“Why the hesitation?” he questioned, observing her carefully now. “Do you believe that I am not competent enough? The proof is right in front of your eyes.”
Sophia shook her head.
“No, it is not that. Please you must not misunderstand me…”
Just then, a man with a small shovel in his hands crossed by them and began digging into one of the nearby bushes. He had dirt all over his uniform, and Sophia realized that he looked an awful lot like what a gardener was supposed to look like.
More confused than ever, she met Jacob’s gaze, and he burst out laughing.
“I am sorry, My Lady. I was only joking,” he said in between laughter.
“Oh.” Sophia felt a sense of relief wash over her. “You had me fooled.”
“It was just so easy. You seemed very taken by the flowers, and I decided to play a little joke on you. I cannot help myself. It is in my nature,” he laughed.
“I can tell that you are the youngest,” she smiled. “Very mischievous. My sister was the same way.”
A frown tugged at her lips at the mention of her sister, and she looked down to her feet. Jacob’s demeanour changed too, and Sophia was thankful when he did not prod her further.
“I must tell you that I possess no talents when it comes to gardening, but I am quite fond of horse-riding and travelling,” he mused.
“Travelling? Oh, it is a dream of mine to travel across the world,” Sophia admitted. “I have always wanted to know what other people are like, far away from the society that I live in.”
Jacob laughed loudly.
“It seems that you are equally as fed up with society as I am.”
“Oh, no, I did not mean…” she hastily tried to correct herself, worried that she had said something improper, but Jacob cast her a reassuring glance.
“You need not worry about speaking your mind with me. I am quite an easy-going fellow, and I will never judge you for having an opinion. In fact, it is quite refreshing to hear your thoughts. You are to become a part of our family soon, and I should like it if you consider me a friend.”
His words sounded earnest, and Sophia decided to trust him.
“Well, if you really must know the truth, then you would be correct to assume that I am quite fed up with the society which we live in,” she said, her eyes darting over to the gardener. Thankfully, he was at a far enough distance that he could not make out what they were discussing.
“Isn’t it just rotten?” Jacob offered. “Everyone seems to be obsessed with themselves and judgmental of others.”
“We have the same opinion then,” Sophia noted. “I often feel the same way.”
“Any sane person would feel the same way. Anyone who is trying to convince you otherwise is surely just keeping up appearances,” he said.
Sophia was reminded of her lessons. She had just been lectured on how important it was to keep up appearances. Biting down onher lip, she exclaimed a sigh that came out sadder than she had intended it to.
“As difficult as it is, it is important to keep up appearances,” she lamented. “After all, they are all you have when you are presented to society.”
Jacob was silent for a moment, as though he was trying to solve a difficult puzzle inside of his head.
“I have heard that before,” he finally replied. “By any chance, have you been spending some time with Mrs. Harington?”
Sophia’s eyes widened with shock. “How could you possibly tell? I have just spent many hours in her company.”
Jacob’s laughter boomed across the garden.
“Oh, my. I know her all too well. Mother is quite fond of her and growing up, she had us take endless classes with her to coach us on how to be fine gentleman.” He shook his head. “I am sorry that you are being made to go through the same tortuous experience.”
“Torturous is quite a harsh word.”
“Oh, is it?” Jacob raised his eyebrow. “How else would you describe it? I am sure that she must have told you at least twenty times to straighten up your posture and always maintain…”
