Hearts Entwined (Victorian Love #3) - M.A. Nichols Page 0,23
bad as all that.”
Miss Thompson sighed, shaking her head. “Perhaps not, but hiding my frustration is exhausting. All this deception sits uneasy with me. I prefer honesty to all this pretense, but if I speak my mind to Lily, Victoria may never forgive me.”
Miss Nelson straightened, her hands tightening. “Phyllis—”
But at that moment, the young lady in question strode to the other young ladies. At first glance, one might think Miss Lily Kingsley plain, as her figure was far too plump for fashion, but there was a light about her that left Sophie quite in awe. Like herself, Miss Kingsley dressed in simplistic gowns and coiffures, but where Sophie looked plain, Miss Kingsley looked fetching.
“I am so pleased we are all together again,” said Miss Kingsley, beaming at her companions. “It has been too long. And isn’t it a marvelous evening? The meal was sumptuous, Hettie.”
Miss Nelson gave a faint smile and nodded. “I am certain Mama will be pleased to hear your praise.”
“It is high praise indeed,” said Miss Thompson with a bright smile. “Our Lily is quite the expert on food.”
Sophie sucked in a breath, her shoulders tensing at the verbal blow, but neither Miss Kingsley nor Miss Nelson gave any hint that they’d heard the insinuation beneath it. Miss Thompson hid it well, but there was a tone to the compliment that marked it as anything but kind, and with Miss Kingsley’s ample figure, Miss Thompson’s meaning was clear.
Had Sophie misheard it? Or perhaps she was judging Miss Thompson harshly.
“I would hardly say I am an expert,” replied Miss Kingsley with a furrowed brow. “But who does not enjoy a fine meal? It reminded me of a dinner I had in Lancashire when I was visiting my uncle and his family. We dined with a family…” she paused, scrunching her brow. “What was their name? The Callums? Or Christians?”
“Does it matter?” replied Miss Thompson with a sigh.
Miss Kingsley laughed, her nose scrunching. “I suppose not. But they lived in this beautiful village not far from my uncle’s home, and they were rural enough to keep a large kitchen garden yet close enough to the railroads and harbors to supplement their produce and game with exotic fares.”
Without pausing, she launched into a description of the dishes, rendering them in such detail that Sophie could taste them and speaking with such gusto that it was difficult not to get swept up in her excitement—which made Miss Thompson’s slack expression and Miss Nelson’s glassy gaze all the more shocking. Miss Kingsley rattled on, unaware that her companions’ attentions were lagging, which was an absolute shame for them as the young lady was a lively companion.
Then Miss Kingsley halted mid-word, turning her attention to Sophie. “Hello, there.”
Dragging her friends over, Miss Kingsley gave Sophie a brilliant smile and curtsy as Miss Nelson went through the introductions.
“I am so sorry I didn’t see you there sooner,” said Miss Kingsley. “It must be terribly uncomfortable to be thrown in with a group of ladies with whom you have no former acquaintance.”
Miss Kingsley spoke so openly and artlessly that Sophie could not help grinning.
“It’s not how I prefer to pass a month,” said Sophie.
“For certain,” said Miss Kingsley with wide eyes. “I would be terrified in your situation.” But she paused, her cheeks pinking. “I suppose it’s uncouth to say that.”
Miss Nelson turned her gaze to her mother. “I fear Mama is calling for me.”
Sophie doubted that was true, but the young lady strode away, with Miss Thompson feigning excuses about assisting her, leaving Sophie alone with Miss Kingsley.
“I do apologize for my frankness,” began Miss Kingsley, and it took a moment for Sophie to recall what the young lady had been saying before the others abandoned them.
“Do not fret, Miss Kingsley. I am not offended in the slightest. You may be the only person here who understands that some do not care for being thrust into a group of strangers.”
A tightness in Miss Kingsley’s shoulders loosened. “Hettie and Phyllis certainly do not understand when I shy away from such situations.”
Sophie’s brows rose. “You are uncomfortable in crowds?”
Miss Kingsley ran her hands across her skirts. “I assure you that introducing myself just then has exhausted my social prowess. I doubt I shall be able to approach another stranger for a fortnight at the very least. Speaking with someone once we are engaged in conversation is not difficult, as I do love talking, but broaching the conversation is terrifying.”