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She had already gone further with Zach than she ever imagined, especially outside the bonds of matrimony. Perhaps she should talk to Ally, or maybe her mother. If she told her mother how much fun she had with Zach, how fond she was of him, perhaps her mother would talk to the earl and get him to change his mind. She truly wanted to be courted by Zach out in the open. This sneaking around was very difficult for her. Sophie obeyed the rules. She was not Ally.
Yes, Ally. Ally would know what to do. Sophie left the conservatory and went up the two back staircases to Ally’s suite of rooms on the third level. She knocked lightly. The door opened, and Evan stood there. “Evan, how is Ally doing? I’d like to see her.”
Evan shook his head. “I’m sorry, Sophie. Ally is sleeping, and I don’t want her disturbed.”
Sophie understood. Days or even weeks would pass before Ally was back to her usual energetic self. “All right, Evan. Thank you.”
“I’ll be happy to come find you if she wakes up.”
“Yes, please. I would appreciate that.”
Sophie walked quietly to the door of the nursery and peeked in. The new baby nurse, Mrs. Oakes, was feeding baby Sophie. Maureen was asleep in her bassinet.
“Do you mind?” Sophie asked.
Mrs. Oakes smiled and handed her little Sophie. The baby was warm in Sophie’s arms, and happiness engulfed her. Only a week ago, Sophie had resigned herself to doting on her cousins’ and sister’s babies. Now, for the first time, a man was interested in her.
Sophie didn’t delude herself that Zach’s interest would definitely lead to marriage, but without the courtship, there was no chance of marriage or her own babies. Why had the earl refused Zach’s request? Sophie had lived on the earl’s estate for a year now, and other than Van Arden, no man had come calling for her.
She knew what Ally would advise her to do—the same thing Ally would do if she were in her place. Defy authority and continue to see Zach on the sly. They couldn’t be seen in public, but that hadn’t been a problem so far. They’d taken a few
walks around the estate. That was it. The rest of their interactions had taken place behind closed doors.
Sophie handed the baby back to Mrs. Oakes. She would like nothing better than to stay with the babies all afternoon, but she did have music practice. She headed down the stairs.
Graves met her at the bottom of the stairs with a parchment. “This message was just delivered for you, my lady.”
“Thank you, Graves.” Sophie took the parchment and opened it. Another ominous note in the same handwriting. You are closer to being mine all the time. I will eliminate all obstacles.
Sophie’s skin chilled. This one was bothersome. It seemed almost…threatening.
If only Ally were awake. Sophie desperately needed to discuss these notes with her. She had been assuming they were from Zach—however, Zach had just left her an hour ago. Would he have sent a note in that short of time? Perhaps he left a note with Graves or left a note for Graves to find. But could Zach have written this one? The tone was…odd. Frightening, even.
Sophie ascended the stairs once again to Ally’s room and knocked gently. Evan opened the door.
“I’m so sorry, Evan. I just thought I would check and see if Ally had awakened. I do need to speak to her.”
“Actually, you’re in luck,” Evan said. “She is awake, and she has asked me to go get the babies for her. While I am getting Mrs. Oakes to bring them into her, you may have a few moments. Just don’t upset her or wear her out.”
“Thank you. I would never do anything to upset her.”
Sophie entered the bedchamber. Ally lay on her bed, her head and shoulders propped up slightly by a pillow. She smiled when Sophie entered.
“Sophie, what a lovely surprise.”
“How are you feeling, Ally? You’re looking better.”
“Oh, please, spare me the untruths. Evan brought me a looking glass, and I look simply ghastly. But I am feeling a bit better.”
“I’m so glad to hear that,” Sophie hedged a bit. How could she bring this up? “Evan gave me a few minutes to talk to you. I got another note from my secret person.” She handed the note to Ally.
Ally read it. “This is a puzzler.”
“I was thinking they were from Zach. He actually asked the earl for permission to court me—”
“He what?” Ally’s mouth broke into a broad grin.
“Yes, you heard correctly. I was surprised as you are.”
