his hand.

“You have not come to see your sister.” Daniel failed to keep his disappointment from his voice.

“I have my mother to worry about. You can take care of my sister.” With a pout, Anthony fisted his hands and crossed his arms over his chest.

“Your mother has come to call almost every day.”

Anthony glared as if he might use those fists he still held tight. “Sophia and I had an argument when last we spoke. I’m not in any hurry to renew that disagreement.”

“What was it about?” Daniel asked.

“Our uncle.”

“Pundington.” Daniel fairly shouted the name before realizing the crowd had turned toward them.

Anthony stomped his foot and pointed at Daniel. “Not a word from you about my uncle. He is helping me with my business and I’m making a good deal of money. I have my mother to take care of now.”

With every bit of his strength, Daniel tried to be calm when he next spoke. “I’m not going to interfere in your business, Anthony. I’m only going to tell you two things and I believe you should listen to me. I’m looking out for your best interest and the safety and security of your mother. First, I think you should be cautious with your dealings with Alistair Pundington. He has a rather loose view on what is lawful.”

Daniel held up his hand to stop Anthony from responding with the temper building behind his eyes. “The second is with regard to your sister and why she might wish you to stay away from Pundington. I’m not at liberty to divulge information. However, I strongly suggest that you ask Sophia. I warn you, Anthony, it is a delicate matter, which will require you to control your temper.”

Anthony’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t understand.”

“I know. I wish I was at liberty to tell you more, but I cannot break your sister’s confidence, no matter how foolish I think her silence is.” He wished he was able to resolve at least one issue, but he wouldn’t betray Sophia. Not even for her own good.

Anthony nodded and walked away. His eyes were as telling as Sophia’s.

Confusion was better than rage. Daniel should take his own advice with regard to secrets he was keeping from his wife.

Thomas’s familiar voice broke his reverie. “That boy looked ready to explode.”

Daniel shrugged. “He has just lost his father. It is to be expected.”

“He might help you in your cause. He’s close to Pundington,” Thomas said.

“I know, but he loves that bastard. Have you found out anything?”

“I have, but we cannot speak of it here. Can we meet tomorrow at your townhouse?”

“Very well. I’ll be out of the house until three, but I can meet you then. I have a lead on the source of the cargo from Pundington’s last trip. I believe it came from the colonies and then he was in the West Indies. I have a bad feeling about this entire thing.”

Thomas looked around at the men crowding the club. “It would be better to talk in private about such things, Dan. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

* * * *

As she said she would, Sophia dressed each day and went down for a few hours to accept callers. She was sipping tea when Fenton came to the door. “Mr. Pundington, my lady.”

Sophia’s heart pounded so loudly in her ears she didn’t know if Fenton said more. “Send him away.”

Alistair barged in behind Fenton. “I’m afraid I’m already here, Sophia.”

Fenton looked from her to Pundington and shifted from foot to foot.

Whatever he had to say, she certainly didn’t want to servants to hear it. She stood, squared her shoulders and kept her face calm. “It’s all right, Fenton. You may go.”

“You look terrible.” He smirked and twisted his mustache with one hand.

“Why, thank you, Mr. Pundington. I cannot remember a more gracious caller. You are here to extend your sympathies over the loss of my father, I presume.” Her sarcastic tone did nothing to belie the rage and fear just below the surface. Nor did it keep her stomach from churning.

He closed the door and advanced into the room. “Yes, well, old Charles was my dearest friend after all. We worked together for years. He would have had nothing if not for me. I expect to be compensated, niece.”

She clenched her teeth. “I’m not your niece and my family owes you nothing.”

“Your family owes me quite a lot.” His tone was light but the rage in his eyes turned her stomach.

For the first time, Sophia wished she were a man. She wanted to call him out. She would have faced prison to see Alistair Pundington lying dead on the parlor floor. “Even if that were true, which it is not, what makes you think I have any power over the money? I was only his daughter. Anthony and Mother will take care of the finances.”

“I’m sure you will have ample opportunity to convince your brother how best to invest his new wealth.”

“Why would I do that?”

He continued forward until he was only inches from her. “Because, you are mine. I had you first and, therefore, I can claim you anytime I wish. I’ll be waiting for you until you return to me. I’ll make sure your life is one long horror until I get my way.”

His words left her trembling, but fear evolved into fury. “You are crazy, Pundington. Get out of my house.”

His laugh was an ugly sound that made her cringe. “Your house. You think because you whored yourself out to an earl, that makes you a countess. You will never be anything more than the whore who gave herself to me thinking to gain my fortune.”

“Gave myself, you bastard, you stole what was mine. You are no more than a thief and a criminal regardless of the mask you wear. No matter how you paint yourself, Alistair Pundington, you will never be more than a lowly thief in the night. Even now, you try to steal from my brother.”

He slapped her face.

She spun and fell to her knees. Pain shot through her cheek and eye. She ran toward the door.

He grabbed her and tossed her onto the couch.

He pressed his body to hers, tearing at her clothes.

Sophia screamed.