Tainted Bride (2 page)

“Thank you, Aunt Daphne. I am tired.” She took a few steps then turned, overcome by a sudden feeling of guilt for all the trouble she would likely cause Aunt Daphne. Exhaustion and the idea of resting in a bed that didn’t sway with the waves of the ocean might have had a hand in her emotional state, but she hated to be a burden. “I’m sorry to have been foisted on you in such a way. I do appreciate your willingness to sponsor me this season.” She threw herself against her Great Aunt Daphne and wrapped her arms around her.

Lady Collington gave Sophia’s back one quick pat before dropping her hands back to her sides.

Sophia ended the awkward embrace. Her face warmed over her impulsive show of affection for a woman she had never before met.

Lips tight and eyes wide, Daphne cleared her throat.

She kissed Daphne’s cheek and rushed up the steps with no idea where she was supposed to go.

From below, Aunt Daphne said, “Show the girl her room.”

Mrs. Colms ambling footfall pounded up the steps and down the hall. She opened the door to a bedroom with sun filtering in and the scent of flowers. “If you require anything, ask me or one of the staff, miss.”

“Thank you.” Everything was clean and new in the room complete with fresh-cut flowers. Kinder thoughts of her severe aunt warmed her heart. Aunt Daphne had gone to the trouble of having new, cream-colored curtains hung and fresh linens purchased. A small writing desk appeared new as well and a supply of paper, quills and ink sat on one side. The palest pink damask covered the walls and it too was fresh and new.

Already in the room unpacking gowns, Marie grumbled over how they would all need to be taken in. She hoped for an under-maid who sewed tolerably well.

Her window overlooked orderly gardens. Every bush groomed to perfection. Roses bloomed as if by command. Would she too be expected to do everything perfectly? Fear over how much she would disappoint Aunt Daphne tightened around her heart. Disappointing another family member loomed unbearable. Threatening tears stung her eyes. “Marie, leave that for now. I would like to nap a while.”

Marie gave her a pitying look. “Shall I help you undress, my lady?”

“No. I’ll just lie down atop the coverlet. Come and wake me in two hours, please. Oh, and when you chat with the servants, would you inquire as to the nature of my cousin’s illness?”

With three gowns slung over her arm, Marie slipped out of the room.

Sophia leaned back against the mountain of expensive pillows. She missed her mother and father. She longed for home, but it was the home of years gone by, not the place recently left behind. Her father’s house hadn’t changed in that time, but she was different and everything familiar tainted.

Sophia cried in spite of her determination to be brave. Finally, exhaustion overtook her and she slept.

Someone pulled her away. A heavy weight covered her and a hand pressed over her mouth. She couldn’t scream or even breathe. She smothered and struggled to free herself. Excruciating pain erupted between her legs. Her father’s angry screams rose above a commotion of banging and her mother’s crying. Mortified and afraid, she curled into a ball on the hard floor. Every inch of her body hurt. Then, mercifully, the world went black.

She woke from the same nightmare that had haunted her for the past three years. Perspiration soaked her dress and her heart raced as she gasped for breath. Hair stuck to her face and neck. Blinking the room into focus, she lay still while the worst of her terror passed.

The banging from the nightmare continued. Someone was tapping on the door.

“Enter.” Sophia sat up.

Marie stepped inside. “I have ordered you a bath, Miss.”

“Thank you, Marie. I would adore a real bath.” She stood and stretched. The sun cast a blush over the manicured garden. The shadows of tall shrubberies, with their crisp shapes, stretched long across the walkways. She had slept far longer than two hours.

Marie supervised the arrival of the bath and buckets of water. “I spoke to her ladyship’s maid. The air in London does not agree with your young cousin. They have taken her to the country, where she has less trouble breathing. That is all the staff here knows. I’ll have a meal sent up when you are finished with your bath.”

“Thank you.” She sank into the bath. Warm, rose-scented water washed away the nightmare’s effects. By the time she pulled herself out, she was too exhausted to eat much. Marie bundled her into the soft down bed and sleep claimed her almost before her head hit the pillow.

* * * *

Sophia woke gasping. Daylight pierced gaps in the window dressing. In times of great stress, the dream haunted her sleep with more frequency. Finding herself the ward of Lady Daphne Collington was certainly stressful. She struggled from bed and pulled the drapery back.

