Page 81 of A Dreamy Match Made in Heaven
Chapter 30
Sophia stood at her window, looking out over the beauty of the spring that was arriving. There was no reason to remain cooped up inside. It was still a bit chilly out there, but she threw on her cape and made her way towards the gardens.
“Lady Hastings, you have a letter,” Miss Honeycutt told her.
“Thank you,” she replied, taking it in her hands and heading outside before stopping to read it.
As she walked through the beauty of the flowers, Sophia opened the paper and saw that it was from Adrianna. How happy it was to hear from her since she had been in Bath for her honeymoon after the wedding.
My Dear Lady Hastings,
Oh, now that does sound rather stuffy. I worry that becoming a wife has caused me to grow into an old maid!
Sophia could not help but laugh after reading the first line. She knew Adrianna well enough to know that addressing a letter so formally was probably enough to drive her mad.
Anyhow, I wanted to write to tell you all about the joys of our honeymoon. First of all, Bath is a most beautiful place. You can hardly imagine. It is so much better than London. Cleaner and freer and everything is beautiful. I love the very air that I am breathing here.
Then, of course, there is the matter of my new husband.
Oh, Sophia! If I had known how good marriage could be, I would never have delayed. Of course, had I not delayed then perhaps I would have found myself a rather disagreeable pig to marry, rather than waiting around for my sweet Kingsley.
Yes, marriage has been tremendous. I know that a day shall come very soon in which you are fortunate enough to experience it, but it really is the greatest thing I have ever known. To be united with another, to be in union with them and be considered as one is something so great and splendid.
Your Officer Gregory shall surely show you this very soon. Truly, I thought I loved my betrothed before. But as my husband, he is something new and even grander.
I wish I had more to say, but I should rather tell you the rest in person. All about our journey and the things we have done. The sights and sounds of this city. All of it, I shall inform you upon our return.
We anticipate to be back within the coming weeks. I think we must have you to our townhouse right away and you shall be my very first guest.
Until then,
Adrianna
Sophia smiled as she folded the letter back up. It was very much the sort of letter that Adrianna would write. She was a woman who would rather use her words in person than through paper.
Still, Sophia could not wait to hear all the details and learn more about the happiness that her friend had been experiencing. It was wonderful to hear through the letter, but would be far better to know fully.
She began to compose a letter of reply in the back of her head as she continued to walk in the garden. She would have to write it down once she returned to her own room and get it sent out quickly.
But for now, Sophia was just looking forward to when she would experience the same wedded bliss that Adrianna had been experiencing.
In the months that had passed since she had begun the formal courtship with Thomas, Sophia had been a portrait of joy. Her mother and father were thrilled when they had heard the news, having loved Thomas for many years as they did.
And now, as they were all going about, trying to plan for the future, Sophia was waiting for Thomas to finally propose and make their life together official in the eyes of their friends, family, and the church.
“Sophia,” called a voice from behind.
She turned with the leap of her heart and saw him standing behind her.
Thomas was walking towards her and she quickly closed the gap so that they were standing only a short distance apart.
“Thomas,” she said, his name bringing joy to her lips.
Her mother was following not far behind him, and Sophia noticed that Thomas appeared anxious and eager.
“Your mother is here,” he said with a smile.
“I can see that. What is this all about?” she asked.
