“There you are, dearest.”
Sophie froze, taking in a sharp breath as Mama’s salutation halted them in their tracks. They turned to see the lady striding up to them, hands held demurely before her as she smiled at the pair. Sophie made the introductions, and Mama gave Lily a glowing smile.
“Miss Kingsley, how good to meet you,” said Mama. “I’ve wanted to make your acquaintance. It has been so long since I last visited your parents, and I was just catching up with them.”
The young lady grinned. “I had no idea you were at all acquainted with my family, but I am already quite fond of your daughter. It is such a shame we’ve not met before.”
Mama’s eyes traveled the length of Lily, and Sophie stiffened at the glint in Mama’s gaze. “I see you take after your mama.”
Lily merely thanked Mama, but Sophie’s breath caught at the insinuation. Over the years, she’d witnessed those subtle jabs her mother was so skilled at giving, and Sophie did not wish to see sweet Lily as the target. But before she could speak a word in Lily’s defense, Mrs. Kingsley appeared beside her daughter.
“Lily, there you are,” she said with a tightness around her eyes that belied the smile on her face.
“Of course I am, Mama,” replied Lily with a laugh as she motioned to the moderately sized drawing room. “You speak as though I’ve been hiding.”
Mrs. Kingsley stepped forward, taking Lily by the arm, which forced Sophie to drop her hold.
“My dear Mrs. Kingsley,” said Mama with a simpering smile. “I was just remarking how your daughter takes after you in looks. It is as though I am looking at you when we first met. Though I suppose she is quite a bit younger than you were. How old are you, my dear?”
“I shall be five and twenty in a few months,” replied Lily.
“Ah, yes,” said Mama with a nod and turned an innocent look to Mrs. Kingsley. “And we met when you were first married. You were well over thirty at the time if I recall correctly.”
There was the barest hint of emphasis on the word thirty, and Sophie knew Mama well enough to hear the criticism buried in it, as though being so much older was a significant mark against one’s character.
Stiffening, Mrs. Kingsley leveled a falsely warm look on Mama. “Your memory does you credit, Mrs. Banfield. And I do beg your pardon, but I was hoping to steal my daughter away for a hand of cards.”
Lily gave some protest, but Sophie waved it away. Whatever history the two ladies shared, it was better to dispel the situation before it grew worse. Lily sent an apologetic smile in Sophie’s direction as she was led away, and with her work done, Mama sought more diverting entertainment, leaving Sophie once more alone.
*
Forcing her feet to maintain a languid pace, Mina fought the instinct to drag her daughter far from Hardington Hall. Pasting a smile on her face, she donned an affable air and cast a cautious glance at the others, but none paid them any heed except Mrs. and Miss Banfield.
“Is anything amiss, Mama?” asked Lily.
“Not at present,” she replied, giving a grateful smile at the concern in her daughter’s tone. “But I do not wish for you to speak with Mrs. Banfield or her daughter.”
Lily’s brows drew together as the pair halted beside a card table. “You wish me to snub them?”
“Certainly not,” said Mina with a shake of her head. “But you needn’t further an acquaintance with them. We will not be able to avoid them while they are in Bristow, but neither do I wish for you to seek their company.”
Lily’s dark brows drew together. “But I enjoy Sophie. She is interesting, and I feel we can be good friends—”
Every muscle clenched at that declaration, making Mina bark out a quick “no” before she thought better of it. Taking in a calming breath, she forced her body to relax and fixed some semblance of peace on her face.
“The Banfields are not good people, Lily,” said Mina. “Please do not seek Miss Banfield out any further. You needn’t ignore her, but there is no reason for you to speak with her beyond vague pleasantries.”
“But Mama—”
“Lily, please,” said Mina. Taking her daughter’s hand in hers, she squeezed it tight. “I know this may seem strange, but I have good reason for asking it of you. Nothing good will come from you speaking with any of the Banfields.”
Lily’s shoulders drooped, her expression falling, but she gave a nod of her head. “If you think it best.”
Mina could breathe again. Motioning for Lily to take a seat at the table, Mina joined her as Mrs. Thompson took another chair beside her.
Leaning forward, Mrs. Thompson met Mina’s eye and then pointedly glanced at Mrs. Banfield. In a whisper Lily could not parse, she asked, “How are you faring?”
“Well enough,” replied Mina, giving the lady a sad smile. “It will be a long month, but I will manage.”
