“I see,” Sophia said, trying to keep up.
“Since a duchess is constantly under the scrutiny of the public, she must learn to be a perfect hostess and throw the best balls.”
Sophia nodded.
“I believe that is something I can learn from you as you are the expert.”
Mrs. Harington smiled at her kindly.
“I know it must feel like there is a lot of pressure on you, but I see a lot of potential in you. You must not worry too much. You will make an excellent duchess.”
Her words felt as though someone had poured a warm liquid over her freezing body.
“Thank you. It means a lot when it is coming from you, Mrs. Harington.”
“I know potential when I see it. You are a diamond in the rough. If we are to polish you, you will be shining brightly.”
Sophia blushed. The rest of the lesson went smoothly. Mrs. Harington taught Sophia the art of leaving a conversation politely and expressing gratitude, and at one point, she even called in Clara and the two ladies engaged in a civil conversation for Mrs. Harington to judge.
“Very good work, my dear,” Mrs. Harington. “It was a day well spent. Now, you may take an hour-long break. We shall resume when you return with new lessons.”
Sophia nodded as she took her leave. She was exhausted from constantly smiling and acting perfectly. She needed some time to herself. She decided that, before it was time to have tea with the Dowager, she could get some relaxation from taking a stroll in the garden.
CHAPTER 9
The fresh garden air was a welcome change from the stuffy walls of the estate. She began strolling in the garden, admiring the row of roses. She had always been a fan of flowers and seeing them bloom made her heart swell.
She crouched down to smell the roses, but as soon as she did so, a tall figure snuck up behind her, startling her.
“What on Earth?” she gasped, surprised.
“Aha, I saw you coming from afar and hid myself behind one of the bushes. Unknowingly, you walked right into my trap.”
A tall man with a boyish grin and a playful glint in his eyes stood in front of Sophia. When he noticed the confused expression on her face, he leaned forward to extend his hand for her to shake.
“Where are my manners? I completely forgot to introduce myself,” he chuckled, amused by her reaction. “I am Jacob, theDuke’s younger brother. I have heard about you, and it is a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“Oh,” Sophia straightened up her back, putting on a polite smile. “It is a pleasure to meet you indeed.”
“I see that you were admiring the flowers. Have they not bloomed so wonderfully?”
“Indeed, they have. I can see that the gardener must have put great care in looking after them.”
Jacob grinned, seeming proud of himself.
“Well, thank you for appreciating my services, My Lady. Gardening is a thankless job, and I am happy that someone finally sees the value in my work…”
Sophia’s eyes widened with surprise, and her gaze darted from the flowers and then back to him.
“Do you mean to tell me that it is you who has been taking care of these plants?” she asked.
“Of course. My mother always told me that I should be making myself useful around the house, and so I volunteered to become their gardener. My family pays me a measly sum for it, I must say, but I should think that if I keep it up, I should have enough to purchase a small plot of land by the years end.”
“I…” Sophia started, measuring her words carefully. “I must say that is quite the unique… disposition.”
“Do you think so?” Jacob questioned. “Why, I think it is quite a noble one. Are you in need of any gardening services? I would appreciate it if you were.”
“Um… well…” Sophia struggled with what to respond with. She was sure that hiring her future brother-in-law as her gardener would not go so well over with the Dowager. Yet, she did not want to disappoint Jacob as he seemed to be quite invested in the idea.
