Chapter 27
Sophia woke up with a start. It was even earlier than usual, just before dawn, and she had been in the middle of a nightmare.
Ned had told her to leave Carlfield house immediately.
He had discovered her true identity, and was very angry that she had dared to be so deceitful, also that his mother would now be hurt.
She was standing on the path outside the front door which Jenkins had slammed, after throwing her bag onto the path.
Jimmy was for some reason laughing, and dancing a jig around her when she opened her eyes.
She knew that it couldn't be true, as soon as the memory of dancing with the Duke last night came back to her.
How Ned had talked to her as if he was genuinely interested in her opinion on books, and most importantly, would value it.
A tear slid down her cheek when she realised that this had reminded her of her conversations with Owen, and how she might not see him again.
He was going to borrow Mary Shelley's Frankenstein for her from the circulating library, before Lucas told her she was to be married.
What on earth was she going to do? At this rate she could end up losing everyone she loved.
Hannah and Owen had already gone. They couldn't even write to each other.
Whilst Edward and Lady Cynthia probably wouldn't be prepared to see her again when they did find out what she had done.
After receiving Hannah's letter and thinking constantly about the dilemma she was in, Sophia had by this time convinced herself that all of this was true.
How could it not be? She was even dreaming about it happening.
Someone would eventually recognise her, she was certain of it.
Even though Ned had feelings for her, which would ordinarily have been wonderful, how would he feel if he was to discover that she was actually betrothed to the vile Lord Dilley?
He would assume that a courtship had taken place between them, even worse with her consent.
The whole situation was impossible, and as the sun broke through the sky Sophia decided to go for a walk.
Hoping that the fresh air would help calm her thoughts, and the headache which was threatening to begin.
Wrapping a shawl around her shoulders, she made her way downstairs then outside through the kitchen door.
She reached the rose garden without realising she had walked there.
Her thoughts were still in turmoil. The shawl had reminded her of Lady Cynthia’s kindness, even when she barely knew her, during the carriage ride from London.
Whereas now it was as if she had intended for Sophia to become part of the Carlisle family all along.
She began to sob when she thought of how badly she had treated her in return.
Especially since it was as if the Duchess had become like a mother to her.
Sophia was startled by the sound of footsteps approaching the rose garden.
Realising how foolish she had been in wandering about the grounds of the house on her own, at such an early hour.
She felt afraid, not knowing who else might be there.
Imagining it could be an intruder, she looked quickly around to find a hiding place but there wasn't anywhere.
When she saw Edward approaching her she sighed in relief, as she quickly dried her eyes and tried to calm her heart.
Feeling embarrassed then that he had discovered her in such a state.
The Duke looked deeply into them. "I am glad that I have found you here in my favourite place, although I hope I didn't alarm you," he said, gently with concern.
It was impossible for him not to notice that she had been crying but which she didn't try to explain.
How could she? To do so would mean revealing her secret, and Ned in any event had carried on speaking.
Unable to contain his feelings any longer.
"Sophia, I have a confession to make," he said, earnestly.
"I have always wanted to marry for love, just as my parents did.
" He hesitated for a moment when he saw the surprise on her face.
Believing that she must have been expecting a proposal from him when clearly now she hadn't been.
Nevertheless it had taken him most of the night to find the courage to do this, so as far as he was concerned there really was no turning back.
Whereas, unknown to him, Sophia had been afraid he was about to tell her that he had been aware of her deceit for some time, and couldn't hide it any longer.
However that obviously wasn't the case at all when he continued.
"From the moment we met I have been unable to stop thinking about you.
" Ned stepped closer to the bench, and reached for her hand.
Sophia gasped when he said, "I can no longer deny my feelings. I have fallen in love with you. I can only hope that you feel the same way about me."
With her heart racing Sophia looked into the face of the man she loved, and was still desperately afraid of losing.
The situation couldn't possibly go on any longer, not now, without her telling him the truth.
"My dearest Ned, there is something you should know about my past before you say any more," she said, wishing with all her heart that she didn't have to tell him about her betrothal to Lord Dilley.
"No, I will not hear it! The past doesn't concern me, only now. This very moment when I need to hear you tell me, Sophia. Can you, or do you feel the same way about me?" He said, feeling as if the world was standing still. Until his heart would surely burst with happiness when he heard her reply.
Miss Sophia Barlow had said softly, but distinctly, "yes, I am in love with you!"
As soon as she said the words he wished to hear, which would change both of their lives forever, the Duke of Carlfield dropped down on one knee and proposed to her.
Whilst Sophia couldn't believe what she had done.
She was already betrothed to another man, but if she didn't accept Ned's offer now she might well lose him which would certainly break her heart.
The remnants of the nightmare she had woken from not so long ago returned to her, and without thinking any further about what she was doing she said, "yes! "
Ned's arms were around her again, but this time his lips were also on hers. It was the sweetest moment in her entire life, and later, she was so glad that Lord Dilley had never managed to get around to their first kiss. He meant nothing at all to her. Whereas Ned was everything.