Chapter Twelve #2
With a plan in place, she finally exited the parlor. With the entry now empty, she strode for the library. If the new novel, Rob Roy, was not in the bookcase, it might be on the duke’s desk.
She walked past the rows of bookcases and around conversation areas that were being held for the first-year students.
She needn’t worry about Tam’s area because Lord Hopton was using it on Tam’s off days.
She was just about to enter the area the duke claimed as his personal study when Rose stepped out in front of her.
“There you are, Sophie. I’ve been looking for you.” She waved a piece of paper. “I just received the most wonderful news.”
Sophie glanced at the books on the nearest bookcase. “You were looking for me among the anatomy books?”
Rose laughed. “You found me out. No, I was just about to search for you, but you came to me. That was most kind of you. Now, we must go to my room so that I may tell you my news.”
Sophie didn’t resist as Rose linked arms with her and started forward. “But I was about to retrieve a book I need to read.”
“You can do so later. Fortunately, books don’t cease to exist after a certain time period. However, as this news is pressing and will be important today, we must discuss it at once.”
Resigning herself to searching out the new Waverley novel later, she willingly went with Rose. “Should we gather Georgie or anyone else?”
Rose shook her head as they climbed the grand stairs. “Georgie won’t be interested, but I know you will be. I want someone who can share my happiness.”
“Oh, then I look forward to your news.”
“Superb.” Rose stopped at her room and opened the door. Once Sophie entered, Rose closed it. “You may wonder at my secrecy over this, but you will understand shortly.”
Sophie moved to the small table filled with books, sat in the single chair, and waited for Rose to reveal her news.
Rose sat on her bed. “Do you remember Lady Arabella from last Season?”
Sophie nodded. She’d liked Lady Arabella. She always seemed happy. “She is a most pleasant person.”
Rose jumped up from the bed and waved the paper. “She’s coming here, to school. She’s expected to arrive today!”
“Oh, that is wonderful, Rose. I know you think much of her.”
Rose began to pace, the paper hitting the side of her skirts as she swung her arms. “I do. She is a pleasure to be with. She feels much like a sister to me, just as you and all my year’s classmates.
But she will be a first-year student, which is not ideal.
I did so hope she would come much earlier, last year, in fact, but she could not. ”
Rose’s excitement had changed to agitation, so Sophie didn’t say anything, waiting to learn why it was important to converse in this room.
She watched her friend pace back and forth two more times before she stopped.
“Arabella entrusted me with a secret. I only tell you as I believe the two of us will be better able to help her settle in. You meet with Mrs. Kingman on different days than I meet with the duchess, or rather the midwife these weeks while the duchess is absent. I truly think Arabella will need us to acclimate to the school.”
“From what I know of Lady Arabella, I would not think she needs anyone. She’s quite amiable and seems to rub along well with everyone she meets.”
Rose started pacing again, holding the paper high now. “This explains everything. I had always hoped she could attend our school, but not because of this.” She dropped the paper on her bed then sat next to it and stared at it.
The serious expression on Rose’s face had Sophie tensing.
Her friend only looked like that when in the company of the ton, when the highest propriety was required.
At the school, though, she studied hard and played her pranks, and rarely took on such a demeanor.
“Whatever it is, you know I will help you.”
Rose’s head jerked up as if she’d forgotten what she was about.
“Thank you. Arabella sent me this letter. She tells me she was in a coach accident and sustained terrible injuries. According to her, her mother can’t bear to look at her and is sure Arabella will never marry, so she’s finally allowing her to come here. ”
“Oh, that’s awful.” Sophie clamped her lips tight, not wishing to speak ill of Arabella’s mother, but thinking it nonetheless.
“It would seem so, but I’m not sure. Arabella’s mother is the epitome of vain, so even a scratch on her daughter would be ugly to her. I’m reserving judgment on Arabella’s true condition.”
Sophie studied Rose, whose gaze moved about, a sure sign her mind was alive with thoughts. How could Rose have thought the letter wonderful news? Was it because Arabella would finally come to Silver Meadows, or was it—
“You’re hoping you can help Arabella heal.”
Rose’s gaze snapped to her and a self-deprecating smile appeared on her face.
“You’re far too observant a person. Yes, I’m hoping I can help my dear friend.
The duchess has taught me so much about healing, much of it contrary to the usual practices, and I wish to use what I know to help someone.
I doubt very much when I marry, which we both know I’ll be forced to do, that I will have the opportunity. I know I’m being selfish.”
“No, you aren’t. Wanting to use your knowledge to help others is not selfish. Arabella is very fortunate to have you as her friend.”
“You’re like Arabella, always seeing the good in people.
Thank you for that. Will you help me make her comfortable?
I’m not sure how extensive her injuries are or how much they have healed.
She makes light of them in her letter, so her outlook continues to be positive, but I’m not sure how our classmates will react if she is worse than I expect. ”
Sophie stood and walked to Rose, taking both her hands. “Of course I will. We will make sure she’s as comfortable here as any other new student.”
“More comfortable.”
Sophie nodded. “Yes. We can do that for her.”
“Good.” Rose slid from the bed. “Now let us go wait in the parlor. I want to be at the door when she arrives.”
Rose headed out of her room, and Sophie followed, pleased to have a distraction from her own troubles. With Arabella at Silver Meadows, maybe Rose would forget about playing a prank on Tam. That would be one worry off Sophie’s shoulders.
Now, she just needed to stay away from Tam until he left, even though she wanted to talk to him about her mother’s hopes. She’d never been so conflicted about anything or anyone. Staying away was the right path, and she always stayed on the right path.