The dress looked like it had been made for her. Had this really been his mother’s dress? There wouldn’t have been time for his mother to make something, so it must have been, even if it looked like it was custom-made for Sophia.
Sophia blushed as they descended the remainder of the stairs and were surrounded by his family. “Thank you,” she said to Lady Rendon. “This dress is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever worn. This evening has been wonderful, and we haven’t even made it to the festival yet.”
His mother laughed. “I am so glad that dress gets to be worn again. I haven’t been able to wear it since Liliana was born, but I always loved that one.”
“This new dress suits you just as well,” Lord Rendon said in a quiet voice as he swept Lady Rendon toward the courtyard.
Caspian took advantage of the opportunity to touch Sophia’s hand as he helped her into the carriage, relishing the touch of her fingers against his. He mounted his horse and rode alongside the carriage as they made their way to town.
Every time he glanced inside the carriage, he noticed Sophia smoothing down the fabric of her skirts with a small smile on her face.
She looked like she was made to wear a dress like that.
She looked like she was meant to be the wife of a lord’s son.
They pulled up to the edge of the town square and the men dismounted, standing at the ready to help the ladies.
Liliana descended from the carriage first, and Kellan took her hand. Then it was Lady Rendon’s turn, and Lord Rendon swooped her away.
Then his Sophia.
Caspian offered his arm, feeling like the luckiest fellow in the world when she took it. “Shall we go see everything we accomplished?” he asked Sophia as they made their way into the center of town.
“I can’t wait,” Sophia said with a smile.
The glow of the bonfire and the scent of woodsmoke and hot apple cider filled the air. The town square was full of people, all wearing their best clothes. The music was loud and there were already several people dancing near the musicians, while children chased each other through the crowd and adults mingled with food and drink in their hands.
It was perfect.
Satisfaction filled Caspian as he glanced around the square.
They’d pulled it off.
“Would you like some cider?” Caspian asked Sophia. He was leading her toward Thea’s booth, already knowing what her answer would be.
The café owner was wearing the dark green apron he suspected was her favorite, given how often she wore it, over what was probably her finest dress.
“Absolutely! I love cider,” Sophia said as Thea handed them both a mug, staring suspiciously between the two of them. Was she wondering what to say?
“The festival came together well,” Thea said to Caspian after a moment. “Good job.”
That wasn’t what he’d expected, but he would take it.
Caspian smiled. “Thank you. I had a great helper.”
Thea turned to Sophia and smiled. “You look beautiful, dear.”
“Thank you,” Sophia said, blushing and settling into a tiny curtsy. “Lady Rendon offered to let me borrow this dress.”
Speaking of Lady Rendon…Caspian looked at Thea. “Do you know who I am?” he asked.
“I didn’t at first,” Thea said, “but of course I figured it out quickly.”
He took a deep breath and looked down at Sophia. She let out a breath and chewed on her bottom lip.
“You didn’t know?” Thea asked Sophia, her eyes widening. “Oh, Sophia, I had no idea that you didn’t know.”
Sophia sighed. “Apparently everyone thought the same thing.”