According to her parents, London weather was dreary, but the sun shone on the maze of shrubs below as if daring her to be grim. She readied herself to face the day.

In the breakfast room, Daphne sat tall and elegant. Her cheeks were high and her hair arranged into a neat bun. She must have been even more stunning when she was young.

“Good morning, aunt.” Sophia walked to the sideboard and filled a plate with boar's head ham, oyster patties and bread.

The room faced the street and was flooded with light from the high windows. The enormous table must have been a remnant from a time when many more people resided under the roof. She sat to Daphne’s left.

“You are looking better, Sophia. I trust you slept well.” Daphne spoke over her crisp newspaper.

“Oh, I feel fine. I couldn’t ask for a more pleasant room. Thank you, Aunt Daphne.”

Daphne waved a hand and kept her expression stern. “You may explore the house today if you wish. I generally take a walk in the park each day after calling hours. You may join me, if you feel up to it.”

“I would like that very much.”

Daphne nodded and returned to her paper, while sipping coffee.

A cup of chocolate arrived via footman and Sophia was grateful to Marie for thinking to inform the cook of her preferences.

“Stupid girl” Aunt Daphne muttered.

Sophia’s heart raced. She had not chipped the fine china or even scratched one delicate flower from the edge of the plate. How had she managed to disappoint so quickly? “I beg your pardon?”

Daphne handed over the newspaper. “Elinor Burkenstock has ruined herself. Her poor mother must be beside herself. She will never get that nit married off now. You should take note, Sophia. That type of behavior will not be tolerated while you are in this house.”

Sophia breathed.

This reporter has it on good authority that the fine gathering at the Addison’s Ball was marred by dreadful behavior. Sources say Miss EB was caught in a compromising position with Sir M, by none other than Lady P. This reporter is shocked by the blatant disregard for propriety displayed by Miss EB…

The account went on, but it was so confusing, she stopped reading and looked at Daphne. “I don’t understand all of this Miss EB, Sir M and Lady P business.”

“It is a rather silly code the paper uses to avoid being outright slanderous. Meaningless, really, since everyone knows everyone else, at least by reputation. Miss EB is, of course, Elinor Burkenstock. Sir M is Sir Michael Rollins, a man of questionable honor and, by all accounts, little means. Lady P is Lady Pemberhamble, the most outrageous gossip in all of England. It really is a shame. The stupid girl will be put on the shelf, or if by some miracle her father can force a marriage with Rollins, she will then be married to a libertine.”

“I’m surprised this gossip interests you, Aunt.”

Lady Collington’s lips tipped up in what might have been a smile, but it vanished. “I do not perpetuate gossip, my dear, but reading about it is part of how we get by here in London without being bored to tears. Besides, the girl’s mother, Virginia Burkenstock is a particular friend of mine. Was it so different in Philadelphia?”

Three years ago, people she’d thought were her friends had abandoned her at the first sign of scandal. Sophia’s father had squashed the truth, but still, rumors circulated for a season. “No. I suppose not, but I don’t like the malice behind such rumors. For all we know, there might be little truth to the story. But because her family was unable to hush it up and it made it to print, she’ll be ruined.”

“What would you suggest, Sophia?” Aunt Daphne raised one imperialistic eyebrow.

Sophia smoothed the fine white tablecloth. “You said Mrs. Burkenstock is your friend. So, you know this girl. Is she worth helping?”

The second dark grey eyebrow joined the first. “She is a lovely little thing, if not the brightest of the season. She probably was lured away for a kiss and Lady P was waiting in the wings to catch them.”

Sophia shivered with memories and her skin roiled as she rubbed them away. A stolen kiss was minor compared to her experience, but this Miss Burkenstock would suffer and Sophia’s heart wrenched. “Would you be opposed to my helping her?”

“It is risky to associate yourself with someone whose reputation is soiled, especially since you are just arrived in town.” Daphne looked out at the street and smoothed her hair from temple to chignon. “But, I believe this little misstep might be swept under the carpet, if she had friends willing to stand by her. I’ll support your desire to help, as long as Miss Burkenstock does nothing else to embarrass herself or her family.”

