“Clara, how do I look?” Sophia asked, sneaking a last look into the mirror in front of her.
“Beautiful as ever, Madam.”
“I shall have to take your word for it.”
When Sophia reached downstairs, she found the Dowager waiting for her in the parlor. She was sitting on the sofa, looking like a picture of elegance and grace as usual.
“Oh, good.” Anna looked up once Sophia walked in. “You are finally here.”
“Yes, I was told that you had to discuss something urgent with me?” Sophia asked, hesitantly.
“Why, yes. Take a seat.” The Dowager pointed at the sofa in front of her. “I feel that we have not had a chance to speak properly since the wedding.”
Sophia did not know why, but her heart had started thumping harder in her chest.
She feltnervous,as though she was just about to be served an indictment. It was all nonsense, of course, as Sophia had done nothing wrong. Still, Duchess Anna cast an intimidating impression, and it was hard not to feel that way in her company.
“How are you liking your life here at the Estate?” Duchess Anna asked in a precise manner.
“Oh, everything is good so far,” Sophia answered politely. “Everyone has also been very welcoming, and I cannot ask for anything better.”
Duchess Anna nodded.
“Good. These last few days have been relatively peaceful for you, but things are about to change now.”
“Change?” Sophia gulped, feeling her stomach tighten up. Of course, she automatically assumed the worst.
“Why, yes. Of course, you know that a duchess is expected to have a vibrant social life. You cannot spend your days locked away inside the four walls of this estate,” the Dowager continued. “Tell me, what is your opinion on balls?”
“I am not sure if I have enough of an opinion,” Sophia tried to answer politely.
In reality, she did not like them. One bit.
“Do you enjoy them?”
Sophia shrugged her shoulders. “I much prefer more intimate gatherings.”
Sophia knew that she had uttered the wrong answer when Duchess Anna cast a disappointed glance in her direction.
“Well, you must get accustomed to them. Tonight is the last ball in the London Season, and you should know that you are expected to attend, alongside the Duke.”
“Tonight?”
“Why yes.” The Dowager was observing Sophia carefully now, and Sophia could not help but wonder if this was some kind of test.
“I do not even know what I should wear.”
“I am sure that you can figure that on your own, can you not?” the Dowager replied pointedly. “You had no trouble doing so on your wedding day.”
Sophia’s cheeks reddened. Had she offended the Duchess by her choice of gloves?
“Your Grace…”
“Of course, I was a bit upset when I first saw that you had gone against the suggestions of not just the modiste, who spent so long designing your outfit for you, but also me.”
“My intention was not to upset anyone.” Sophia’s tone was apologetic.
“I know that it was not,” Duchess Anna replied. “I was upset initially, yes. But when you walked down the aisle, I realized that I changed my mind.”
