Lilly began undoing Sophia’s hair, and Sophia was reminded of a love story she had once read as a young girl. In it, the groom helped the bride at the end of the day.
She felt a pang that it was not the Duke who was here with her. Closing her eyes, she tried to imagine what it would feel like if it were his hands instead.
“All done, Madam,” the woman finally said.
“Thank you, Your Gra…” She stopped herself midway, embarrassed by the slip of her tongue. “Lilly. Thank you, Lilly.”
“Do you require any help in getting out of your dress, Your Grace?”
Sophia shook her head, “No, I believe I can manage on my own. That will be all.”
As the maid left, Sophia came face to face with the loneliness she felt once again. She decided that she had to keep herself from feeling that way as she had a lot to be thankful for.
She had married a man who respected her and looked out for her. If that meant she had to live without any semblance of romantic love, then it wasn’t the worst trade-off that could be made.
After all, it was what she had always expected her life to look like. It was a wonder that she had gotten married at all, given her curse.
Duncan was in the parlor with Jacob, and the two brothers were relaxing over a glass of wine and a game of cards.
“Rematch, brother?” Jacob asked from across the table.
“Eager to lose again, are you?” Duncan laughed. “I have just beat you twice.”
“It is quite unusual for you to have a winning streak. I think we all know that I am the better card player in this family,” Jacob replied, “Perhaps something, or rather someone, has boosted your luck. I told you that Lady Sophia was a good omen for you.”
Duncan laughed off his brother’s absurd assumption and was just about to draw another set of cards when both of them noticed a shadow of someone lurking down the hall.
It revealed itself to be Sophia as she timidly peaked her head into the room.
‘Oh, I am sorry,” she said immediately. “I did mean to disturb you both. I was only strolling the house, trying to see where all the rooms were.”
“No worries,” Jacob grinned. “You have not disturbed us at all. In fact, you should join us for a card game, don’t you think, brother?”
Duncan shrugged his shoulders.
“Why not?”
“Lovely, lovely, come right in. You could play against the Duke,” Jacob said as the Duke distributed the cards.“He seems to believe that he is unbeatable, and I want someone to humble him.”
Sophia smiled politely and nodded.
“I am not so adept at card games, but because you have invited me, I can stay for one.”
“No, I think you are just being humble,” Jacob continued. “I have full faith in you. In fact, I will even help you.”
“I believe the lady is fully capable of playing her own cards.” Duncan raised an eyebrow at his brother. “She can make her own choices.”
“Are you just scared that she will beat you if the two of us join forces?” Jacob grinned, handing the cards that Duncan had just dealt to Sophia.
“No, he is right,” Sophia interjected. “While I do not have that much expertise in playing cards, I am up for the challenge. After all, they call it beginner’s luck, and I might have a chance to take advantage of it.”
“As you wish, Your Grace.”
Duncan looked at his cards. To his disappointment, he had gotten a bad hand, but he was careful not to show it in his expression.
A card game, he felt, was not unlike any other challenge in life. The first step to winning was to not let your opponent know your weakness, so he kept up a confident facade.
Sophia looked down at her hand, pursing her lips.
