Cynthia smiled, turning her attention to them immediately. Welcoming them as her guests, and saying how delighted she was to see them again. She introduced Miss Sophia Barlow then to the Earl and Countess of Duxbury, with their daughter, Lady Lucy Exley.
Sophia dipped an elegant curtsy, and was immediately ignored by the two ladies. Whilst the Earl stared at her appraisingly for a moment too long before he looked away, but it was long enough to make her feel extremely uneasy. However she quickly reminded herself not to be too upset by this. Irrespective of how well the Duchess treated her, she was only a servant in the eyes of the ton. She also had to remember her lucky escape from Lord Dilley, the reason why she was there now, and that she no longer had the right to object to suffering such a small indignity.
Nevertheless Sophia couldn't help staring at Lady Lucy who had her arm linked through Edward’s, as if this was the most natural thing in the world. It also clearly wasn't the first time that it had happened, if their easy companionship was the measure of it. Sophia could feel the rush of blood to her cheeks the longer shewatched them, and the sharp sting of jealousy erupting within her. Until Lucy caught her eye, and smiled knowingly at her making Sophia look away quickly.
Her heart sank. It was impossible to deny that Lady Lucy Exley was extremely beautiful, and clearly attracted to the Duke. Even if she had been of a similar social rank to her, which Sophia obviously wasn't, it would have been foolish to contemplate competing with someone like her for Ned's affections when she was obviously interested in him. Moreover he was by this time smiling politely at what she was saying, and didn't look in the least perturbed by her proximity. What Sophia didn't realise was that he was simply trying to fulfil his earlier promise to his mother, and make it appear as if he was searching for a wife. Even though his heart wasn't in it. Especially so far as Lady Lucy Exley was concerned.
After the guests had exchanged a few pleasantries with Lady Cynthia about a variety of inconsequential matters, all of them made their way back to the main lawn where a long table had been set up by the footmen, which they had carried outside from the conservatory. The maids had filled it with fine china and cutlery from the house, then added vases of flowers to make it even more inviting. Edward and Cynthia greeted the other guests who had arrived introducing Sophia so many times that she couldn't possibly remember all of their names. As if she realised how her companion was feeling, Lady Cynthia smiled at her and patted her hand, saying that she would soon learn who everyone was, so shouldn't worry about it for the time being.
Nevertheless a forlorn Sophia couldn't stop her eyes from following Ned at every opportunity, and her heart was filled with dismay when she saw Lady Lucy standing next to him, seemingly as often as she possibly could. Smiling, and gazing up into his eyes. As he looked down at her, and replied whenever she spoke to him but without Sophia knowing how he really felt in his heart.
Chapter 17
Meanwhile as Edward was receiving the guests he couldn’t fail to see how uncomfortable Sophia looked, before she moved to stand behind his mother who had stayed beside him. Making him frown until he realised what he was doing, and tried to smile again. It was fine and admirable on the one hand for the Duchess to try to better her companion's standing in the eyes of the ton, but in his opinion an almost impossible if not exceedingly foolish task on the other, to attempt such a thing. The effects of which could easily hurt Sophia's feelings, and which already appeared to be the case. Without them even reaching the point of any malicious gossip and unpleasantness, which he knew took place in the conversation behind a number of the ladies' fans.
This really wouldn't do! However he wasn't sure Cynthia would listen on this occasion, or be able to see the sense in what he was saying. Once she had a fixed idea about how things ought to be it could be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to shift her from it. He also knew by now how much she cared about Sophia, so no doubt saw it as her place to champion her interests. Unable to accept that sometimes meddling really wasn't the best way to go about things, or that a situation couldn't be changed by her alone.
The Duke glanced behind him quickly to check that Sophia really was alright. His heart went out to her, as soon as he saw the look on her face. His personal view of the matter hadn't stopped him from appreciating that his mother was partially right. Miss Sophia Barlow was kind, and gentle. She didn't deserve being ignored or any other such vile treatment. Simply because she was a merchant's daughter, and not a titled lady. He didn't blame her in the least for feeling out of place. Maybe even hurt. He had seen several of the guests treating her as if she didn't exist when mama had decided to introduce her to them, and he assumed that she knew as well as he did that she could only expect more of the same.
Edward groaned inwardly. He would have to speak to the Duchess, and insist if need be that she stop what she was doing. He couldn't allow this to continue. If there was any chance whatsoever of Sophia being hurt even more, which there obviously was. If anything it was his place to deal with this. The niggling suspicion that his mother had also set her sights on Sophia becoming her daughter-in-law was also growing stronger by the day. He couldn’t fail to notice how differently she was treated to Ruth in a lot of ways, especially in relation to the privileges his mother had extended to her.
The other way to put a stop to it, he supposed, would be to marry Lucy. The mere thought of which caused his heart to sink, and put the frown back on his face. He knew by now that it would never be a marriage for love, but simply one of convenience. Something which wouldn't make him happy. Although he would of course do his duty, and see to it that Lucy had everything in his power to give her, except of course love, which couldn’t possibly be right. It was the most important element in a marriage, from what he had seen so far of others, and indeed in life generally. Edward Carlisle also knew that he was by now a little in love with Sophia, and again had a niggling suspicion that it was going to be her he wished to marry. Whilst the tragedy was he couldn’t possibly do this.
