The Bride Price Page 4

  Sophie and Nona were in the dining room for only a few minutes when the butler showed a beautiful, petite woman into the room. Her strawberry-blonde hair framed a heart-shaped face, and wind-blown cheeks illuminated larger-than-life blue eyes. She appeared a younger version of Nona.

  “Christine, what are you doing here so early? Weren’t you scheduled to be at the hospital today?” Nona stood quickly and made her way over to the woman. She folded her into one of her motherly hugs.

  The younger woman removed her winter cloak and gloves to reveal a dark blue skirt. Her matching jacket was buttoned all the way to her throat, and Sophie assumed it was a uniform of some type. She handed her outerwear to the butler hovering behind her and laughed. “A very good morning to you, too, big sister.”

  “My word, where are my manners?” Nona turned to Sophie. “Sophie, this is my youngest sister, Christine. She volunteers at the local hospital, taking care of wounded soldiers.” She turned back to her sister. “Christine, this is Sophie Ford. She landed on our doorstep yesterday, for lack of a better word.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Christine shook Sophie’s hand and then turned to her sister. “Elizabeth came by to see Mama and me after she dropped the dresses off to you this morning, so I’ve heard part of the story. I thought I would call on you and see if you needed anything.”

  News certainly travels fast around here without the use of cell phones.

  “You look lovely in that dress, Mrs. Ford. Much better than Elizabeth would have. Just don’t tell her I said that,” Christine said.

  “Thank you.” Sophie fingered the fabric. “Has your sister never worn this?”

  Christine chuckled. “No. None of the ones she gave you have been worn.”

  “Wow—I mean, my goodness.”

  Nona glanced at the clock on the dining room wall. “Oh, my, look at the time. I must get the menu organized for tomorrow night’s soiree. Christine, would you please keep Sophie company while I talk to Cook?”

  “Of course.” Christine sat at the table and turned to face Sophie with a warm smile.

  “Christine.” Sophie wrung her hands. “Sorry, may I call you Christine?”

  “Of course.”

  “What is this soiree Nona referred to?”

  Stirring sugar into a cup of coffee, Christine explained, “We have spent the past week honoring officers who have made it home for a brief sojourn. The soiree will cap it off. Many will leave again in the coming weeks, as new marching orders are being delivered as we speak.”

  “Oh,” Sophie squeaked.

  Christine laid her spoon aside and looked at her in concern. “Are you all right, Mrs. Ford? Can I get you something?”

  “Um, no, no, I’m fine. I just thought about all those people.” Sophie took a deep breath. “I guess it freaked me out a bit.”

  Christine furrowed her brow. “Freaked you out? What does that mean?”

  Sophie internally smacked her hand to her forehead.

  “Oh, right, well, it means, kind of scared me.” Sophie smoothed her hands across her skirts and then settled them on her lap. “I hope it will be all right to stay in my room with the door locked tomorrow night.”

  Christine laughed. “Why would you want to do that?”

  “I just don’t feel up to a party, I suppose.”

  Christine took a sip of her coffee and set her cup gently in the saucer. “Mrs. Ford, I understand you’ve lost your husband.”

  “Please, call me Sophie. And, yes. I have no idea where Jamie is. I’m choosing to think he’s misplaced, but everything’s a bit of a confusing mess right now.”

  “Well, let’s try and focus on the positive.” Christine dropped another sugar cube into her coffee. “Now, let’s discuss gowns. I know one in particular that Elizabeth had made. She disliked the color, so never wore it. It would look incredible on you. We’ll have Madame Desmarais alter it for you before the party. Elizabeth has influence with her.” She added in a conspiring whisper, “She should, with the amount she spends there.”

  Sophie waved a hand in the air. “Please don’t go to any trouble, Christine. The dresses Elizabeth has already provided are beautiful. She has been more than generous.”

  “Don’t be silly, it’s our pleasure.” Christine set her coffee cup down. “Now, I must get to the hospital. I’ll return at three and we’ll go down to Madame’s together. I’m on my way to pick up a few things from Elizabeth’s, so I will also get the dress.”

