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 findsomeone 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 withhow 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, onemore 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.
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.”