All of this meant that the sooner he started a proper courtship with Lucy, followed by a betrothal, the better it would be for Sophia. If only to stop the Duchess from meddling, and divert attention from him having any interest whatsoever in his mother's companion. Even though he acknowledged that this was the last thing he really wanted to do, the situation was getting out of hand, and he couldn't contemplate seeing Sophia hurt any further. That equally wasn't right. However, getting his mother to see sense would still be difficult. He knew from past experience how awkward she could be when she had set her heart on something. She had already hinted quite openly that Lucy wouldn't make the best Duchess of Carlfield, and that she had concerns about who would be the most suitable to follow in her footsteps. Even telling Edward that she dreaded seeing all of the work his father and her had put in across the years come to nothing, because the youngwoman he married didn't have it in her. Or any desire to continue their charitable events, raising funds for the poor and needy.
The simple truth did of course remain that Lucy had a title, and Sophia didn't. It wouldn’t be any good at all if he married his mother's companion for love, and they were then shunned by society. Admittedly he was a very rich man, but there were still those whom he knew would spurn her even as his wife, simply from sheer snobbery. No, Lucy was the woman he should marry! With her father's business connections allied to his own, he would forget all about love and put his full attention into making the Carlisle name even more reputable than it already was. However difficult his mother might find this to accept, and dare he even think of the arguments it would cause, she would learn in time to accept his decision. Getting along with not only Lucy, but also her mother, Amelia. Despite their different outlook on the world.
Despite trying to be firm in his resolve, Edward still couldn't help wishing that there was someone he could have turned to for advice: A father, uncle, brother or even someone at his club. The gentlemen he knew didn't seem to talk about their marriage prospects in this way or have a similar problem to this. At least not so far as he had heard. Making him realise how much he still missed Papa. Joey too. His old friend would have stood by him, come what may. Although the Duke wouldn't have been in this situation, if he had still been alive. Felicity would already have been his wife. Edward had to wonder then whether that would also have been the right decision. Especially when he was able to think of her loss now without pain, and imagine himself falling in love with Sophia.
Why on earth was all of this so complicated he was thinking when as often happened Cynthia's elbow nudged him sharply, and his thoughts returned to the present. He had become so accustomed to making perfunctory greetings on these occasions, that it allowed his mind to wander. Although it was again often the reason for the Duchess' complaints that he looked far too fierce, and brooding. She was asking him now for the second time if they ought to go to the tea table feeling highly frustrated by his earlier lack of response.
Edward apologised immediately, as he glanced quickly around the garden. The last of the guests seemed to have arrived, and were mingling now with the others. For a brief moment, he was very tempted to escort Sophia across the lawn to the tea table once his thoughts returned to her. Stopping himself just in time when he realised that this sort of thing was exactly what he had just been thinking about, and trying to avoid. Apart from the scandal it would cause if he was seen on the arm of his mother’s companion, it might well raise Sophia's hopes that there could be something in the attraction between them when this would never be possible. She was also bound to overhear the shocked exclamations, and scathing looks sent her way. Not least from Lady Amelia, and Lucy! Although he wasn't certain how Howard would react to it, since the courtship of his daughter hadn't yet been discussed by them. The Duke took Cynthia's arm instead, and escorted her to the table. This seemed by far to be the better option. At least it also gave Sophia the opportunity to follow closely behind them, which was what she did.
Despite his earlier resolve, it was much to his dismay that he found himself seated next to Lucy. His mother also appeared to be disgruntled by this, if the whispering he heard her doing with Jenkins was anything to go by. There seemed to be some suggestion that the place cards with the guests names on them had been moved by an unknown third party. Edward also didn't miss his mother's accusing look at Lady Amelia, who was by this time seated on the other side of her daughter. Realising that he was going to have to proceed with his decision to appear that he was courting Lucy, Edward sighed and smiled at her as he began to make pleasantries. Asking after her health, and trying to look concerned when she told him she was looking forward to going into the house, since too much sunshine gave her a headache. Unless she wore a particular bonnet which was no longer fashionable, and so she disliked.
Edward looked at her face properly for the first time, and couldn't deny that she was very beautiful. Socially she probably would make a fine duchess, with such a haughty demeanour. However he did have the sneaking suspicion that his mother wasright about the possible fate of her charitable events, since Lucy's main concern always seemed to be herself and playing her part in the ton. He found himself once again unable to get a word in edgewise. While she engaged in the sort of mundane conversation which society expected from a young lady of her status, and to Edward seemed incredibly tedious.
Cynthia was directly opposite him, and she had arranged for her companion to be seated next to her. Ostensibly in case she should require her services during tea, but in reality not wishing Ned to lose sight of her. On one occasion when he had looked up, his eyes met hers. Sophia's cheeks had flushed deep crimson when, without thinking, he smiled at her and she quickly looked away from him. Not before he had seen the sadness in her eyes. In that same moment, Edward couldn't stop himself from imagining what it would be like to have her seated beside him, as his future duchess. He couldn't help feeling a sense of pride, and happiness, before the image was replaced with the stark reality of Lady Lucy's incessant chattering and presence.