  Christine gathered her outerwear and Sophie walked her to the door. “Thank you for spending some time with me.”

  “My pleasure, Sophie. I’ll see you later.”

  Watching as Christine climbed into her little buggy, Sophie remained in the open doorway as the horse trotted down the long driveway.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Sophie closed the door and leaned against it in silence, turning when she heard Nona’s familiar footsteps tap over the foyer.

  “There you are, dear. Did Christine leave?”

  Sophie nodded. “Yes, just now. She said she’ll be back at three to take me to Madame something or other?”

  “Madame Desmarais. She’s a miracle worker with a needle and thread. She makes all of Elizabeth’s gowns and believe me, Elizabeth keeps her working day and night.”

  Sophie smiled. “So I’ve heard.”

  “Oh, Sophie, you have such a lovely smile. I look forward to seeing that more often. Now perhaps you should rest before Christine collects you. She can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not prepared for her.”

  “I wonder where she gets that from?” Sophie muttered.

  “What was that, dear?”

  “Oh, nothing, Nona. What do you have in the way of books? I would love to read something.”

  Nona led her to their library and when Sophie stepped into the room, she sighed in awe. Three walls had floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, the dark mahogany showcased intricate carving. Two high-backed chairs faced a large, stone fireplace. A hearth raised it three feet off the floor and offered a warm place to rest your feet. This could only be described as her dream room. “This is perfect, Nona. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, dear. I’ll have Daniel add wood to the fire and you can rest in here, if you like. I’ll collect you at three. Richard will be joining us for dinner, so I have requested Elizabeth send over an appropriate gown.”

  Sophie smiled her thanks and searched for something to read. There were many medical books, which shouldn’t have surprised her, and she thought she might be disappointed, until she came across “Lady Audley’s Secret,” written by Mary Elizabeth Braddon.

  Curling up in one of the chairs, she tucked her feet under her and settled in to read. But she found she was unable to concentrate, and the pages swam before her. Turning her head, she stared out the window.

  Where are you, Jamie? She felt tears slip down her cheek and wiped them away with the palm of her hand. Please, God, I need some answers here. As grateful as I am to be healthy, I want my husband back. I think I’d rather be dying with Jamie, than healthy without him.

  With her chin on her palm, she continued to stare out the window.

  Almost an hour into her forced rest, Sophie was grateful when she heard the rustle of fabric behind her. “Miss Sophie?”

  “Hm?” Sophie peeked around the high-backed chair.

  “Miss Nona says her sister will be here soon.”

  Sophie stood, lightly running her fingers over the fabric of her skirts to smooth them, and followed Betty out of the room. She arrived in the foyer just as the butler was opening the front entrance door. Thinking Christine had come a few minutes early, Sophie hurried forward to greet her new friend.

  She froze mid-stride and felt her face heat with indignation.

  Richard Madden handed his hat and gloves to the expectant butler. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Ford. How are you feeling today?”

  “I’m fine, thank you, Mr. Madden.” Sophie pulled her hands behind her back and clasped them
tightly. “Have you found something out about Jamie? Is that why you’re here?”

  Before he could answer, Nona bustled into the entryway and greeted Richard with a big smile. “Richard, what a nice surprise.”

  “Good afternoon, Nona.” He gave her a slight bow.

  Sophie turned back to Richard. “Mr. Madden was just going to tell me what he found out about my husband.”

  Richard stood in silence.

  “Well? Mr. Madden?” Sophie ground out, a little more pointedly.

  Richard turned and spoke directly to Nona. “Is Dr. Wade still here? I thought I’d try to catch him before left for the hospital.”

  “Or, you could answer my question.” Sophie didn’t like being a shrew, but this man’s arrogance irritated her. Call it a fault of hers, but she always felt the need to put male chauvinists like him in their place. That, and she desperately wanted to know where Jamie was.

  “Ma’am, I don’t have anything to tell you at present. I really should speak with Dr. Wade before I go any further.”

