One evening, as they walked downstairs and through the hall together on their way to dinner, Sophie said, “You asked me to forgive you, and I do. I sincerely appreciate your kindness and your change of heart.”
He quietly replied, “Thank you. It doesn’t mean I have given up hope, Sophie. I believe we are meant to be together, but I am willing to wait as long as it takes.”
“For how long?” she asked lightly. “Until England changes its laws? The law doesn’t allow a brother and sister-in-law to marry, Wesley, even had we proof Stephen is truly... gone.”
Wesley waved her objection away with an expressive hand. “It’s not an insurmountable obstacle. We will wait a respectful amount of time, then sail to Italy—or France once it’s safe. They don’t have such laws there.”
Napoleon was being exiled again, this time to distant St. Helena off the coast of Africa. The authorities were taking no chances this time. If all went as planned, it would soon be safe to travel to France once again.
Even so, Sophie shook her head. “No, Wesley. I’ve had my fill of scandal, thank you. And your family has barely recovered from one elopement. I’m sorry, but no.”
They joined the others gathered in the anteroom, awaiting the butler’s signal.
Kate glanced at the long-case clock with a little frown. “Angela is late. I expected her by now.”
“Oh, is she joining us tonight?” Sophie asked.
“Yes. At least I thought so. Mamma invited her, since her father and brother are away again.”
Thurman appeared and announced dinner was served. They filed into the dining room, took their usual places, and picked up their table napkins.
Miss Blake hurried into the room, then slowed her pace, smiling around the table. “I’m sorry to be late. Do forgive me.”
“Where have you been?” Mr. Keith asked. “I thought I saw you come through the garden door an hour ago.”
Kate turned to look at her as well. “Did you?”
Angela hesitated. “Oh, I... ran upstairs to chat with Winnie, and lost track of the time.”
“That was kind of you,” Sophie said.
“If surprising,” Wesley added.
“It was nothing. Now, don’t let me hold up the meal.”
The green-pea soup was served, and with it crimped perch with a Dutch sauce. “For Sophie,” Mrs. Overtree said with a little smile.
Kate laid down her spoon and leaned nearer, peering at Miss Blake’s head.
“What’s wrong?” Angela whispered. “Hair out of place?”
“Looks like a cobweb....” Kate reached over and extracted it for her.
Miss Blake self-consciously ran a hand over her hair. “Thank you. Probably from the attic. Always a hazard when venturing up there. Don’t you agree, Sophie?”
“Hmm? Oh, I hadn’t really noticed. But I’m sure you’re right.” Sophie smiled vaguely at the woman.
Angela went on to recount some of her brother’s plans for his wedding trip, but Sophie wasn’t really listening. Her thoughts were soon drawn back to Wesley and his unflagging belief that they were meant to be together.
Conflicting emotions needled her. She had come to admire and love Stephen, and mourned his loss. Wesley had his flaws, she knew, but he was the father of her child, and had said he loved her. Something his brother had not done. Although Stephenhadsaid,“Live or die, my heartis yours...”So, perhaps the colonel was right and Stephen did love her, or might have, had he lived.
Sophie felt Miss Blake’s gaze return to her several times during the meal, and began to wonder if she had something in her own hair.
If Stephen was dead, must Sophie remain alone all her days, and her child fatherless? Would it dishonor the captain’s memory to someday entertain Wesley’s proposal? It would certainly scandalize his family.
Oh, Lord, Sophie prayed.Help me guard my tongue. Myheart. My honor. Help me do what’s right.Sophie’s faith had grown over the months of attending services with the Overtrees, and praying and reading on her own. One of the proverbs she’d learned echoed through her mind at that moment:“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”She sincerely hoped God would guide her. For on her own, she did not know what to do.
The next day, Kate stayed in bed nursing a headache, so Sophie was alone in the morning room when Miss Blake arrived for her usual morning call.
