Page 21 of A Dreamy Match Made in Heaven
“Now, tell me what it is that you enjoy doing with your time. And I do not mean all the boring things that young women must do like embroidery and piano. If either of those are a great passion to you, you may tell me. But if they are simply another obligation, I should like to hear about other interests,” she said.
Sophia was relieved to know that Miss Wainwright wanted the truth from her and not simply the answers that would be expected.
“Well, I do truly enjoy piano, but I cannot say that it is my first choice of activity. I should prefer to read a good book outside or to go riding with a friend,” she answered.
“And I dearly hate embroidery…” Sophia dared to add.
Miss Wainwright chuckled at that. “You and I both, my dear. I think we shall get along just fine. And I am glad to hear that you enjoy time outside. That is very important for taking in the fresh air. Are there any other inclinations you have?” she asked.
“Only that I dearly love spending time with my friends, of which I count Lady Adrianna to be the closest,” she replied.
“That is excellent. It is important that you have someone you are close to. Now, there is another matter which we must discuss,” she said.
“Oh?” Sophia asked, noting how serious Miss Wainwright seemed to be on a turn.
“I have to confess that I am aware, to an extent, about your romantic history. Regarding the Earl of Bastion,” she began.
Sophia became melancholy almost instantly. She felt a forlorn sensation overwhelming her once more. Was this the moment when the Matchmaker would tell her that she was hopeless? That there was no reason for her to even try, and that they would not be able to find her a match?
She hoped not. It would have broken her heart. But she had come in knowing that it was a possibility. After all, what man could Miss Wainwright set her up with who did not know of her failures?
“I see. And what does that mean for this arrangement?” she asked, openly.
“What does it mean? Nothing at all. You didn’t think I would decide not to take you on as a client, did you?” Miss Wainwright asked.
Sophia smiled in relief. “The thought had crossed my mind,” she confessed.
“Oh goodness, no. What I wished to say on the matter is that I am very glad it did not come to pass. The Earl of Bastion would not have made you happy anyway. The two of you are vastly different in many of the most important areas. He was not the right one for you,” she noted.
Sophia felt as though a balm had begun to soothe her heart. It was such a relief to hear this from an expert in matters like these.
“You really think so? She asked.
“I am certain of it. He would have made you miserable. I understand that you might think I am mad for believing that. After all, we have only just met. But I assure you, with what you have told me of yourself already, and with what I have seen of your demeanour, that there is no doubt in my mind. He was not the man for you,” she confirmed.
Sophia felt taken aback, but in the most wonderful of ways. It was so good to hear that even this grand woman would not have put the two of them together and was glad they had not come to the point of marriage.
“Now, here is a rather important question,” Miss Wainwright continued.
Sophia leaned in and listened closely.
“What sort of man would you like to find yourself with?” she asked, simply.
Sophia opened her mouth to answer, but immediately found that nothing came out. She knew all the right answers. She had even listed them to herself earlier in the day.
But those were all the answers that she knew society valued. They were good things, wonderful things even. But they had never been her choice. Sophia had never had the opportunity to make a choice for herself.
“I-I do not know. I suppose…” she couldn’t quite continue. It was as if everything she had believed about herself was gone now that she had acknowledged that it was society that dictated her preferences of the heart.
“There is no shame in that, my dear. I know that young women these days are not taught how to have wants or desires. And society always chooses the foolish ones, like that silly Earl. But we shall learn what it is that you like. It is not so hard,” she encouraged.
Sophia nodded, feeling defeated. She was glad that Miss Wainwright was undeterred.
“Now, in terms of attraction, let us get that out of the way. Obviously I can promise you nothing in this regard, but first I should ask how important that is. Would you prefer wealth or appearance?” she asked.
Sophia had no idea which she preferred.
“I truly cannot say. I don’t know that I have a preference between the two of those. But I suppose I can say what features I appreciate most,” she said.
