“Oh my goodness, Clara. Please never say anything of that sort in public,” Aunt Rose laughed.
“I am just being honest. Perhaps Lady Sophia’s fears are not unfounded.”
“You may be right,” Aunt Rose shrugged. “But there is no point in trying to determine that beforehand.”
Sophia was happy that at least she had such a loving family. She knew that it would be nearly impossible to go through this alone.
When the time came to finally meet her mother-in-law, Sophia tried to dial down the embarrassment she felt. She hoped that she would not bring up what had happened at the ball as the mere idea of it made Sophia want to hide away.
“Your Grace,” Sophia greeted the older woman, who awaited her in the drawing room of Kerling Estate.
“It is lovely to meet you again,” Duchess Anna replied. Her tone was much softer than the last time they had spoken to each other.
“Indeed so.”
“I am glad that we got a chance to see each other in day light,” the older woman noted.
She seemed to be observing Sophia, her keen eyes studying Sophia with a mixture of scrutiny and curiosity.
“I thought that it would a good idea for me to come meet you since my son has already made the decision to marry you.”
“I hope you find our humble home to your liking,” Sophia replied, her cheeks burning. “Would you like something to drink?”
The Dowager shook her head. “No, thank you. I am only here to see you alone. In fact, I was hoping to get to know you better. Asyou know, weddings are grand affairs, and everything must be planned out.”
“Of course.”
“It is also true that Duncan is my first child to get married. He is my oldest, and this occasion means a great deal to everyone in not just the family but the community,” she continued.
Sophia nodded. She could not help but wonder what the Duke’s mother actually must think of her. She realized that she wished to make a good impression on her.
“I understand,” Sophia replied politely.
“Then I can be transparent with you and tell you that this role comes with its fair share of responsibilities,” the Dowager continued. “There are many things that will be expected of you. It is just the nature of the role. At all times, there will be many eyes scrutinizing you.”
“I have been scrutinized my entire life,” Sophia said with a casual shrug of her shoulders. “That part does not faze me much.”
“I see,” the Dowager muttered, seeming impressed. “Well, there are other things that we must discuss. First of all, I would like for you to show me yourself. Stand in front of the window, so I can see you properly.”
Sophia felt awkward at the demand but complied anyway. The Dowager stood up as well and began to observe Sophia from different angles.
“Very well then,” she muttered, nodding to herself. “I must say that you are quite beautiful. I did not notice that as well when we met the other night.”
Sophia rubbed her arm awkwardly, a blush forming on her cheeks.
“Thank you,” she muttered.
“Can you turn your face to the side?” the Dowager demanded. “If it is not too uncomfortable for you, I would like to see your scar.”
Sophia felt a knot form in her stomach. She was not used to people seeing her scar up close, but not wanting to disappoint her future mother-in-law, Sophia did as she was told.
Sophia expected her to gasp or express disgust, but the Dowager did not react in the slightest. She seemed to be examining her with an almost clinical precision, not making her opinions immediately known.
“It is quite the big scar,” Sophia admitted, wanting to break the silence. Her anxiety was getting the best of her.
The Dowager shook her head.
“It is nothing like how people have described it. In fact, you still look beautiful, even with it. Without it, you would have been a diamond even.”
