Chapter Twelve
Two days later
“There you are.”
At Lady Sommerset’s voice, Sophie turned from the bookcase she studied.
She’d been quite sure she’d seen the newest Waverley novel somewhere and thought it was on a shelf in this section.
The duke enjoyed the man’s works and had a standing order for new releases to be sent immediately to Silver Meadows.
She’d hoped to take her mind off Tam. “Did you need me?” She started down the long row of books to where the countess stood waiting.
“Indeed, I did. Harrison couldn’t find you, though I told him to search the library.”
Sophie smiled. “Well, it is a rather large library.” She’d even dreamed of living among the many bookcases like a church mouse lived among the pews.
Lady Sommerset waved away the obvious. “It’s just as well. I wished to speak to you anyway.”
“Me?” Immediately Sophie thought back to her actions over the last few days, and except for her time in the kitchen with Tam, she didn’t think she’d made a misstep.
Could someone have seen her there with him?
She was most certain Mrs. Boyd wouldn’t reveal anything about that night.
They shared secrets but never revealed them to anyone.
Maybe one of her classmates had noticed her on the library balcony watching Tam skate in the early mornings because she just needed to see him even if she couldn’t be with him?
“My dear Sophie. You need not look as if you fear being beaten for trampling the roses. I’m not unhappy with you, but I may not be pleased with your mother.”
She stopped before the countess. “My mother? I assure you, she would never deliberately do anything improper.”
Lady Sommerset rolled her eyes. “Truly, Sophie, it is not so bad as that. I merely came away with the impression that your mother is here to take you home.”
“My mother is here?” That was unusual in and of itself, since the only times her mother visited the school was the first day and last day of each term, and this term, since Sophie had come straight from Ellie’s, she had yet to see her mother in the new year.
“Yes, she’s here. I must have forgotten to mention that. She awaits you in the parlor. I will say that Joanna would not be happy were she to return and find one of her favorite students gone.”
A rush of warmth ran through Sophie at the idea that she might be a favorite student of the duchess. Lady Northwick was very wise, genuinely kind, and very protective of her students. Sophie wished she could be more like the duchess.
“I wanted to speak to you because I hope to convince you to stay…if she requests that you leave.”
“Oh, I don’t want to leave. If I could live here forever, I would.”
Lady Sommerset gave her one of the elfish smiles she was known for. “Then let us see what we can do to help you stay as long as possible.”
Silently, Sophie followed Lady Sommerset out of the library, into the corridor to the entry, where the lady halted. She leaned close to whisper. “Remember, I’m not sure that is your mother’s intention, but if taking you home is her goal, we shall thwart it together.”
Sophie nodded, pleased that Lady Sommerset would be so motivated, and followed the woman into the parlor.
“Lady Dowling, I apologize for the delay. We found Lady Sophie among the books. I’m sure you are not surprised by that.”
Lady Dowling nodded politely but didn’t respond.
Sophie walked to her mother, who wore a muted green traveling dress, and they clasped hands, before both sat upon the settee.
Sophie studied her mother to gauge her demeanor.
At first, she appeared as usual, her caramel-colored hair, much like Sophie’s, refusing to stay in its bun, and her back absolutely straight.
But as Lady Sommerset poured the tea, Sophie noticed her mother fidgeting, and that was highly unusual.
That usually portended that something either terrible or wonderful was to come… but which?
Lady Sommerset sat opposite them on the settee Mrs. Kingman usually sat in during their literary talks.
But Lady Sommerset, in her bright-blue gown, appeared as if a queen holding court.
“What brings you to the Belinda School in the middle of a term, Lady Dowling? I do hope nothing untoward has occurred.”
Sophie’s mother shook her head. “No. Not at all. In fact, it is something quite wonderful that has me coming to visit my daughter.” She looked at Sophie fondly and took her hand.
“My dear, I’m so excited to tell you that Lord Wilford has opened Greenly House.
He is finally taking over its management and intends to spend his time there when not in Town. ”
Sophie tried to remember who Lord Wilford was. “He was away on his grand tour, was he not?”
“Yes, he’s a very studious fellow. He came to call after arriving in Warrington, and your father and he had quite a talk. It appears they have very similar interests. The young man is also much like Lord Dowling, very well mannered and not overly active.”