  Pointing her finger at him, Sophie shook with anger. “Why? Why do you have to speak with Dr Wade before ‘going any further’?”

  “Pardon me, ma’am?”

  “Don’t you ‘ma’am’ me. Where is my husband? Are you hiding him? Is he hurt and you don’t want to tell me? Is that why you need the doctor? It is, isn’t it?” Panic bubbled up and threatened to spill over. “Why are we just standing here? Take me to him.” She moved toward the front door. “Now, if you please.”

  Richard didn’t budge.

  “Why are you looking at me that way? Take me to Jamie!”

  Nona let out a quiet sigh. “Shhh, Sophie, calm down. I’m certain Michael will tell us everything, once he and Richard have a chance to talk.”

  “I won’t be shushed, Nona.” Sophie turned back to Richard. “Where is Jamie? Why are you just standing there?”

  Michael rushed in. “Richard, Nona? What is going on here?”

  “He won’t tell me where Jamie is!” Panic had been replaced with anger, and Sophie turned back to face Richard. “Where is he, Mr. Madden? You do realize that I’ll find him, with or without you. I swear, if he’s hurt somewhere and you won’t take me to him, there isn’t a corner on earth you can go where I won’t find you. If you knew any of my friends, they would tell you to beware the wrath of Sophie. Pushed far enough, sir, I’ll make your life a living hell. Do you hear me? A living hell!”

  She registered, barely, Nona’s stifled, “Oh, my!”

  “Yes, ma’am, I heard you.” Richard made a sweeping motion with his hand. “In fact, I believe the entire countryside heard you.”

  Sophie was beside herself. “You are the most irritating, arrogant, subspecies of a human being I have ever come across.”

  “Sophie, I don’t think that’s particularly fair to Richard. He has been trying to help find your husband, and I think you need to be a bit more appreciative.” Nona fluttered to her side and patted her hand.

  Sophie took a deep breath in an effort to calm herself. “You’re right, Nona, I should apologize.” Turning to Richard, Sophie forced a smile. “Mr. Madden, I am sorry for calling you a subspecies of a human being. Now, please tell me what you have found out about my husband.”

  “What about the irritating, arrogant part?”

  “Excuse me?”

  Richard smiled. Smug and infuriating. “The irritating, arrogant part. You only apologized for the subspecies human being part.”

  She clenched her fists at her sides. “I did that because I didn’t want to insult any other subspecies. I withdraw my apology. Where is Jamie?”

  “Richard, stop torturing the poor girl. Tell us what you have found out,” Michael said.

  Richard turned his back on Sophie and once again spoke directly to Michael. “A new group of wounded have been brought to the hospital. One of the men resembles the description Mrs. Ford gave me, and I hoped you could have a look at him. He’s unconscious and severely wounded.”

  “Of all the arrogant...” Sophie stopped herself from stomping her foot in rage. “Or you could speak to me directly and stop pretending I’m not here.” Turning to the doctor, Sophie begged, “Please Dr. Wade, you have to take me. I’ll be able to tell you if it’s Jamie right away.”

  “His wounds are quite gruesome, Mrs. Ford. I’m not sure it would be a good idea for you to see him like that,” Richard interjected.

  Sophie inwardly seethed. She couldn’t help herself, her hand flew to her breast, and she did her best Scarlett O’Hara imitation. “Thank you for your concern, Mr. Madden. I don’t know how I’d survive all of this without it.”

  She then turned to Nona. “Please make them take me. If it’s Jamie, he’s going to need me. I have to be there. I don’t want him to wake up alone, wondering what’s going on.”

  Before Nona could respond, a knock at the door interrupted them. Richard reached out and opened it and Christine sailed through, with another woman in tow.

  “Well, doesn’t this look like a party?” Christine chuckled. She looked around at everyone, and her eyes lit on Richard. “Good afternoon, Richard, what a nice surprise seeing you here.”

  He gave a slight bow. “Good afternoon, Christine, I hope you are well? Elizabeth, once again a pleasure.”

  Christine urged Elizabeth forward, towards Sophie. “Sophie, may I introduce our sister, Elizabeth?”

