that information (for it was bound to cause trouble), but when Mrs. Caswell’s look turned from disdainful to calculating, any guilt fled. Some of the most skilled matrons had tried to snatch him up, and Allen remained unshackled; if Mrs. Caswell wished to try her hand at ensnaring him, she would get the disappointment she deserved.
“I am determined to fall in love by the end of this trip,” said Miss Miriam with a dramatic sigh, smoothing her skirts.
“Dearest,” said her sister, “this is your first step into society. There is plenty of time for falling in love.”
“I have spent years preparing for this moment, and I mean to enjoy it to the fullest. And that includes falling in love.” Miss Miriam gave a decisive nod, as though that was all it required to see her desires come to fruition, and Sophie silently wished her luck. Though she’d never found any joy in playing with hearts in such a manner, there were plenty who reveled in traipsing from romance to romance.
“You must forgive my sister, Miss Banfield. Though my parents have declared Miriam ready for society, I fear society may not be ready for her,” said Miss Caswell with a smile that robbed her words of any cruelty.
Miss Miriam stuck out her tongue, and Mrs. Caswell gave a hissing, “Girls.” Her daughters merely laughed at their harried mama, and Sophie fought back a smile. What would it be like to have a sister with whom she shared that sort of playful relationship? Even after years spent in close quarters with Fanny and Amy, her sisters had never teased. Not good-naturedly at any rate.
“But you haven’t said a word about your brother yet,” said Miss Miriam. “What should I do to turn his head?”
“Wear a gown.” The words came out quickly, and Sophie’s cheeks threatened to pinken, but Miss Caswell gave a snorting chuckle, and Sophie bit back a laugh.
“My brother is not terribly imaginative, Miss Miriam. He enjoys horses, hunting, and gambling. He despises being useful and does not find it endearing in others. But more than anything, be aloof. Though he enjoys being the object of admiration, Allen grows bored with any lady who dares to show interest. He adores the hunt.”
“That does sound rather unimaginative, Miss Banfield,” said Miss Caswell with a wry smile. “You just described all the eligible young bachelors the Nelsons are hosting.”
Sophie echoed Miss Caswell’s grin, and for the first time since Mama had announced that they were joining the Nelsons’ house party, Sophie felt happy at the prospect. Perhaps here was a young lady who did not view her with suspicion (for how else does one see a competitor?) or dismiss her off-hand for not meeting the ideal of a fashionable young lady. No, Miss Caswell was returning Sophie’s jests.
“Eligible young bachelors…” Miss Miriam fairly sighed the words as though this was the pinnacle of perfection any young lady could wish for. “Perhaps I shall fall in love many times before we return home.”
“For all the lavish entertainments the Nelsons have arranged for this party, I daresay Miss Miriam may provide a fair bit of her own to witness,” said Sophie, giving Miss Caswell a hint of a smile.
The young lady gave her sister an appraising eye. “And she is determined enough to set those young fools on a merry chase.”
Miss Miriam crossed her arms. “Not all of us have had the good fortune to find a catch like your Mr. Kingsley.”
The name slipped from Miss Miriam’s lips, and the very ground beneath them stopped moving, as though the world itself had halted on its axis, holding Sophie prisoner in that moment. Mr. Kingsley. Surely that was not an uncommon name. It might be any number of Mr. Kingsleys that existed in the world.
“Mr. Kingsley?” Sophie spoke his name before she could think the better of it.
“He and Victoria are courting,” said Miss Miriam with a wide smile that matched her sister’s.
“The wedding is not yet set,” added Mrs. Caswell, “but Mr. Kingsley has made it clear this party will be the setting of a grand announcement.”
Even a simpleton would recognize the implication thick in her tone as she spoke the words, and Sophie’s heart ceased beating altogether as she said, “My mama did not mention a Mr. Kingsley on the guest list.”
Miss Miriam waved that away. “The Kingsleys are the Nelsons’ nearest neighbor, and though not a member of the party proper, his family and some other members of the Bristow elite will