Chapter Four #3
It was a brilliant idea in Sophie’s estimation, but… “That seems like a substantial undertaking for one simple concept.”
“I can always count on you to see to the heart of the matter. Yes, it is, if that were the only reason for building it. That is the reason I give to my neighbors. But to my good friends, I will confess, it’s more to provide entertainment and physical activity to the children.”
Sophie grinned. “So, you are doing it for fun.”
“Exactly.”
“I must admit I thought you would build an observatory if you had the opportunity.”
“Darius has already promised me one, but I thought it best to create the zoo while the children are young.”
That was so like Ellie, to think of others first. “I’m very happy that you will have all you wished for.”
Ellie halted as they stepped onto the terrace. “What do you wish for?”
“Me? I don’t wish for anything. I am content.” Even as she said the words, Sophie wasn’t quite sure, but she repeated her statement anyway, giving a nod. “Yes, I’m content as I am.”
Her friend started forward again, and the footman opened the door, allowing them entrance into the parlor. Once inside, they left their coats and outerwear with the butler and ascended the grand stairway.
Ellie picked up the conversation again once they were out of earshot of the servants. “But you will marry someday. Do you not think about or wish for a particular type of man or family?”
“I do not think that will happen, so I don’t wish for it.”
“Well, I wish for it for you. It’s wonderful to be loved.” Ellie stopped at the landing where the stairs split in opposite directions. “I think you would like a scholar.”
That was actually her old wish, but at Ellie’s remark, Sophie imagined the only scholar she knew. “You mean like the Duke of Northwick?”
“Oh my, no. He is far too…well, too imposing. I was thinking perhaps someone unassuming but of great intellect.”
She tried to bring an image into her head of what a man such as that would look like, but Lord Tamworth’s face kept popping in. He was just the opposite. “Perhaps a man like Mr. Pembroke in Walter Scott’s Waverley.”
“I don’t believe I’ve read that story.”
She thought of the other men who were Ellie’s guests, and none could fit the description she suggested. “I believe I would enjoy a scholarly husband. You may be right. If you meet a gentleman of such demeanor, I would be interested in making his acquaintance.”
Ellie frowned then broke into a grin. “You are far too observant for me. I shall endeavor to do better to keep you in mind next time I invite gentlemen to a gathering.”
“I meant no criticism. Your ball was wonderful. I simply meant that I have not heard of such men among the ton. Please, do not worry about me. As I said, I am content.”
“I know you are. I would just like to see you blissfully happy instead.”
Sophie grinned. “Making me blissfully happy is quite simple. If you could have tea and Damson custard tarts sent to my room, I will be very blissful as I read my book.”
Ellie waved her away, toward the stairs that led to the south wing. “Then go read and I’ll be certain to make you blissfully happy.” As she took the stairs leading to the family’s wing, Ellie chuckled.
Finally free to read for the remainder of the day, Sophie quickly ascended the stairs that would take her to her room. Now that she was assured of not interacting with Lord Tamworth, at least through dinner, she could fully enjoy herself.
After changing into a comfortable day dress, she dismissed her lady’s maid and brought the book Ellie had given her the night before to the settee by the window.
As Sophie settled in, she hesitated. She hadn’t yet finished reading John Milton’s Paradise Lost for when school began again, nor had she finished The Mysteries of Udolpho, the novel she’d bought with pin money a fortnight ago, which was very intriguing.
And then there was the just published Frankenstein, which she’d only read through chapter four.
Since she already had three works started that she hadn’t finished, she was open to beginning a fourth.
She often read multiple pieces at the same time, especially if they were very different.
Looking at the large volume on her lap, she read the title again.
The Education of the Feminine Species. It appeared to be a long treatise.
Since the book had been passed among the Curious Ladies, she felt honored that it was her turn.
Unclipping the latch, she opened the leather front and read the title on the first page: The Illustrated Pleasures of Seduction.
Her heart skipped a beat. This was the book.
The one her married classmates had whispered about.
The one Lissa had found high on a shelf in the school library.
While they had all learned about procreation while studying biology, as the duchess wanted them all to understand the medical basics, this was the book that explained how it felt and why it was indeed pleasurable.
Excited to learn everything, she turned the page and began to read.