  Sophie shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Nice to meet you, too,” Elizabeth said.

  “Are you ready for Madame’s?” Christine raised her eyebrows in question.

  Sophie grabbed her arm. “Will you please take me to the hospital, Christine? Jamie’s there and he needs me.”

  “Ma’am, I’m not certain it is your husband,” Richard reiterated.

  Sophie threw her arms up in the air and let out a strangled scream. “Stop ‘ma’aming’ me, you Neanderthal.”

  Christine and Elizabeth looked at each other like they had just come into the middle of an intense play and missed the entire first act.

  “Please, Christine,” Sophie begged.

  “Well, of course I will. Have you ever seen a battle hospital? I must warn you, it can be very unpleasant, but if your Jamie’s there, I’ll help you find him.” Christine shot Richard a glare.

  “I must see him.” Relief washed through Sophie. Finally, someone would take her to Jamie.

  “The carriage is right outside. We’ll stop at the hospital and then go from there to Madame Desmarais’,” Elizabeth said.

  Sophie could only stare at her. Who could think of shopping when Jamie could be lying, mortally wounded, in a hospital bed?

  * * *

  When they finally pulled up to the hospital, Sophie shuddered, speechless. This truly was no more than a glorified tent. She had seen photos and read descriptions about what Civil War hospitals were like. She’d been aware tents were often used, but nothing prepared her for the overwhelming sight and smell of blood and dirt. The stench hit her full force, and only by breathing through her mouth was it bearable.

  Sophie followed Richard past rows of soldiers in various stages of injuries and consciousness before he paused at a cot in the back corner of the tent. Once Richard stepped aside, Sophie took a deep breath, inched closer to the young man—and nearly passed out. Feeling Richard’s firm grip to her elbow, Sophie forced herself to look.

  A gash from one side of his forehead to the other didn’t appear to have been cleaned and was left open to the air. From what she could see, under the inadequate coverage of another bandage, his right eye appeared to be bulging from its socket. A makeshift binding on his arm barely covered his missing right hand.

  Sophie covered her mouth with her fingers. Her heart broke for the young man left to die in the corner of a filthy tent. Richard pulled her into his arms and held her as she wept into his chest, and although the faint scent of alcohol wafted from him, she was too upset to care. “I’ve lost him. He’s gone. How
did I get here? What am I going to do without him? I can’t live without him.”

  Christine rushed over and pulled her gently away from Richard. “Sophie, it’s all right. He’s not dead, can you see? He’s breathing. Your James is alive. Michael will have a look at him, and we will all take care of him so that he comes back to you quickly. Shhh, Sophie, look. He’s alive. You need to believe he’s going to be all right.”

  But he wasn’t Jamie. He was someone else’s husband, son, brother. Someone else’s friend or lover. He wasn’t hers.

  Her stomach churned at the realization she was somewhere Jamie might never find, and her breath left her body at the thought that they might be lost to each other, without hope. She was in 1863, and he was stuck in the future to mourn her death—or disappearance—or whatever.

  Her hand found its way to her chest as her step faltered, and she bent at the waist in agony from the pain. Christine held her steady, and Sophie took a deep, ragged breath. “Christine, it’s not Jamie. It’s not him. He’s truly lost to me. He’s gone.”

  Sophie took the handkerchief Christine offered and wiped away her tears. Christine wrapped her arm firmly around Sophie’s waist as she took a deep breath and tried to take a measure of the comfort Christine offered.

  Turning, Sophie addressed them all, “Thank you, everyone for bringing me here, and for the patience and kindness you have shown.” She took a deep breath. “Christine, would you mind terribly taking me home? I don’t feel up to shopping at the moment.”

  “Of course, Sophie.”

  Sophie followed the women out of the hospital and into the carriage, although she saw nothing as she slid the curtain aside and stared off into space. She had to figure out what to do from here. In the 1800s, women were vulnerable. Men made the rules and kept women housed and fed. Women didn’t work for a living, unless they “worked” for a living and that was something Sophie would never do.