A Lady's Scandal

XVII: An Engagement

1810
PEMBROKE MANOR, DERBYSHIRE
 
Ophelia and Henry were enjoying a quiet afternoon in the gardens. Henry watched her with a mixture of fondness and curiosity. "What mischief are you up to now, little sister?" he teased.
 
Ophelia giggled mischievously, her blue eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, Henry, I have a secret!" she exclaimed in a playful tone, holding a finger to her lips.
 
Henry raised an eyebrow, pretending to be stern. "A secret, you say? Pray tell, what is it?"
 
With a dramatic flourish, Ophelia leaned in close, her voice barely above a whisper. "I believe it is something terribly scandalous," she teased, barely able to contain her laughter.
 
Henry feigned shock. "Scandalous? My dear sister, you must confess at once!"
 
Ophelia grinned, pleased with herself for causing her brother a moment's worry. "No, brother, it is just a bit of harmless fun," she admitted, leaning against his shoulder.

*****************************************************

Henry awoke to the soft glow of dawn filtering through his bedroom window. Stretching languidly, he was dressed impeccably in a tailored coat and waistcoat, his cravat neatly tied at his neck before making his way downstairs to the drawing room. Spotting Ophelia engrossed in her needlework, he could not help but feel a pang of guilt for his recent absences.

“Good morning, Fifi,” he greeted, his voice carrying a slight rasp from nights spent in the haze of smoke-filled clubs. He crossed the room to the nearby bookshelf and selected a leather-bound volume, flipping through its pages with a practiced ease, “How have you been, dear sister?”

“I am splendid, brother.” she replied, continuing her embroidery, “I presume you are as well?”

Henry nodded and gave a warm smile, Ophelia looked up, her eyes brightening at the sight of her brother. "Henry, it has been too long since we last spoke, It is a joy that you could promenade with us," she remarked, her tone gentle yet tinged with concern. "You have been absent quite often these days. Is everything well?"

Henry now glanced up from the book, meeting his sister’s gaze with a half-smile that did not quite reach his eyes. "Ah, yes, I have been attending to some business matters," he replied vaguely, his tone casual but evasive. He knew Ophelia was perceptive, and though he preferred to shield her from the darker realities of his activities with the frequest visits to Covent Garden and spending most of his time in the St. James’s Society Club, her innocent trust tugged at his conscience.

Ophelia nodded understandingly, she resumed her embroidery, her needle moving gracefully through the fabric as if to distract herself.

As Lady Pembroke entered the room with a bundle of letters in her hands, her eyes lit up upon seeing her children together. "Ah, there you both are," she exclaimed cheerfully, moving to join them by the window. "Ophelia, my dear, Aunt Olivia sends her regards and excitement for your upcoming engagement."

Henry's attention snapped to his mother's words, surprise and curiosity mingling in his expression. Setting the book aside, he leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Engagement?" he echoed, unable to hide his intrigue. "To whom?"

Their mother beamed proudly, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Paul," she revealed. "He asked for your father's blessing yesterday."

Ophelia blushed prettily, her cheeks tinted with a rosy hue as she glanced at Henry. "It is true, brother," she confirmed softly, her smile radiant with happiness. "Paul and I are engaged."

Henry's initial surprise gave way to a warm smile, genuine happiness for his sister. "Congratulations, Fifi! I am delighted for you," he said warmly, rising from his chair to embrace her gently. "Paul is a fortunate man, indeed. I have no doubt Paul will make a fine husband."