Suddenly You(59)

Sophia held her at arm’s length and gave her a head-to-toe inspection. “I had feared to find you ill. That was the only reason I could fathom for your insistence on staying away from Windsor.”

“You could think of only one reason?” Amanda countered, laughing as she ushered her sister inside the house.

Sophia’s mouth quirked wryly. “Explain to me why I have been forced to come see you here, rather than receive you at my home. After avoiding the family at Christmas, you had promised to visit in January. It is now mid-February, and I have not heard a word from you. And don’t hand me nonsense about how overworked you are. You are always busy, and you’ve never let it keep you away from Windsor before.”

She removed her traveling-bonnet, a pretty but practical design of blue wool with a slanting crown and a brim that was shallow at the back and wider at the front.

“I am sorry that you have gone to such trouble,” Amanda replied contritely, taking her sister’s hat and matching cloak with its overlapping square collar. “However, I am delighted to have you here.” She took her time about setting the articles of apparel on the bentwood hanging rack in the entrance hall, making certain they were firmly placed on the porcelain-tipped hooks.

“Come with me to the parlor,” she urged. “Your timing could not be better, as I have just prepared a pot of tea. How were the roads from Windsor? Did you have difficulty—”

“Where are the servants?” Sophia interrupted suspiciously, following her into the cream-and-blue parlor.

“Sukey is at market with the cook, Violet, and Charles has gone to the wineshop.”

“Excellent. Now we may enjoy some privacy while you explain what has been going on.”

“Why do you think something has been going on?” Amanda parried. “I assure you, life is plodding along much the same as it always has.”

“You are a poor liar,” Sophia informed her serenely, seating herself on the settee. “Amanda, I must remind you that Windsor is hardly isolated from town. We do hear of goings-on in London, and there have been rumors concerning you and a certain gentleman.”

“Rumors?” Amanda regarded her with surprised dismay.

“And you look different.”

“Different?” In her sudden consternation, Amanda could only flush guiltily and repeat her sister’s words like some addled parrot.

“There is a look about you that makes me suspect that the rumors are true. You are indeed carrying on some kind of liaison with someone, aren’t you?” Sophia pursed her lips as she regarded her younger sister. “Obviously it is entirely within your rights to arrange your life as you choose…and I have accepted that you are not one to bow to the dictates of convention. If you were, you could have married a man from Windsor and settled near your family. Instead, you sold Briars House, took up residence in London, and dedicated yourself to pursuing a career. I have often told myself, if all this makes you happy, then you are welcome to it—”

“Thank you,” Amanda interrupted with a touch of gentle sarcasm.

“However,” Sophia continued gravely, “your actions are now placing your entire future at risk. I wish you would confide in me, and allow me to help you sort things out.”

Amanda was tempted to counter Sophia’s words with as many bold-faced lies as were required to calm her suspicions. However, as she shared a long gaze with her sister, her eyes burned, and she felt a tear drop down her cheek.

“Sophia…what I need at the moment is an understanding listener. Someone who will not pass judgment on my actions. Could you possibly do that for me?”

“Of course not,” came Sophia’s crisp reply. “Of what use would I be to you if I did not give you the benefit of my good judgment? Otherwise, you might as well confide in the nearest tree stump.”

Laughing unsteadily, Amanda blotted her wet eyes with her sleeve. “Oh, Sophia, I am afraid you will be quite shocked by my confession.”

While their tea cooled in their cups, Amanda blurted out the story of her relationship with Jack Devlin, prudently editing a few details such as the circumstances of their first meeting. Sophia was expressionless as she listened, reserving comment until Amanda finished with a watery sigh.

“Well,” Sophia said thoughtfully, “I do not find myself as shocked as I perhaps should be. I know you quite well, Amanda, and I have never thought you would be happy living alone forever. While I do not approve of your actions, I understand your need for companionship. I must point out that had you taken my advice and married a nice man from Windsor, you would not be in your current predicament.”

“Unfortunately, one cannot simply go out and make oneself fall in love with an appropriate man.”

Sophia made an impatient gesture. “Love is not the issue, dear. Why do you think I settled for marrying Henry?”

The question stunned Amanda. “Why, I…I never realized you considered it ‘settling.’ You’ve always seemed so happy with Henry.”

“And so I have been,” Sophia replied pertly. “That is my point. When my marriage began, I did not love Henry, but I recognized that he possessed an admirable character. I understood that if I wanted a family and a solid place in society, I needed a respectable partner. And love, or something very much like it, does come in time. I enjoy and value the life I have with Henry. It is something you could have, too, if you are willing to set aside your stubborn independence and your romantic illusions.”