as though such sympathy was beneath her; rather, it was the pride of one who did not need such sentiments cast in her direction. With an inner strength that Sophie thought synonymous with Miss Caswell, the young lady faced the challenges and emerged triumphant. Such a one did not wring her hands in dismay nor welcome pity.
There was so much that Sophie admired about Miss Caswell. She was lively and well-spoken. Intelligent. Self-possessed but without the arrogance that too often defined such people. And whether by intention or accident, Sophie knew she’d caused the indomitable young lady harm. For that, Sophie could not help the sorrow shining in her gaze.
Rather than turning away from the silent apology, Miss Caswell held Sophie’s gaze without censure before hiding behind her book once more. Sophie followed suit, though she was no more engaged in her book than before. Mr. Kingsley and Miss Caswell proved far too distracting for even the most fascinating treatise on the life cycle and habits of stoats.
A movement drew her attention from the page, and Sophie saw Miss Caswell on her feet. Mrs. Caswell had come to sit beside her daughter, and though Sophie couldn’t hear their conversation, there was a fractious air to it. Abandoning her own book, Miss Caswell stalked from the parlor, pausing for a moment to meet Sophie’s eyes in silent apology. Cocking her head to the side, Sophie wondered why the young lady felt she needed forgiveness, but before she could give it much thought, Miss Caswell strode through the doorway.
“She’s a sore loser,” murmured Mama. “How disappointing.”
Chapter 29
Sophie’s gaze whipped from the doorway to the seat beside her, which had been vacant a moment ago. Mama watched the empty doorway, her eyes sparkling with cool triumph.
“That is unjust and unkind, Mama.”
“It is the truth,” she replied with an arched brow. “She was all but engaged to Mr. Kingsley and lost him to you—”
Sophie snapped her book shut, forcing a softness to her tone that she did not feel. “They did not suit.”
Mama met that with lowered lids, her lips pulling into a knowing smile. “They suited until you caught Mr. Kingsley’s eye.”
Sighing, Sophie dropped her book on the end table next to her chair. But before she could say a word, Mama held up placating hands.
“I didn’t come here to argue with you. I wanted to give you some motherly advice.” Mama took Sophie’s hand in hers and patted it, but that did not ease the tightness in Sophie’s shoulders.
“You must show more restraint, Sophie, or you may lose him yet.” Squeezing Sophie’s hand, Mama’s brows pulled together in a show of concern—as much concern as Susannah Banfield was wont to feel. “I see how enamored you are with him, and no doubt Mr. Kingsley sees it as well. Gentlemen prefer the chase, and if he thinks you too eager, it may scare him away.”
Sophie stilled. Mama’s many conquests attested to her skill in flirtation, and Sophie had little experience with enticing young men. Though her mother’s words sent a discomforting skitter along her spine, Sophie could see the wisdom in listening to someone more talented than she.
“Even with your plain toilette and coiffure, you are far more handsome than Miss Caswell, but that will only do so much. The Kingsley men are especially strange creatures, and you may lose him if you do not tread lightly.” Mama shook her head with a sigh. “His father once broke my heart because I overestimated my hold on him. He loved me for years, pining after me even after he married that woman.”
Though her expression remained impassive, her tone conveyed a sneer as she spoke of Mrs. Kingsley, and Sophie pulled her hand free as Mama continued speaking of a past that had Sophie’s insides churning.
“I had all but won—even his wife recognized her defeat and fled to lick her wounds—but I approached him too eagerly, and he tossed me away in disgust.” Mama’s tone remained low, but her body tensed, her voice coming out in a hiss. “Years of adoration were for naught because I was too confident in his affection.”
Mama rested a hand on Sophie’s knee, her brows pulling together. “You must learn from my mistakes, sweetheart. If I can lose his father to that portly creature, then you can yet lose his son to Miss Caswell or some other young lady.”
Though Sophie had sense enough not to show it, her heart shuddered at Mama’s description of Mrs. Kingsley and the callous manner