That was her term for motivated and reserved. Now Sophie understood the reason her mother was so excited. “You think he would be a match for me?”
“Oh, I do. You know how much I’ve hoped that you could find someone of a similar disposition as you. I do believe he’s perfect.” Her mother’s smile was filled with love and hope.
Sophie should be pleased by her mother’s news but felt as if a pile of books lay upon her chest, making it difficult to breathe.
“Lady Dowling, what wonderful tidings! Has the young man made any mention of looking for a wife?”
Lady Sommerset’s question took Lady Dowling’s attention away, allowing Sophie a moment to sort out her feelings. The only problem was they were a tangled mess. She should be as excited as her mother, but she wasn’t. Instead, she felt like crying and she had no idea why.
Her mother took a sip of tea before responding. “He has not, but it is only a matter of time. I have heard from Lady Dulac that Lord Wilford is ready to settle into his title and responsibilities, and he told me specifically that he looked forward to the Season.”
“Then it sounds like Lady Sophie has much to look forward to this Season.” Lady Sommerset nodded approvingly.
Sophie’s mother turned to her. “My dear, I thought it would behoove you to come home now. When Lord Wilford calls again, it would be the perfect opportunity to introduce you. We might even be able to come upon him in the village, though he hasn’t been seen there yet.”
Sophie sent a panicked look to Lady Sommerset before addressing her mother. “But what of my studies here? This term is very short, and I will be home in just a little over a month.”
“Lady Dowling, you did say yourself that Lord Wilford plans to join the Season’s activities,” Lady Sommerset interjected. “Would it not be more helpful to have Sophie arrive home after the Season has started, so she is not one of many but a new face to consider?”
Lady Dowling clasped her hands, never one to face conflict. “I see your point. Do you think, Lady Sommerset, that Lord Wilford would forget about Sophie if he met her among the other eligible ladies?”
“Not at all. No one could forget Lady Sophie. I just fear that with how busy he will be at the start of the Season that he may lose track of all the ladies he meets. You do know how men are when they are first set upon at the beginning of the Season. They simply don’t know where to look first. I myself always waited a couple of weeks to make a bigger impression. ” Lady Sommerset smiled kindly.
Sophie’s mother looked to her. “You know I only wish for your happiness. I do believe Lord Wilford would make you happy. Then you would have a country estate nearby, making it easy for me to visit you.”
Sophie set her hand on her mother’s clasped ones. “I know, Mother. I’m very fortunate that you have always searched for gentlemen who would fit my temperament. I’m looking forward to meeting Lord Wilford, but I prefer the introduction come after the Season starts so he doesn’t forget who I am.”
Her mother’s shoulders fell. “Yes, that does seem the best strategy. I’m so pleased you’ve been able to attend this school. I would have enjoyed one such as this myself.”
“I know you would.” Sophie felt guilty for crushing her mother’s hope so quickly. “I think you should let Lord Wilford know I’m attending this school in the meantime. It might spark his curiosity, especially after Ellie married a marquess.”
Her mother’s brown eyes lit with excitement. “That’s a wonderful idea, as he is quite interested in studies. I’m not sure which, as your father and he talked in the library, but I’m sure he’d be curious about yours. I will make it a point to tell him about this school.”
“It’s settled, then. Lady Sophie will return home after the term.” Lady Sommerset picked up a plate of apple puffs and held them out.
As Sophie’s mother chose one, Lady Sommerset explained the reason for the duchess’s absence.
Sophie listened with just half an ear. She’d secretly hoped one day to find a man who was quiet and reserved like her.
Now that her mother had discovered a perfect prospect, she found herself wishing for a different kind of man, one more like Tam.
Could Lord Wilford have many sides to him, like Lord Tamworth?
“Thank you, Lady Sommerset, for welcoming me and for giving such fine counsel. My husband also thought we should wait to introduce Sophie to Lord Wilford until the Season’s start.
I was just so elated that my Sophie might find the perfect match.
” Sophie’s mother turned to her once again.
“I will leave with hope for your future and count the days until you arrive home.”
“Thank you, Mother.”
Her mother squeezed her hand then rose. Sophie stood as well but didn’t follow the two ladies into the entryway.
She was too confused by her reaction to her mother’s news and couldn’t understand it.
What she needed was the Waverley book. She always found if she let a problem go for a while, she could look at it with clearer vision.