The next morning she occupied herself by writing thank-you cards to everyone who had attended the ball. Each card contained only two lines, thanking them for attending and saying that the family had enjoyed their company.
It was tedious but her grandmother insisted on these things. She had made a list and Sophie diligently sent a simple card to each name on the list. Her mind wandered most of the time and when the task was completed, she placed several small stacks of letters in the front hall to be delivered by their footman.
***
After she placed the small stacks of letters in the foyer, she went upstairs and pulled her cream-and-gold gown from the night before out of the armoire. She laid it upon the bed and felt the silk underneath her hands. There would be no time for a new gown, and though everyone else was excited about the marriage, Sophie knew the truth.
She would not have her father burdened with purchasing a new gown from Madame Darbonne, and in truth, the sooner she was married, the sooner she would begin to feel safe.
She knew her father was a powerful lawyer but she felt a husband would protect her better, which was why she had ambushed Sebastian.
She would make sure that she did not add any stress to his life and allow him to live as he had before they married. She would not hurt the one man who had placed himself in peril to protect her.
***
A week later, Sebastian and Sophie married in a small ceremony on the outskirts of Paris. The priest had been paid to perform the ceremony and Sophie wore the gown of cream and gold while Sebastian wore a dark coat and breeches of royal blue.
Her grandmother, father and Lizette were in attendance, as well as Leila, Etienne and Sebastian’s parents.
The tiny church was filled with flowers and incense, while Leila had laid laurel leaves outside the church for the bridal path.
The vows were simple and the couple exchanged rings. Afterwards they returned to Jean Pierre’s home for refreshments and toasts.
Leila teased her brother about his new status as a bridegroom and Etienne said not to worry, that he would be joining him soon as a married man.
The couple toasted each other with a two-handled cup and everyone enjoyed the croquet-en-bouche, a mound of bun-like pastries stuffed with cream and shaped like a pyramid.
Katharine was gracious to her new daughter-in-law while Mohammed kissed her hand and welcomed her into the family.
Jean Pierre had already engaged the footmen to send all of Sophie’s clothes and belongings to her husband’s home so that she would be comfortable with her surroundings. She had asked her maid, Marie, to accompany her in her new home, and she had agreed.
Eugenie had been first shocked and then delighted to hear the news of her granddaughter’s impending marriage. Though Luc had seemed interested in Sophie, there had never been a formal engagement. Eugenie was more than happy with the choice of Sebastian, who was handsome, of a good family and could provide for Sophie. Now that the day was upon them, Eugenie spent much of it dabbing at her eyes with a lace handkerchief and sighing.
As the well-wishers departed, Sophie and Sebastian made their way to their new home. To give the newlyweds time to themselves, Leila had joined her parents in their rented home while the new couple had Sebastian’s house to themselves.
Chapter 20
Sebastian had ordered the fireplace in the front salon lit for their return home. It was a warm, comfortable room with several bedrooms upstairs. He had not chosen a room for Sophie but instead left the decision up to her.
The day had been long, with the small ceremony in the mid-morning followed by the wedding reception at Sophie’s father’s home. The long rounds of toasts from everyone had been exhausting and he could tell she was fatigued.
Sebastian removed the long cape from Sophie’s shoulders and handed it to the butler. She shuddered and he ushered her to sit before the warm fire.
“Come. You’re cold,” he said.
She felt his hands upon her neck, massaging it gently, and she closed her eyes. She was tired. Today had been a long day. Though they had married for convenience, everyone around them had been thrilled for them so she had had to fake an excitement she had not felt. It had been draining. The day had lacked the joy she had hoped one day to feel on her real marriage day, and it saddened her.
“Thank you.” She looked up at him; his eyes were dark and his face devoid of emotion.
He turned to stoke the fire and then poured two small brandies, handing her one glass and taking the other for himself.
“Well, today is over,” he said with finality, sipping his drink.
“Yes.”
He watched as she began to take out her hair pins, one after the other. As each coil of auburn hair fell down her back, he remembered that morning at the chateau when he had touched her hair with his fingers. The texture was soft as silk. He swallowed and looked into the fire.