AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 1
The moment Sophia opened her eyes, she knew it would be a bad day. All of her sisters would be at the estate for the week and would be excited about the engagement news. Which included a lot of squealing that made Sophia flinch.
She preferred when they were out of the house and married with their own families. The squealing had lessened in recent years as her four eldest sisters started leaving to get married. Katherine, Amelia, Nora, and Ellen were fine when they were on their own, but when they were in the same room, it was nearly unbearable, especially when they were all talking at once.
Not that Sophia needed that to make her want to escape. She already had a reason to sneak out and make herself scarce. And that reason was fast asleep in the next room; even with the thick walls, Sophia could hear her last sister Aimee snoring away.
How ladylike.
Slipping out of bed, Sophia crossed to the washbasin and splashed water on her face. The night had been far warmer than she was used to, so it had been hard to sleep. But at this time of the morning, it was cooler and bearable. The temptation to go back to sleep and make up for what she hadn’t had during the night was evident, but then the day would be wasted.
And Sophia wanted to be out of the house before her mother and sister started talking about the impending arrival of Aimee’s future husband. It was all they had talked about for the last couple of days, and today was when Aimee would tell her sisters that she would be getting married soon as well.
Sophia didn’t understand it, and she probably never would. She preferred being away from it all. Not that anyone noticed; compared to her sisters, Sophia was a non-entity. She didn’t know how they started like this, but she wasn’t about to argue; it worked to her advantage. Sophia liked being in the background, especially when Aimee was around.
There was a gentle tap on the door, so quiet Sophia almost missed it, and then the door opened immediately to reveal Sophia’s maid coming into the room. She stopped when she saw her mistress.
“Oh! Forgive me, madam. I didn’t realise you were already awake.”
“I thought I’d rise early and go for a walk.” Sophia shrugged. “I couldn’t sleep, and some fresh air might do me good.”
“That and your sisters are coming soon, so you need to prepare yourself a bit more.”
Sophia gave her maid a pointed look.
“Diane, you should not speak about my sisters in such a manner.”
“Forgive me, madam.” Diane’s eyes were twinkling as she headed towards the wardrobe. “Do you want me to help you dress this morning?”
“If you would? And don’t do my stays up so tightly this time.” Sophia gingerly rubbed her side. “I’m sure the bruises haven’t gone away yet.”
“I only did what Lady Westbury wished for you and Miss Burke to have with your attire.”
“You mean she wants to be sure that we can’t breathe, so we’re not able to make proper conversation without getting out of breath?” Sophia quipped. “Just don’t do them up so tight, anyway.”
“Very good, madam.”
Diane got out the undergarments and then the morning dress. She moved quickly and efficiently to get Sophia dressed, helping Sophia brush her hair back and pin it up with a multitude of pins. Sophia was grateful for her maid.
The young woman had been in her father’s employ since she was fourteen, and for the last two years she had been Sophia’s personal maid. With the three-year gap between them, Diane often felt like a little sister than Sophia’s servant. Sophia knew that was silly to think, but she couldn’t help it; Diane knew her better than her own family did.
She didn’t ignore her like everyone else.
Once Sophia was ready, she straightened up and looked in the mirror over her dresser. Not too bad. She was passable, although it was clear from the dark circles under her eyes that she was tired. Sophia debated on putting make-up on her face, but she decided against it; that stuff could rot your face if you used it too much, and Sophia liked her face and didn’t want it to peel away before her eyes.
“Right. That’s good.” She turned to Diane. “I’ll be going for a walk. If my parents ask where I am, just say I’m out in the grounds.”
“Will Viscount Westbury actually ask me about your whereabouts?” Diane asked.
Sophia knew her maid was right; Lord Westbury barely registered her presence. She was the youngest of his six daughters, and it was like he didn’t know she was there. Sophia had to work hard to get him to notice her, which was very rarely.
He was a good man but not a very good father. Not that Sophia would say that out loud; she would get into trouble for doing so. Diane was the only person with whom she was confident enough to say something along those lines; her maid wouldn’t say a word about it. She was a confidant.
“Well, if anyone asks, I’m going to be in the grounds. Where’s my notebook?”
“Here, madam.” Diane picked up a slim little book on the bedside table and held it out. “How long are you going to be out for this morning? I want to notify Mrs Ripley when you’ll be returning so she can ensure you have something to eat?”
“I can hear the church clock from here. I’ll start heading back at some point.” Sophia put the notebook and a pencil into her dress pocket. “Don’t worry about it. Mrs Ripley can make anything with practically nothing in her hands. It won’t take her long.”
