“Now, I am just going to have an afternoon nap myself,” Letty added. “I am sure the theatre will be quite tiring.”
“Wonderful. I am so looking forward to attending, as is Amelia, who has mentioned it many times,” Sophie said, taking the parcel. “Now go take your nap, Letty, and I will see you when you wake.”
Her rooms were two doors along from Timmy’s. Sophie had insisted on this in case he got scared and called for her in the night. Since Doddy’s arrival in the household, he’d spent time in both their rooms. He slept on the floor beside Timmy. However, when in Sophie’s room, he insisted on sleeping on her bed. So far, she had not broken him of the habit, and if she was honest, she enjoyed having his warm body close.
Sophie closed the door and sat in the chair beside the window. A shiver ran the length of her spine as she studied the spiky, uneven handwriting. It was familiar, yet she could not recall where she’d seen it before. Untying the string, she opened it.
Looking at the white fabric, Sophie felt her stomach clench. How was it possible? Exhaling slowly, she made herself study the cotton and found the initials SB. Opening the note tucked inside, she read the words.
I know who you are, Sophie Beams, and I will make you pay for your deceit. Tell no one and wait for my next note.
Sophie raced to the small bowl on her nightstand and threw up her lunch. Retching until there was nothing left, she rinsed her mouth and retraced her steps, this time lying flat on her bed.
Someone knew who she was, and Sophie had an idea who that someone was. The note said not to tell anyone, and she would not take the risk of speaking with Letty until she knew just what the sender of this package wanted.
There was no doubting this package was a prelude to blackmail. What other reason could anyone have to send her the old apron she’d worn as a maid? What did they want?
Sophie Beams was someone she had worked hard to put behind her. The housemaid with no future, just endless hours of backbreaking work from dawn till dusk. Closing her eyes, she felt a wave of exhaustion thinking about the evening ahead. Shewould have to pull on her best and haughtiest demeanor to fool everyone, especially Letty.
When would the blackmailer next show his hand? Could Jack Spode be behind this? He was more than capable. Had he found her in London? He’d vowed to destroy her after what she’d done.
For now, all Sophie could do was wait and hope that it wasn’t him, because Jack Spode was someone she’d hoped never to see again.
…
“You are quiet, Sophie.”
“Just excited, Letty,” she said, looking across the carriage as it rolled slowly toward the theatre. “’Tis a shame Amelia can’t be with us.”
Letty made a tsking sound. “Minerva is determined to ruin that girl’s life, and considering her own parents and that monster destroyed her, one would think she’d want more for her child.”
“I’m not sure what we can do about it, Letty. It saddens me to see how strong Amelia portrays herself to be, and yet I know deep inside she is sad and a little scared.”
“You see that because that was once you,” Letty said gently.
“Perhaps. You look lovely tonight,” Sophie added, and it was the truth. The rust gown was stunning, as was the arrangement in her air.
“Thank you, dear, and you also. That emerald is a wonderful color with your hair.”
They traveled in silence for a while before Sophie spoke again. “I would like to help Amelia in some way but am unsure how to do so.”
“Be there for her, Sophie. For now, that is enough. I will think about Minerva and see what solution I can come up with.”
She nodded as the carriage rolled slowly forward in a queue behind the others.When would another note arrive?Sophiehoped they made a move soon, because her nerves were already stretched to breaking point.
Will Lord Coulter be here tonight?
“I don’t want to wed you, Countess. I want to bed you.” She couldn’t believe he’d spoken those words to her. Would she have been shocked had she been the widow he believed her to be? Sophie would never know the answer to that. But for now, she was happy to just avoid him, and if he approached, she’d treat him like she did everyone. Cool and distant. There would be no more kisses even if she’d enjoyed them.
Sophie had never been held like Lord Coulter held her that night. Never experienced passion as she had with his kisses. She may be innocent but was aware of what went on between a man and a woman.
A few men had grabbed her and forced horrid kisses on her in the tavern where she’d worked, but none had felt like the ones she’d shared with him. They’d left her feeling hot all over and unsettled.
He may want you, but he also suspects you are not what you appear.Sophie needed to remember this.
“Come along,” Letty said from the doorway. “You are daydreaming.”
“Sorry.” Stepping out, she took Letty’s arm and walked into the foyer, where all the guests were milling about in their finery, and then to the stairs.
