Page 53 of A Dreamy Match Made in Heaven
Adrianna entered, looking somewhat sheepish with a card in her hand.
“What time is it?” Sophia asked.
“It is nine o’clock. Breakfast has passed, but I told my aunt that we had best let you sleep for a while. I told her that you were not feeling well yesterday when she asked about your mood,” Adrianna said.
Sophia recalled how she had been such a dreadful companion at lunch and dinner the previous day. It made sense that Lady Faversham might have asked about it. She determined to be better today.
“Oh, thank you. I appreciate the opportunity for rest,” she said.
“Well, I hope that you shall forgive me for waking you now,” Adrianna said.
“Certainly. Now, what is it? What do you need?” she asked lightly.
“I know that you have had a very difficult time and that Miss Wainwright has disappointed you. But as it happened, she is hosting another ball for her clients. And she has new clients coming and going at all times. So it would stand to reason that she shall find a match for you yet,” Adrianna explained.
Sophia could sense that there was a request buried within this statement and the attempts she was making to be hopeful. But whatever it was, Sophia would have preferred Adrianna to simply be out with it.
“And?” she prodded.
“Well, I should like it very much if you would concede to attend the ball with me. As you know, I have come to care very deeply for Officer Kingsley, but we are not yet officially courting. There are only a few opportunities that I shall have to see him in person unless we do begin to,” Adrianna said.
“So you need a companion? I understand. I cannot say that I like the idea, but I understand,” Sophia replied.
“And does that understanding mean that you would be willing to attend with me? Like I said, it is very possible that you shall find a new match amongst Miss Wainwright’s clients. There are so very many of them to choose from. It would be ideal,” Adrianna said.
“It is not as easy as just choosing a new man, Adrianna,” Sophia said in a somewhat scolding voice. She didn’t want to be rude to her friend or let her down, but oftentimes Adrianna made things sound far easier than they truly were. It was frustrating to have to listen to her.
“I know that. But if Miss Wainwright can see you with another man, she might find someone who is a better match for you. You cannot give up. There is hope and I am convinced that you shall find the right gentleman for your future. Things will come together, Sophia. You must have hope,” Adrianna urged.
“That is all well and easy for you to say. You were not even looking for a match. You found one without even asking Miss Wainwright to pair you with anyone. You didn’t even want it and it came to you.
“Please, don’t get me wrong. I am happy for you. But I also wish that you wouldn’t behave as though it ought to be as easy for everyone as it has been for you. There has been one match suggested for me and it was a man I loved long ago who is no longer a part of my life,” Sophia said, trying to keep her temper at bay.
Adrianna looked forlorn and concerned about asking anything further. Sophia hated that she had brought her friend low when she knew that Adrianna was hardly to blame for all of this. She didn’t wish to be the sort of friend who would ever begrudge another their happiness. It was not right and it was not the sort of woman that she had ever wished to be.
“Forgive me. I am only dwelling in my own unhappiness and you are right that I would be better off having hope. So let us go. We should, of course, go and enjoy ourselves. And you’re right. Perhaps I shall find someone in attendance after all,” she said with false hope.
Adrianna’s eyes lit up but she stayed quiet, and Sophia sensed that she was nervous to show her happiness.
“You may be joyful. It is not your fault that I am so dour and I shouldn’t like to see you that way,” Sophia remarked with a grin.
At that, Adrianna cheered significantly, appearing more joyful and relieved that Sophia thought she had ever seen her. Yes, everything would be well. They were going to enjoy themselves and she was certain that things would come together.
If not for her, at least for Adrianna. And seeing her friend happy was a gift in itself.
When the evening came and the ball was nigh, Sophia and Adrianna readied themselves for an evening of entertainment. There was little doubt that Adrianna would end the evening with an official courtship having been formed, and for that reason the two were already excited.
They departed from the house, the coach having come for them and both as ready as they were going to be.
Sophia glanced one last time in the mirror, thankful that Adrianna had done her hair again. The gown was ideal and everything was as good as it could be. Despite everything, she still hoped that Miss Wainwright would find her another match.
They departed and made their way back to the manor that Miss Wainwright used to host all her balls. There were dozens of coaches outside, dropping off guests and evidencing London’s need to fall in love.
The girls got out of the coach and made their way up the stairs and into the manor. They were delighted to see that there were far more people in attendance than at the previous ball. Sophia noticed that there were a great deal more gentlemen and she thought that perhaps Adrianna had been right all along.
Maybe this had been the best decision and they were going to be able to enjoy getting to know a host of new men. She might find a match in someone she would never have expected.
The risk of seeing Thomas was still in the back of her mind, filling her with worry. If she had to see him, it would be extremely difficult. But Sophia knew that it was likely and she had chosen to be brave and strong and push through it all regardless. She could do it. She could keep herself together.
