The Temporary Betrothal by Lily George

Author:Lily George
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2012-01-17T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Sophie smoothed her hands over her gown, a creation of taffeta embroidered with tiny purple roses. The fabric was discarded with a shrug by young Amelia, so Sophie had quickly saved it for a gown of her own. And now, as she surveyed her reflection in the mirror, she was heartily glad she’d done so. One wanted to look one’s best when meeting the prospective in-laws.

She crossed the floor of her room and peered out the window into the yard below. The inn bustled with activity. Every moment, it seemed, a new traveling coach pulled up or another one took off. Brightgate wasn’t as busy as Bath, of course, but it buzzed with more energy than Tansley. And even after her few months in Bath, she still wasn’t accustomed to the sight of so much activity.

How had she come to be here, after all? The past week had whirled by in a blur. Aunt Katherine, in her usual imperious way, had secured the trip for Sophie, without Sophie being privy to the conversation she had with Lord Bradbury. In fact, it was Amelia and Louisa who broke the news, as they rushed into the sewing room crying one afternoon. Amelia was particularly upset, for she was to attend her first dance at the Assembly Rooms that week, and was distraught that Sophie would not be there to guide her. Instead, Lucy had been pressed into service as a chaperone, borrowing a pale pink satin gown of Sophie’s for the occasion.

A knock sounded on the door. “My dear, are you ready? The carriage is waiting.”

Sophie turned from the window. “Come in, Auntie.”

Aunt Katherine opened the door, resplendent in a rich gown of deep purple velvet. “My dear, you look lovely. The Cantrills will be quite besotted with you.” She came in and kissed Sophie on the cheek. “Well, shall we go?”

“No.” Sophie sighed. “I am not ready. In truth, Auntie, I am afraid.”

“Afraid?” The old woman sank onto the window seat. “Of what, may I ask? Surely there are no ghosts or monsters at the Cantrill home.”

Sophie managed a weak smile. “I must disagree. There is the specter of our faux courtship, and of course, the monstrous lie we have concocted to fool his relations. How on earth am I to behave tonight?”

“You must behave, first and foremost, in a manner that is a credit to yourself and your family.” Aunt Katherine patted Sophie’s shoulder, her many rings glistening in the late-afternoon light. “I have enjoyed watching this false wooing from afar, so to speak. It’s all very exciting and glamorous for an old woman like me. On the other hand, I worry about you, just as I would worry about one of my own. What of your heart, Sophie? Is helping Charlie enough for you?”

Sophie bowed her head. “I want only the best for Charlie. He is a good man.” That was all she could manage. For weeks now she suspected her feelings for him might be deepening, but it was so difficult to know one’s own mind.

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