Page 20 of A Sham Betrothal
She indicated for him to rise. “Why, certainly. How did you meet her? What is this romantic story? I must have it.” The conversation did not quite resume, but the king had at least turned back to the duke on his right.
Basile did not take his eyes off Marie-Antoinette, but he felt the attention of everyone in the room waiting for his answer. What seemed an innocent invention hours before became twisted as he contemplated lying to his queen.
“I fear our story will disappoint you. We met briefly when I was touring England and Scotland before I came into the marquisate, but other than discovering a mutual delight in each other’s company, we did not think to pursue a courtship.” He licked his lips. “Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon her outside of Stohrer!”
“And when was this?” she asked, her lovely eyes alight with interest. Basile could understand why men were so captivated by her, although he would never draw so near to a flame that could not but singe.
“Not much above a week ago,” he admitted.
“Voyons!” she exclaimed. “It is a love match, then.Un véritable coup de foudreif you can betroth yourself so quickly. I am to understand that you have been an elusive heart to capture in Paris. It needed only this Englishwoman.”
“I admit ’tis so, madame. If only you will countenance it, our joy will be complete.” His thoughts ran quickly. He needed to prepare for the eventual rupture by sowing doubt. “Of course, we have some obstacles to overcome.”
“Love removes all obstacles,” the queen said as she smiled upon him. She then took leave of her king and swept out in much the same way she had come.
Her only purpose in entering the king’s chamber, then, had been to hear his story. A slight apprehension that was much like nausea settled over him. He would have to make this betrothal convincing and make their rupture even more so.
Chapter 9
Sophie’s grandmother seemed more at ease under Jeannot’s skilled care, but Sophie did not dare upset her grandmother by asking about the bills Sheldon had accumulated for the gowns and all the rest. And she had no qualms about refusing to admit Sheldon to see Mrs. Twisden when he came the next day for his promised remonstrance.
“Surely, you have taken the time to think about what I said,” he began, after giving her the briefest of bows and charging his way into the sitting room. “It is not too late to pull out of this betrothal. After all, this was not announced in London, and there will be no scandal attached to your name if you were to do so.”
“I have no intention of pulling out of the engagement,” she said firmly, gesturing for him to sit. He would want to have his say, and she might as well hear it now when there were no eager ears to listen.
Ignoring her invitation, he paced to the other side of the room, then turned to face her. “Have you told your grandmother yet?”
“I did not deem it wise this morning when I went in to see her. She is far from well.”
“It is clear to me that the news will not be well received. You know it and I know it.” He pinned her with his scrutiny. “Otherwise, you would have told her by now.”
“Joyful news can cause an overset in a person’s health nearly as much as sober news,” Sophie replied calmly, although her thoughts raced from the precariousness of her situation. “I do not wish for her to have any excitement whatsoever.”
“I believe I should see her myself.” His face became mulish.
“That is quite out of the question. And she would not thank you for witnessing her in a state of illness, for you are not family”—Sophie’s conscience struck her even amidst what was growing into a firm dislike of the man—“despite how well you have cared for us, and for that I do thank you.”
“I do not see what I am to do here in Paris, now that you are betrothed to someone else,” he grumbled. “She and I have points to discuss given these unpleasant developments in regards to our connection. I would leave at once, except that I have several engagements with people in the embassy and they would not like for me to cry off.”
“You must do as you see fit,” Sophie said, turning as Mary came into the room. She indicated for her to set the tea on the table, then sat and gestured once again for Sheldon to do the same. The maid finished setting everything out and left the room. After a glance at his face, Sophie softened and she poured him a cup of tea. From his point of view, her behavior must seem highly ungrateful. “I do hope you will accept my decision and that we can remain friends.”
“Hmph.” He stared down at the fob attached to his waistcoat. “Your betrothal is of such a sudden nature, perhaps it will not last. I am a patient man.”
Sophie gritted her teeth. “I certainly hope it will not keep you from looking around for a lady who will be honored to become your wife,” she said, listening to the sounds of Jeannot and Mary conferring in the kitchen in two different languages.
He finished his cup in silence, then sighed. “I will have to talk to the marquess about your arrangements here in Paris. I am sure we can come to an agreement. It makes no sense that I should be made to settle the bills of a woman with whom I have no hope of sharing a future. It is only natural that he should wish to take them over.”
Sophie felt her face blanch with understanding of the humiliation that awaited her. “You cannot…you cannot think to do that.”
He looked at her in surprise. “Whyever not?Ishould not like to allow another man to be paying for the expenses of my betrothed. It is most inappropriate and sends the wrong message.”
“But no one knows of your assistance to our family,” she replied as a new fear assailed her. “I should hope you are not spreading it about at the embassy to whom we owe our sojourn in Paris.”
Sheldon shifted. “Oh, as to that…”
His non-answer did nothing to relieve her fears. So, everyone at the embassy knew of her impoverished state. Mary reentered the room, this time bringing an apricot cake. She set it in front of Sophie, who cut a small slice for Sheldon, although he had a hearty appetite. It was petty, she knew, but tears of humiliation stung her eyes. Tears she would not let him see.
Composing herself, she handed him his plate and refilled his cup, then she sipped her own tea to gain fortitude. “I beg you will not discuss this matter with the marquis. Allow me the dignity of becoming his charge once the ceremony occurs.”
