Page 79 of Solving Sophronia

“The proposal still requires government sanction,” she said. “And now it is all even more complicated with Everleigh’s trial and the property disputes. I may have to look elsewhere.” She frowned.

“I am sorry,” Hazel said. She looked down. “Nursing school has been difficult as well, with my... attacks. And on top of it, Father has requested that I join him for Christmas in Spain.”

“Oh my,” Dahlia said. “How exciting.”

Hazel gave a small smile, looking anything but excited.

Dahlia did not report on her progress at the steamship company, and Sophie was nervous to ask. With her father’s health failing, her friend had taken on more of the business responsibilities, and the evidence of late hours and hard work showed in dark bags beneath her eyes.

Sophie wished more than anything that her friends could be as happy as she was. She set down her glass, held out her arms, and waved her fingers, asking for her friends and Mimi to come closer. Once they had all joined hands, she looked around the circle of women, and a rush of tears pushed at her eyes. “We can do this,” she said. “The Blue Orchid Society is comprised of extraordinary women, and we will reach our goals together.”

“Without a man’s help,” Elizabeth said, giving a wink.

“Unless absolutely necessary,” Vivian said in a voice so quiet that Sophie thought she might have been the only one to hear.

“We are so delighted for you, Sophie,” Hazel said, squeezing Sophie’s hand. “Don’t let our complaining ruin this happy occasion.”

“We are friends,” Sophie said, releasing the other ladies’ hands. “And friends have the right to complain whenever needed.” She held up her champagne glass. “To friendship, and to the Blue Orchid Society.”

The others raised their glasses and repeated the toast.

Sophie could not stop her grin. If someone had told her three months earlier that she’d be a member of a cherished sisterhood and have her own newspaper office and a fiancé, she’d never have believed it.

Hazel turned to Vivian. “You haven’t yet told us about the science exhibition. How goes your entry?”

The door opened before Vivian could answer. Sophie thought Vivian looked relieved at the interruption, and she made a note to inquire about it once they could speak alone.

Jonathan entered the news office with Merryweather, Martha Payne, Freddy, and Detective Lester.

Sophie’s heart tumbled over as it always did when she saw him, and she hoped the reaction never ceased. She brought the tray of drinks to greet her friends. “Martha, Freddy, I am so glad to see you.” Merryweather and Martha both took a glass, and Sophie didn’t miss the way their hands touched or the glances between the pair.

She looked away, reminding herself to respect their privacy, although she and Jonathan often secretly speculated how long it would be before the pair of them finally married. “How goes school, Freddy?”

“Well enough.” The boy reached for a glass, frowning when Sophie lifted the tray out of his reach.

“Freddy is one of the brightest lads in his class.” Merryweather ruffled the boy’s hair and put his hand on Freddy’s shoulder, giving a proud smile. “His teacher said she’s rarely seen a child learn to read so quickly.”

Freddy gave a pleased smile at the praise but hid it away quickly.

Sophie smiled. “And I am happy to see you as well, Sergeant Merry-weather. Congratulations on your promotion.”

Detective Lester stepped forward and handed Sophie a box wrapped in colored paper. It was close to the size of a gentleman’s hat, and a piece of twine wound around it, tied at the top.

“Oh.” Sophie handed the tray to Mimi and took the box. “What

is this?”

Detective Lester scratched the back of his head, looking extremely uncomfortable. “Just a little somethin’.”

“A gift,” Jonathan clarified. One side of his lips jumped like he was suppressing a smile.

“How very thoughtful,” Mimi said, handing Detective Lester and Jonathan each a champagne flute.

Sophie set the box on her desk and untied the twine. She pulled away the paper and lifted off the lid.

When she looked inside, she let out a squeal, but realizing what she was seeing, she turned the sound into an excited cry. “Oh my—it is perfect!” She reached inside and pulled out a wooden platform that held a stuffed mouse sitting at a desk. The mouse wore a gown and flowery hat and held a notebook. A miniature pencil sat on the desk next to a pile of papers.

“It’syou, my lady!” Freddy said. “If you was a mouse.”

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