Sophia’s heart leaped, not only because she would be allowed to help a stranger, but more so, because her stern aunt had shown a softer side. She jumped up, rounded the table, and kissed Daphne’s cheek.

“It is very uncommon, this constant show of affection, Sophia.” Daphne’s tone returned to its prior harshness.

Sophia’s cheeks warmed. “I apologize, aunt. Would you prefer I did not kiss or hug you?”

“I did not say that.” If Daphne had feathers, they would be ruffling. She pursed her lips, which drew her cheeks in severely. “I merely noted it is uncommon.”

“Yes, Aunt.” Delight warmed the rest of her. Her great aunt was exactly as papa and mamma had always described. “May we call on Miss and Mrs. Burkenstock this morning? It would be good to show immediate support, don’t you agree?”

“Are you certain you are up to going into society today?”

“I would not want to attend a ball just yet, but I think a morning call would not be too taxing and I should have an appropriate day dress.”

“Very well. Get ready and I shall have the carriage brought round in one hour.”

Sophia’s parents had said London would be damp and dreary, but so far, that was not the case. The sun warmed her and nothing was as wonderful as standing on terra firma. The Burkenstock townhouse stood only a few blocks away from Collington House and would have been an easy walk, but they took the Collington carriage emblazoned with the crest for all to see. Daphne informed her walking to pay a call was not done.

A stooped butler with bushy gray eyebrows met Sophia and Lady Collington at the door. Wide-eyed, he stared at them. “The lady of the house is not taking any calls today.”

If they were left standing in the doorway, she was to blame for the embarrassment it would cause Aunt Daphne. Her stomach churned like she was back on the sea.

Lady Collington gave him a scathing look. “We will be admitted. Go and inform your lady I am here and don’t you dare leave me standing on the stoop like some chimney sweep.”

He turned sheet white, seized her card, and admitted them. “Please wait in the red parlor, my lady. I shall inform Mrs. Burkenstock of your arrival.”

The home was not as ornate as Collington house, but it was charming and simple pieces made it homey. The red parlor had only one red chair amongst all the brown and green furniture.

Daphne sat straight as a tree with her hands in her lap, her face a mask of serenity.

Sophia tried to sit still, but it was impossible. She walked to the window. The house sat close to the street and the parlor faced only the side of another townhome. “Perhaps we should not have come, Aunt.”

“Be still, Sophia. It is as if you are a rabbit caught in a trap. It is only a morning call, not the inquisition. Try to act like a lady.”

The door opened and a woman with blond hair pulled back in a chignon trudged in wringing her hands. Red swelling ringed her blue eyes and flushed her cheeks, but Mrs. Burkenstock displayed a practiced smile. “Lady Collington.”

Aunt Daphne remained sitting and nodded. “Mrs. Burkenstock, may I introduce my niece, Sophia Braighton?”

Sophia curtsied.

“How do you do, Miss Braighton? I’m afraid you have caught us on a difficult day.” Mrs. Burkenstock said and her voice broke.

Sophia forced a smile.

“Virginia, sit down and call for tea. Tea always makes things seem a bit more tolerable.”

Virginia sat near Aunt Daphne. Tea arrived and she poured. Virginia relaxed as if the tea had indeed made something better.

They sipped their tea speaking of the fine weather and people Sophia did not know until a girl arrived, her blue eyes and pert nose red and swollen.

“Miss Braighton, this is my daughter Elinor.”

Elinor curtsied with the grace of a swan. “Nice to meet you, Miss Braighton. Hello, Lady Collington. It was nice of you to call this morning.” With the same hair as Virginia, her skin was fair and bright.

Aunt Daphne nodded. “Sophia is my niece from America. I think the two of you will get along well together.”

Taking a seat across the room, Elinor separated herself from the conversation area.

Sophia joined her on the settee. “I have just arrived from America.”

“Yes. Your aunt said as much,” Elinor whispered.

“I haven’t any friends in London.”

Elinor met Sophia’s gaze directly. Her eyes narrowed.

The stare continued until Sophia found herself fidgeting. She clasped her hands together to keep still.

“Why have you come?” Her tone was politer than the question.

“Well, I have no friends and it seemed you need one just now.”