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How had they got to this point? It was not a state Sophia should be used to. If only her parents would pay attention to her.
The problem was that she would get their attention. Once Aimee was married and gone, they only had one daughter to find a husband for. Then they could get rid of her.
That was one way to show they loved their youngest daughter.
It didn’t take long to get to Christiana’s house, and Sophia was relieved that she didn’t run into Mister Ford again. She found herself looking over her shoulder every few seconds to see if someone was following her. There was nobody there. Of course, Mister Ford would be back at his friend’s home; he wouldn’t be out here so soon after visiting.
Nevertheless, Sophia partly expected to bump into him between her front door and reaching her friend’s house.
She was admitted into the house as soon as the butler Tompkins opened the door, handing him her hat and tugging off her gloves. She heard someone saying her name and turned to see the Earl of St Neots approaching her, giving her one of his easygoing smiles. Sophia found herself smiling back.
“Lord St Neots.” She dropped into a curtsy. “How was Harwich?”
“Boring. I’m glad to be home.” The earl looked amused as he looked her over. “Twice in one day? Christiana told me you came over this morning. Are you planning on moving in or something?”
Sophia laughed.
“I told Christiana my sister had a potential husband coming to meet her, and I would tell her how it went.”
“You’re gossiping about your sisters again?”
“What else have we got to talk about?”
The earl’s mouth twitched in a smile. Then he nodded his head towards the back of the house.
“Go on through to the back. Lady St Neots and my daughter are in the garden.”
“Thank you.”
Sophia made her way out into the garden to find her friend and the countess sitting in the shade on the terrace. Christiana beamed when she saw Sophia and jumped up. The two of them squealed as they clasped hands. Lady St Neots rolled her eyes with a smile.
“Honestly, the two of you are like little girls. Can’t you miss each other for a little longer?”
Christiana laughed.
“You love Sophia coming over, Mother, and you know it.”
Lady St Neots didn’t respond, but Sophia could see her eyes twinkling. The countess was warm and homely, much like Christiana. Her warmth was infectious, as was her relaxed attitude. Sophia had wished she was her mother instead of the viscountess; because of Lady St Neots, Sophia discovered a love for flowers and gardens, and she had cultivated Sophia’s passion for painting.
She wondered what the earl and countess would say if she actually moved in. Her parents probably wouldn’t notice for a while.
“Come with me, Sophia.” Christiana began to tug her towards the lawn. “Let’s go elsewhere, and you can tell me what happened. I want to know all the details.”
“Just don’t go too far, Christiana,” her mother called after her. “I don’t want to start a search for you again.”
Christiana didn’t respond except with a wave over her shoulder, going onto the grass with Sophia before they linked arms and headed towards the maze her father had been cultivating. Even though it wasn’t quite tall enough for them to go and get lost in, it was a secluded enough place for them to talk if needed.
“So, tell me,” Christiana said as they reached the entrance. “What was it like? Was Aimee able to keep herself charming for long enough? Did he actually stay?”
“Yes, he did. And Aimee did alright.” Sophia shook her head. “It did feel like she was trying a bit too much, so I don’t think she’ll be able to keep it up for much longer.”
“But by the time her facade slips, the marriage will have been finalised, and she’ll have herself a husband.”
“I suppose.”
Christiana peered at her.
“What’s wrong? I thought you would be here giggling with the gossip. You seem a bit … displaced.”
