Page 7 of When He Was a Duke
“Where’s James?” Sophia asked, unbuttoning her cloak. “I’m dying to see him.”
“He’s back in the poker room. I’m sure he’ll be out in a minute.”
Sebastian hustled into the kitchen. The cook had put everything away for the night, but he managed to find a loaf of bread, a few slices of ham, and some butter. Upon his return, he found Sophia sitting with her face in her hands. She looked up at him, giving him a thin smile.
“Here, eat. Then you can tell me what’s happened. Do you want a sherry or whiskey? Ale?”
“An ale would be nice, thank you,” Sophia said, already tearing off a chunk of bread.
He went behind the bar to pour a pint and returned just as the poker game broke up. A half dozen disgruntled men filed out of theback room and headed toward the front entrance. James came out last, quickly moving to unlock the door and bid them all goodnight.
“Someone’s going to shoot you one of these days,” one of them growled on his way out.
“Now then, don’t be such a sore loser,” James said, shutting and locking the door behind them.
James turned slowly and then stopped, paling at the sight of their sister sitting there. “Sophia? Is it you?”
“Yes, James, it is me.” Sophia stood, holding out her arms.
James rushed over to hug her, pulling her off her feet and holding her tight before setting her down and searching her face. “You’ve been hurt?”
She briefly touched the bruise on her cheek. “Yes. I’ve had some difficulties. I’ve lost my position.”
“How did you know where to find us?”
“It’s a long story,” Sophia said.
“Sit and eat. Then tell us everything.” James held Sophia’s chair for her, then took a seat himself. Sebastian joined them at the table.
“What has brought you to us?” James asked. “Something’s happened.”
Sophia blushed and her eyes filled with fresh tears. “It’s mortifying to have to tell you. The man I was working for… he assaulted me.”
Sebastian’s fists immediately clenched. “What did he do?”
“I ran away before he could do much harm,” Sophia said hastily. “But he managed to bruise me pretty badly. He underestimated my strength, however. All those years working at the Langstons made me strong. We have them to thank for that, I suppose.”
“You ran away and came here, then?” James asked, his voice low and dangerous.
“Yes. He was drunk and pulled me into his study when I was on my way up to bed. We fought, and I managed to get away. Perhaps I did some damage to his manhood with the heel of my boot.” Shesmiled wickedly, even as tears gathered at the corners of her eyes. “It wasn’t the first time he’d tried, but I couldn’t stay any longer. I thought maybe I could live here with you and find work as a governess somewhere in Brighton.”
“Of course you can stay with us,” James said immediately. “We’ll figure out the sleeping arrangements. The apartment’s not large, but we’ll make it work.”
“I hate to put you out,” Sophia said.
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re our sister,” Sebastian said. “We only have one another.”
“I feel better already, being here with you.” Sophia wiped her eyes. “I’m so very weary of it all. All this trying and trying and trying.”
Sebastian reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “You’re safe now. That’s what matters.”
“Actually,” Sophia said, sitting up a bit straighter, “I may have already found a new position. On my way here, I stopped at an inn in Arundel for the night. The innkeeper mentioned that a gentleman there was desperately seeking a governess. His sister and brother-in-law were killed in a carriage accident, and he’s been left guardian to their two-year-old daughter.”
“You spoke with him?” Sebastian asked.
“Briefly. He seemed quite decent—overwhelmed, really. The poor man has no idea how to care for a small child, and his housekeeper is too old to manage a toddler. He offered me the position on the spot when he learned of my experience.” Sophia managed a small smile. “It would mean leaving Brighton again, but the wages are generous, and he seemed genuinely kind.”
“Where is his estate?” James asked.
