Prudence bit her lip.
“‘Safe and reputable company?’”
“She knows how to use a pistol!”
“Well, then, that is comforting.” Sophia put her face in her hands.
“There wasn’t anyone else who would take the journey with me. I know how much you hate Cornwall.” She twisted a loose thread on her gown. “Almost as much as I hate London.”
Sophia tried to feel compassion for her sister, but it was difficult at the moment. Sophiadidknow how it felt to be heartbroken. She knew that urge to run away from the place where the pain had occurred and to never return. Being within the walls of Lanveneth again was already awakening a mixture of wonder and dread inside her. The wallpaper in the drawingroom was the same as it had always been—white with dark green stripes. The gold velvet drapes of the window flanked a view of the sea. A portrait of Mama and Papa rested on the wall near it, and Sophia’s heart lurched at the sight of her father’s face.
Those downturned eyes, never revealing if he was troubled or content, and the stern mouth that rarely smiled. Perhaps he had always been troubled, after all. An abundance of secrets could do such a thing to a person.
A rustling sound near the doorway caught Sophia’s attention. She turned to find Mama standing there, just a few paces behind Isaac and Aunt Hester. Dressed in blue, with her greying hair pulled into a tight chignon, she looked even more beautiful than Sophia remembered. They had only been apart for a few months, but it had felt much longer than that. So much had happened in London.
Sophia hadn’t expected to feel the surge of emotion in her chest, but at the sight of her mother’s face, a lump formed in her throat. “Mama.”
She rushed forward, falling into her mother’s arms. Lady Blackstone was much like Prudence: dark haired, stubborn, free-spirited, and a bit naive. She adored animals just as much as Prudence, which was the only reason Sophia could think of that might have caused her to bond so deeply with Lord Blackstone.
Mama’s eyes, wild with surprise, took Sophia in as she pulled away. “Sophia! What are you doing here? I didn’t expect to receive one of my daughters, much less both.”
She seemed to notice Isaac standing nearby, and her face fell.
Sophia studied her mother’s features closely. She had known about Sophia’s attachment to Isaac, but what did she know about the circumstances that had separated them? Had she been just as involved as Papa had been? The idea made her ill.
Mama’s gaze shifted slowly back to Sophia’s face, but it was clear that Isaac’s presence had rattled her. She took a step back,her brow pinching with confusion. Stepfather had written to Mama to announce Sophia’s engagement to Lord Finchley, and Prudence would have likely announced the news to her as well.
Knowing that news must have made Isaac’s presence even more alarming.
“Mr. Ellington.” Mama returned his bow. “It has been years. Forgive me for not recognizing you immediately. Did you…accompany Sophia on the journey?”
Isaac’s nod seemed hesitant. “When I learned that Miss Prudence had fled and that Miss Hale planned to follow, I insisted on taking the journey alongside them. The roads are not safe at night.”
“No, indeed, they are not.” Mama’s eyes were blank. “Yes, that is very kind of you. Thank you, Mr. Ellington, for watching over my daughters and sister.” She extended an arm to pull Aunt Hester into an embrace.
Isaac seemed to sense the awkwardness surrounding his presence in the room. There was only so much that could be said with him standing nearby, and it was clear that Mama had questions. Many. So Isaac offered a quick bow before excusing himself to the corridor.
Sophia listened to his footfalls as he made his way out of the house. She didn’t know whether he would remain close or take the carriage back to Morvoren. She hadn’t given a great deal of thought to what they would all do once they found Prudence, only that she needed to be found.
Mama gripped Sophia by the arms so tightly it hurt. “Please do explain why it isMr. Ellingtonwho took this journey with you.” Her thin brows arched in dismay. “I heard about his cousin’s designs on Prudence and her narrow escape. I never should have sent the two of you to London without me.”
“Prudence’s escape from Percy Ellington was due to Isaac’s interference.” Sophia lifted her chin. “As well as my own. I assure you, we had the matter well in hand.”
“Interference?” Prudence flew across the room with a scowl. “What interference?”
Sophia sighed. “All we did was provide you with opportunities to see his true nature.”
Mama shook her head in confusion. “Knowing your history with Isaac Ellington, I confess I am astonished that you would allow him so close to your personal affairs. I never thought to see him again myself. He wounded you deeply, did he not?” Mama’s blue eyes flashed with concern. “And you are engaged to Lord Finchley. Congratulations, my dear. I just heard the news.”
Sophia studied Mama’s face for any signs of mistruth. “I did think it was Isaac who wounded me, but as it turns out, it was someone else.”
Mama’s face paled. “What on earth do you mean?”
“He did not find my dowry insufficient. He never wrote me a letter. His grandfather’s death delayed his proposal, but by the time he tried to call upon me, we had already left for London. I think Papa wrote the letter. I think he lied to me.”
Mama’s grip loosened on Sophia’s arms, and she looked down at the floor. The tendons in her neck tightened.
“Mama.” Sophia called her gaze back to her face. “Did you know about this?” A sinking feeling entered her stomach.
