Page 78 of Sophie's Ruin
Henry laughed, not taking his eyes off me. The sound was nice and deep, reverberating through me all the way down through the tips of my toes.
“I think you’re right,” he said.
“So, where will you go?” the Governess asked.
Henry tore his gaze away from me and looked at her.
“Wherever it is we end up, we will lead a quiet life without harming anyone. You have my word,” he told her.
“I trust your word, Lord—” Madam St. Clair caught herself with a low chuckle. “Henry.”
“What will happen to us?” Ezra spoke up, looking around at the other servants in the room.
His mahogany brown hair had gotten longer since I’d last seen him, and he was not as pale as he’d used to be.
“You all are free to go,” Henry said, his deep voice carrying through the foyer. Ezra’s brown eyes widened at his words. Apparently, that wasn’t what he’d wanted to hear.
“We’ll give you some funds to help you until you get on your feet,” I said out of nowhere. Isabelle shot me a look of dismay while Henry squeezed me closer to him in a sign of approval.
The other servants lit up at my words and began chatting excitedly among themselves. Ezra still looked uncertain, though, shifting from foot to foot. Understanding washed over me as I realized that he didn’t have any family left after Rory had died. Ezra wasn’t from New Haven like most of the other servants, so he had no one to help him adjust to this new world where he was free and no longer had to serve the Duvals.
“You can stay with me until you find a job and a place of your own,” my father offered, glancing at me. I gave him an appreciative smile. It would be good for my father to have company after I was gone, and he could help Ezra start a new life. I had no doubt that he would treat him like his own son. Warmth blossomed in my chest at the thought.
“Are you sure?” Ezra asked him. “It would be nice to stay in New Haven where Rory is buried…” he trailed off, looking down to the stone floor. I had to remind myself that only a short time had passed since her death. It only seemed like ages to me because of everything I’d been through. Ezra was still grieving, the shadows of his loss draped over him like a shroud.
“I’m sure.” My father clasped his shoulder in assurance.
“Surely you’re not going to leave until after the wedding?” Amelie asked, snapping my attention to her.
“The wedding? What wedding?” My father’s gray brows shot up.
Henry stiffened next to me before he cleared his throat and said, “Thomas, I need to officially ask you for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”
My eyes pricked with tears as emotion swelled in my chest. Henry knew I didn’t need my father’s permission but wanted toask for it regardless. Because he always wanted to do the right thing.
My father paled.
“You’re getting married?” he asked, with something akin to sorrow in his voice.
My brows knitted. I didn’t need his permission, but it would still break my heart if he didn’t approve. Perhaps I just needed to convince him, to tell him how much Henry meant to me. “My little girl is getting married?” my father said, and my scowl smoothed out as understanding dawned on me. He wasn’t against the marriage; he was just sad because his little girl was growing up. I’d grown up a long time ago when I’d found my mother dead and discovered her note about the Tear, but it seemed my father had still been harboring hope that I would return to him one day. And now that hope was slipping away because I would not be returning under my father’s roof. I would be making my own life and future with my husband.
Untucking myself from Henry’s side, I approached my father and took his weathered hands in mine. They trembled slightly as I held them.
“Yes.” I smiled at him. “I love him, Father, and he loves me, and there is no doubt in my mind that he will make me the happiest girl in the world.”
“I think he already does,” my father said, his eyes glistening. “Of course you have my permission,” he added low, pulling me into a tight embrace. “I know you didn’t need it, but thank you for asking anyway,” he murmured against the top of my head. “It means a lot,” he added, and I knew the words were meant for Henry.
“Well then.” Amelie clapped her hands in excitement. “Sounds like we have a wedding to plan.”
I laughed softly, shaking my head as I let go of my father and walked back to Henry.
“It looks like we’ll be getting married sooner than expected,” I told him, watching for his reaction. With a soft smile, he wrapped his arms around my waist and looked into my eyes.
“Truly, it’s perfect. I can’t wait to call you my wife.”
37
“Are you nervous?” Amelie met my gaze in the vanity mirror. I sat before it while she worked on my hair.
