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Her father, Lord Astor, held a great deal of power within society. For whatever reason, he had a shrewd mind and could accomplish wonders within his business dealings, which garnered him a great deal of respect from the gentlemen within his acquaintance.
Sophia’s mother had the ability to look down her nose at almost anyone, even those above her own title, to the point that a great many ladies sought her favor.
Sighing to herself, Sophia picked up her book from her lap and snuggled back against the cushions, propping the novel up on her knees. Here, hidden away in the window seat, she was able to enjoy her love of prose without anyone interrupting her.
Her parents had, on many occasions, sought her out, though they had never been able to find her hidden amongst the curtains in the library. Thankfully the housekeeper had something of a soft spot for Sophia, and so never once told her parents where she might be, even if she was fully aware of it.
“This cannot go on much longer, Richard!”
Her mother’s shrill voice reached Sophia’s ears, making her jump with surprise. Slowly closing the book, she wondered whether to pull open the curtains and announce her presence, but then her parents would know one of her favorite hiding places and all would be undone.
Instead, Sophia remained entirely still, thinking that she might stop up her ears with her fingers. She did not want to eavesdrop, did not want to hear her parents’ private business, which was not hers to know.
“Whatever shall we do with her, Richard? Did you see her at the ball last evening?”
Sophia swallowed, nerves beginning to flurry through her stomach. They were discussing her.
“She is becoming wild!” her mother screeched as Sophia heard her father slam the door with his usual lack of consideration.
“Did she not dance at all?” her father asked, his voice grave. “I can scarcely believe that. Sophia is one of the most beautiful and most eligible young women at such events.”
“She did dance some,” her mother replied slowly. “But her beauty and eligibility mean nothing, Richard, not when she is so lacking in other ways.”
Sophia’s grip tightened on her book, her fingers growing white as she forced her anger back under control. She needed a husband with whom she could talk, a husband who enjoyed spending time in her company instead of simply expecting her to turn up to societal events with him.
Love? She smiled softly, her parents’ voices fading into the background. Perhaps love, and if not love, then certainly affection, for she was sure that affection could, and would, grow to love.
Sophia was determined not to ever allow herself to marry someone who had utterly no regard for her, nor she for him. That kind of marriage would only turn out to be similar to the bond her parents had, a bond that was brittle and liable to snap at any moment.
“I do have a friend that would be a fine match for Sophia,” her father said slowly, his voice suddenly capturing her attention again. “I know he is keen to wed once more, but no one has caught his eye as yet.”
Her mother snorted. “And you really think Sophia might be the one to do so?”
“As it happens, the gentleman is interested in some kind of partnership with me.”
Sophia gripped her book tighter and tighter as the seconds ticked on. Surely he was not about to suggest that she be pushed into another man’s arms as some kind of business agreement.
“Then you think Sophia might wed him, and secure your partnership?” her mother asked quietly. “Who is this man? That does not make sense, Richard.”
“Of course it does,” her father blustered, sounding both irritated and angry that his wife had questioned him. “Have you not just finished telling me that Sophia is struggling to find a suitor? The Duke of Langley is quite desperate to be in partnership with me, I believe, and will do exactly as I ask, I am sure of it. He will take Sophia off our hands, make her more than respectable, and my holdings will be more than secure with his additional funding. What issues can you foresee, my dear?”
There was silence as Sophia held back her shriek of refusal and despair. She clenched her fists and pressed one to her mouth; tears began to roll unchecked down her cheeks.
Clapping her hands together, her mother let out a squeal of glee. “Wonderful!”
“I shall speak to the Duke as soon as possible,” her father finished, his footsteps carrying him across the floor.
Sophia kept silent until the sounds of their footsteps died away, leaving her entirely alone once more. Putting her head in her hands, she allowed the pain and hurt she felt bubble to the surface as fresh tears began to fall.
Her parents had, unwittingly, alerted her to their intentions, but she had never expected them to be so cruel. Was she really so much of a burden that they would push her onto the Duke of Langley, a man almost the same age as her father?
No. Sophia dried her eyes and lifted her chin, staring out of the window. She would not allow this to happen. Now that she knew exactly what her parents intended, she would have time to try and find a way out.
Chapter Three
Darkened gray smudges of wool threateningly surrounded the sky; like a predator would encircle its prey. A startling low rumble rang loud in the cool fall air, the sky roaring with satisfaction.
The freezing fog
