Hearts Entwined (Victorian Love #3) - M.A. Nichols Page 0,49

was nothing to draw from that vantage, but she allowed herself a moment to rest and clear her thoughts of a certain gentleman.

For even if the gentleman were free, it would not change his family’s objections.

Sophie wished she could catch Mrs. Kingsley alone to apologize on Mama’s behalf for all those little sharp words and digs that littered the past sennight. But the opportunity refused to present itself, and each time the Kingsleys and Banfields interacted, there was yet another reason for Sophie to beg the Kingsley matriarch’s forgiveness. Why did Mama detest her so?

But Sophie’s musings on the house party’s undercurrent were cut short when she heard voices coming down the path at a hurried pace. Having chosen a seat far from the path’s edge, she doubted they’d notice her, but Sophie held still, hoping they would pass by her unseen.

“Don’t you love the scent of the forest?” asked Lily as they passed. “The soil and leaves all mixing to form a perfume that is the epitome of growing things.”

“I’ve never given it a thought,” said Miss Hettie Nelson. Though there was no malice in her tone, there was an unspoken sigh hidden beneath it, and Sophie thought it strange. Lily was quite right, after all. There was hardly anything better than the smell of the woods.

“Oliver said Sophie knows everything there is…” But their voices grew faint as they continued along the path.

Clutching her journal to her chest, Sophie felt like her insides were going to twist themselves into knots. They were speaking of her and Mr. Kingsley. For all her previous determination to seek nothing further than friendship with the fellow, Sophie found herself stuffing her journal into her satchel and creeping after them.

Lily expounded on the various things Sophie had taught the fellow concerning the local flora and fauna. There were bits here and there that had gotten mangled somewhere between Sophie’s lips and Lily’s, but for the most part, Sophie was awed at how much Mr. Kingsley had told his sister.

“…I’ve wandered the grounds in the morning hoping to spy one myself, but I haven’t been so lucky,” said Lily with a laugh. “It would help if I knew more about the bird I am looking for, but it is so nice to be out of doors that it doesn’t matter. I understand why Sophie adores naturalism so. It is quite fascinating, though I doubt I would ever do more than observe. Oliver says Sophie has read a great many books on the subject, but I cannot fathom slogging through dusty treatises on animals and insects—”

“May I speak candidly with you?” asked Miss Nelson, not bothering to wait for Lily to reach a stopping point.

“Of course, Hettie. You may speak to me about anything.”

Peeking through the bushes like some sort of sneak-thief, Sophie’s good sense told her she ought to be ashamed of eavesdropping, but a niggling feeling skittered down her spine at Miss Nelson’s tone, and Sophie shoved her propriety aside and watched the pair as they stood together on the forest path.

“I do not wish to be harsh or cause offense, but I thought it time to give you some advice,” began Miss Nelson.

“I don’t know if I should be curious or worried,” replied Lily with a laugh.

Miss Nelson shook her head. “Truly, I do not think it all that terrible, but it is always difficult to give little proddings without bruising feelings, and I only wish to help.”

Sucking in a breath, Miss Nelson let it out again, her brows creased with concern as she said, “Mr. Charles Dosett came to me and asked if I might speak to you about an issue.”

“Mr. Charles Dosett?” Lily chuffed. “Whatever could he have to say to me? And why wouldn’t he say it himself?”

“He thought it would be better coming from a friend,” replied Miss Nelson, her lips puckering. “He spoke of how much he enjoys your company and how lively a companion you are but suggested I say something concerning your tendency to babble.”

Sophie straightened, gaping at that, and winced at the rustling sound of the bushes. She stilled and returned to her cover, but the others gave the sound no heed.

Lily’s eyes widened. “Babble?”

The other young lady shifted and waved an airy hand. “Perhaps babble is too hard a word for it, but you do tend to be too effusive in your conversation.” When Lily did not respond, Miss Nelson continued. “He was emphatic that he thought you jolly fun, but there are