He turned dutifully back to her then. She hadn't stopped speaking, or even appeared to notice him gazing longingly at Sophia, but Cynthia had. Giving her another indication that Cupid's arrows had hit their mark. Causing her to enjoy the tea and cake even more, as she took great pleasure in ignoring Lucy and her dreadful mother. And purposefully including Sophia in her conversation with the other guests, as often as possible. Until, with a glance at Ned who nodded, she had told Jenkins to announce that everyone would be very welcome to have more tea or take part in the activities which had been arranged for them. These included battledore and shuttlecock, and the tables were ready inside the house for card games, also charades if this was preferred.
During the late afternoon Edward was alone with Lucy's father, Howard, due to some contrivance on the part of both of them as each had an agenda to pursue. They had been playing a card game for some time. It had suited Edward to be away from Lucy, and still be able to appease his guilty conscience that he was pursuing a courtship with her by conversing with her father. Also ithad to be said that neither of the gentlemen wished to stop playing, without knowing the outcome of the game. Since Lady Amelia and Lucy wanted to return home to rest before dinner, Edward had offered the Earl the use of his carriage to take him back to his estate later, which Howard had readily accepted. The other guests had already gone, and the two gentlemen also believed that Cynthia and Sophia had retired to their rooms.
During the course of the conversation Howard mentioned how keen he was for Edward and himself to be in business together. While discussing the possibility of this and what it might entail, Edward was caught completely off guard when the Earl went on to hint at a potential match between Lady Lucy and himself, before saying quite plainly that if this had been going through the Duke of Carlfield's mind he would most certainly have his blessing to the marriage.
Edward wasn't sure how to respond initially, since he was still struggling with the necessity of abandoning his feelings for Sophia, until his manners reminded him to smile as if he was delighted by the offer. He thanked Howard for speaking to him plainly stating that it was preferable to the many subterfuges adopted by the ladies of the ton, to which the Earl had responded with a hearty laugh. Whilst the truth remained that the Duke still hadn't made a final decision on a wife. Since without revealing it, all he could see in his mind's eye was Miss Sophia Barlow, and her mesmerising eyes looking into his own.
Chapter 18
Meanwhile Sophia had joined Lady Carlfield in the drawing room. She was sitting on the settee, staring at the opposite wall at nothing in particular. A book was next to her, which she appeared to have been trying to read. Having insisted earlier that Sophia should go to her bedchamber to rest before dinner, once the guests had gone apart from the Earl who was with Ned, and that she wouldn't need her again until then. As a result Sophia was shocked now to find her ladyship in such a state. She had come downstairs again by chance to visit the library, where she hoped to find a book she could read to help pass the time, since sleep had eluded her. She still hadn't finished Northanger Abbey, and was hoping there would be a poetry volume instead which would interest her. Something calm and soothing after their hectic day, but as she was crossing the hall she thought she heard Cynthia calling her name.
She stepped across the drawing room quickly, to kneel down in front of her on the ornately patterned rug. Frightened because Lady Cynthia looked so much older, frail even, and she seemed to be exhausted after the day’s activities but which probably wasn't surprising. Sophia knew that she had only sat down at the tea table, and been on her feet for the rest of the afternoon. Joining those playing battledore as soon as she left it. She had also walked around the garden on several occasions with different ladies, since Sophia had accompanied her throughout the afternoon. Walking behind of course, and not alongside as she did when they were on their own.
The Countess of Duxbury had at one point passed Lady Lucy's bag and her own to Sophia, so that she could carry them. Both of which were quite large, stuffed to the brim with what looked to be embroidery of some description, and were exceedingly awkward. The Duchess hadn't noticed this straightaway. Her back was turned after she had been drawn to a large purple flower in one of the vast beds. The name had escaped her, and she was trying her best to recall it. She was clearly annoyed by the Countess telling Sophia to carry their bags onceshe found this out, since it was for the maid to do and not her companion, which she was certain the Countess would know.
Without speaking her mind Lady Cynthia revealed her feelings in a frown which wasn't unlike the Duke of Carlfield's when he was displeased. She also made a point of ignoring Lady Amelia and her daughter for the remainder of the afternoon, so far as she could without it being a case of extremely bad manners. Giving Sophia instead her full attention, and concern. Hoping that she hadn't become overly tired by all the activity. Apparently also causing her not to hear the offer which was made by Amelia, for her to join them when they went into the house to play charades.
Not really knowing if she ought to call for assistance now, Sophia asked the Duchess if she would like to go upstairs to her bedchamber, and she could arrange for one of the maids to bring a dinner tray up to her. If she didn't feel like having a nap, Sophia said that she would be delighted to read to her instead. Secretly hoping that the Duchess would agree to this, so that she also wouldn't need to dine with Edward. Still feeling overwhelmed by the events of the day, and because some members of the ton had deliberately ignored her. Even gone so far as making it seem that she didn't exist during the tea party. It had been horrible at times, then having to carry the Countess and her daughter's bags. The last thing she needed now was to be pitied by the Duke!
