Chapter 23 #2
Apart from that, again in her opinion, everything was working out perfectly and as she had very much hoped it would.
She was fully aware of her son's protective nature, that he was a gentleman in the true sense of the word, and had felt certain that he would behave in the way he did to look after a member of his household.
Also, of course from loyalty to his mother.
Listening to Sophia read her poem would also of course have been an excellent reminder of her intelligence, and that she most definitely had a mind of her own which she wasn't afraid to use.
It was about time all of this bluestocking nonsense was put to rest!
Why shouldn't young girls be as well read as their brothers or male cousins, and if she dared to even think this, write poetry too?
She was extremely glad that Miss Jane Austen was now becoming more well read, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein had been published earlier this year, and there were others too.
For the next half an hour the guests mingled with each other, while they had their refreshments, and they could be heard discussing Sophia's poem.
Also to a lesser extent the readings which came afterwards, and as none of these had been the work of a servant they were mostly better received.
Sophia was relieved that no one paid her any further attention, as she resumed her usual place behind Lady Cynthia, and didn't utter another word unless she was drawn into conversation by her.
However much to her dismay, Ned didn't leave Lady Lucy's side for the rest of the evening.
Dutifully taking her arm from time to time, and bending his head to listen closely to what she was saying, as if he didn't wish to miss a word of it.
Although she didn't dare say anything to him which was critical of Sophia's poem after seeing the stern look he gave other members of the audience who had done so.
Unaware of Ned's real reason for apparently resuming his interest in Lady Lucy, after a while all Sophia could do was stop herself from gathering the skirt of her gown in her hand, and rushing from the room in tears.
Why did everything always have to be spoiled?
Just when she felt close to him, and happy at Carlfield house.
Whilst Ned wished with all of his heart that he could go to her, and leave the incredibly tedious Miss Exley to her own devices in which he had no interest whatsoever.
Other than making it appear as if his heart lay with hers.
So that there really was no reason for any gossip about a supposed interest in his mother's new companion, and the ladies of the ton would not attempt to tarnish either of their reputations.
Believing that this was the most he could do, in the circumstances.
To make matters worse, in Sophia's opinion, he decided after the other readings had finished that he would read Lord Byron's poem, She Walks In Beauty. As a surprise at the end of the evening:
"She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes..."
Deliberately looking at Lucy during the entire reading, much to Sophia and Cynthia's dismay, and without looking at Sophia as he left the stage.
The Duke was fully aware that what he had just done may well be also deemed scandalous by those who were constantly looking for any topic of conversation which could be transformed into a perceived indiscretion.
He hoped again that it would deflect some of the unwelcome attention from Sophia which was still apparent, despite the support she had received earlier from the Duchess and himself.
Unable to contain his feelings any longer, or stand aside and see the woman he loved hurt by others' opinion of her.
He was however equally, and innocently it had to be said, blinded to the fact that Sophia might well be hurt even more by the withdrawal of his feelings towards her which she could easily have felt were increasing.
Although Lady Cynthia was alarmed at first by Ned's erratic behaviour, and that he seemed to have changed his mind again about Sophia, she decided not to be hasty and jump to conclusions.
Not being able to pass comment on the morality of the situation, as this was far beyond her by this time, she did know her son exceedingly well.
So wouldn't however be in the least surprised if this was a bold move on his part.
Intended to cast the responsibility and blame on himself for any impropriety at the literary evening his mother had arranged.
Apparently lending his authority, and support to it, in reading one of the notorious poems by Lord Byron, since this would be true to Ned's nature, and character.
In that particular moment, believing that she was right to assume this, Lady Cynthia felt extremely proud of her son and knew that his father would have been too.
Edward Carlisle was in her eyes doing what he thought to be right, as a gentleman, protecting his family and the woman he really loved.
However it might appear to others, he was a kind and considerate man in so far as social convention allowed him to be.
Whilst Lucy and her mother, Amelia, were undoubtedly playing games with his affections.
No doubt attracted by the vast Carlisle fortune.
Lady Cynthia was also certain that Miss Exley would find another suitor before long.
Someone who would be a much better match for her than Ned, who hadn't made a proposal of marriage to her.
Nor did Cynthia Carlisle believe that he would.
She had to be right. It was love which mattered the most, and Cupid had fired his arrows.
That was easy enough to see. Sophia and Ned were the perfect match.
Although her heart went out to Sophia whom she thought must be dismayed by what was happening now.
Wishing that she could tell her that this was still far from over.
...Especially if Cynthia Carlisle had anything to do with it!