“That’s a shame.” Sophie spread butter on a piece of toast. “Did you enjoy the croquet yesterday?”
“Oh, very much.”
They chatted for a while about the prior day’s activities and what was yet to come. When it was time to depart for Horncastle, Marianne invited Sophie and Lady Carlisle to share a carriage with her.
Fortunately, her mother decided to join Lady Wembley instead, so Sophie would have the opportunity to speak privately with Marianne.
She wasn’t sure how to raise the topic of Baron Sylvestor, but once again, luck was in her favor. As soon as they were seated in the carriage, their maids beside them, Marianne took the initiative.
“You must be excited to have two such esteemed gentlemen courting you,” she said quietly, watching Sophie from beneath her lashes.
“I am,” Sophie said cautiously. “Surprised too. I wasn’t so favored last season.”
Marianne exhaled sharply. “That gives me hope. This is my first season, and I….” She glanced around and then lowered her voice so that it was only just audible over the sound of wheels on gravel. “I have my share of attention, but not from the gentleman I wish to court me.”
Sophie winced. “I’m afraid that’s relatively common.”
“But perhaps next season will be better.” Marianne’s smile was slightly forced. “After all, you’ve secured the affection of both the striking Mr. Blackwell and Baron Sylvestor, who must be the most handsome man I’ve ever met. The way his whole face lights up when he laughs…. And he’s so kind. His manners are impeccable, and he dances better than anyone else I’ve encountered.”
Sophie supposed the baron did dance well, although Nicholas was better, in her opinion.
Marianne’s cheeks colored, and she ducked her head. “Of course, you know all of this, since it is you whom he’s courting.”
Sophie’s chest tightened and her stomach rolled. Poor Marianne was smitten with Baron Sylvestor, and if Sophie hadn’t persuaded Nicholas to consider marriage, she might never have had a chance with him because of Sophie’s selfishness in wanting his attention when she didn’t truly care for him. Not like Marianne did.
Sophie searched for a way to share her preference for Nicholas, but Kate was the one who was good with words. She tended to be too blunt.
She supposed that the direct approach would have to do.
She sighed. “As you are familiar with the baron because of your connection through Lord Trevor, I must admit a certainfondness for Mr. Blackwell that has developed over time because his brother is married to my closest friend.”
There. It was indelicate, but Marianne couldn’t mistake her meaning.
Marianne’s eyes widened. “Is that so?”
Sophie nodded, afraid to say anything else lest she give too much away. “Have you spent much time with Baron Sylvestor since you came out?”
Marianne scowled, and the expression looked strange on her sweet face. “Only a little. He dances with me if we’re at the same ball, but only because he views me as a younger cousin due to his friendship with Trevor.”
Sophie considered that. “You shouldn’t give up so soon. I never thought Mr. Blackwell would see me as a romantic prospect either.”
Marianne’s scowl faded. “Perhaps I will. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”
Through the window, buildings began to come into view. Sophie leaned closer and looked out. Most of the buildings were blocky—designed similarly to Nunhaven Manor—and they were constructed from brick and stone.
They passed a church with a stained glass window facing the road and a small spire above the entrance, then came to a stop outside a milliner’s.
Sophie and Marianne disembarked and wandered inside. The other women gradually joined them, fussing around the display of bonnets and ribbons. There were no hats that Sophie particularly liked but she caught Marianne eyeing a pale pink bonnet with matching ribbon that was fashioned into a rose.
“You should buy it,” she urged, removing it from the display and positioning it on Marianne’s head. “The color looks very pretty on you.”
“Oh, but I shouldn’t.” She glanced around as if expecting someone to materialize and chide her for being frivolous.
“Perhaps it will give you more confidence.” Sophie tilted it so that Marianne could admire it better. “Do you have any gowns that would match?”
Marianne’s face lit up. “I do.”
“In which case, it is practically your duty to buy it.” Sophie flashed her a mischievous grin. “Who knows how long it might be before you find another bonnet that would match your gown so well?”
