Even from across the room, he could tell Sophia’s cheeks were flaming red. She lifted her chin and marched towards them, her eyebrows drawing together.
“Something must have upset Sophia,” Anthony said.
“My, a von Gruner being upset by something. Why am I not surprised?”
Sophia stopped in front of them, clenching her fists. “You all lied to me. My father is right. We can’t trust the Beauforts.”
Anthony exchanged a glance with his grandmother. “About what?”
“Patrick had an affair with your wife, she became with child, his child, and then she lost the baby while she was married to you, but no one told me! I’ve just heard a conversation between Isabella and her sister about Patrick. I know everything.”
Anthony narrowed his gaze at her.
Grandmama regained her cold composure in a moment. “I must ask you to stop talking. We don’t want to make a scene.”
“I don’t care about making a scene when I’m surrounded by liars.” Her Austrian accent became heavy. “You’re a disgraceful family as my father says.” She turned towards the door and marched away in a flutter of blue satin.
“That little, unbearable brat,” Grandmama said, and he didn’t scold her.
* * *
Isabella fell silent,as did everyone else when Sophia crossed the ballroom with angry strides. She hadn’t understood the brief conversation Sophia had shared with the Dowager and Anthony, but something must have troubled her.
Isabella followed her among mutters and whispers. “Sophia?”
Sophia went down the stairs in the garden, quick in her slippers.
“Sophia.”
Sophia faced her. Anger flashed red across her cheeks. “You had an affair with Patrick,” she said without a preamble.
The accusation shouldn’t surprise her, but the tone hurt her.
“No. We were together only once. It was a mistake, but it didn’t happen again, and it was before he met you.”
“You carried his child and lost it.”
She had nothing to apologise for with Sophia. “Why are you so upset?”
“Not one of you told me anything.” Sophia raised her voice.
“Because it was none of your business.” Isabella matched the lady’s tone. “Besides, Patrick didn’t know about the child until a few days ago.”
“But he knew about the quick affair with you. I think I have the right to know that the man who wants to court me had an affair with his brother’s wife.”
“It’s up to Patrick to tell you about his escapades, but we all suffered through the incident and eventually moved on, and what happened between Patrick and me doesn’t affect you.”
“How can I trust a man who doesn’t take his responsibilities? How can I trust a family who keep secrets?”
That was a good question to which Isabella had no answer.
“Your family is corrupt,” Sophia said. “You don’t deserve my help. You can forget Maiden Hill. My father will do whatever he pleases with it. Even bring it down brick by brick.” She resumed walking away, but Isabella followed her.
Since Sophia wanted to throw the blame around, Isabella could do the same. “Maiden Hill isn’t just a house. It’s a precious memory. Your family have been nothing but cruel towards my husband by neglecting Maiden Hill. He grew up in Maiden Hill. His father died there. Yet you and your father don’t care. All for what? Revenge over a spite that happened decades ago. Perhaps your family isn’t as innocent as you think.”
Footsteps approached, and Isabella composed herself.
Patrick walked over to them. “Sophia. Please.”
