"Lady Sophia, we are nearing the village. Where would you like to go?"
"You may escort me to my aunt’s house, Lord Roderick. They will welcome my arrival."
Upon her arrival at Camden Manor, Lord Roderick bid her farewell. He promised Sophia he would get a message to her father about her safety. She thanked him, and even though she did not verbalize her wishes, Sophia hoped to see him again.
Chapter Four
Ever since meeting Lord Roderick, Sophia was unable to think of much else. A man that was also handsome and well-bred, had come to her rescue. He reminded her of Henry; he was so kind, so gentle.
He was not especially forthcoming with any details, so Sophia knew very little about him. They had never been introduced at a social gathering; Sophia was sure of
that as she would have remembered him.
Upon her safe arrival home, Sophia enquired about Lord Roderick. Her father knew him, but only as an acquaintance.
What her parents were inclined to agree on was Sophia's lack of judgment. The fact that their daughter was still alive was the most important matter at hand, but they were distressed about the loss of a carriage and the scandal of their daughter being seen driving around the village on a public road without a chaperone.
"What were you thinking?" her mother demanded.
"Mother, my only thoughts were of the villagers and their suffering. I just wanted to make sure they had enough to eat," Sophia said.
Her father, who had always been the voice of reason, said, "Sophia, I can appreciate your position, but why didn't you at least enlist the help of a driver? Your behavior was foolhardy. With flooding of that extent, the roads near the river are always perilous. Do you realize you could have been killed?"
Sophia's mother fanned herself furiously before verbalizing her disappointment again, "Do you not appreciate the gravity of your situation? It's unfortunate enough to be seen by villagers, but to be seen by a member of society in that state? "
Sophia's mother paused, only to remind Sophia of her fate, "You have been promised to the Duke of Langley. We can only hope that he does not hear of this."
Sophia’s father always seemed to remain calm and collected. Sophia's mother always kept her composure in front of guests, but within the privacy of her family, she was freer with her feelings.
"Father, why have I never been introduced to Lord Roderick? His estate is not far from here, yet I cannot recall meeting him. Does he not attend dinners and balls?" Sophia asked.
Her father answered, "The Earl served in the Navy. From what I understand, he has only returned home recently."
The prospect of seeing Lord Roderick again excited Sophia.
"You said he is home now, does that mean we will be seeing him at social events?" she asked eagerly.
"Yes, I suppose it does," said her father. "It was lucky for us that he did return home and he happened upon you that day."
"I think it would be a fine idea to invite him to dine with us to thank him," said Sophia, hoping that her father would consider the prospect.
"Sophia, I understand that what you went through must have been terrifying, and I know that Lord Roderick came to the rescue. But your interest in him must stop there. You are to wed the Duke of Langley," her mother said.
Sophia smiled, "Of course, mother."
Lady Astor smiled as she said, "I know it is still months away, but your wedding will be beautiful. We all are looking forward to it."
Sophia kissed her father and mother on the cheeks, and headed upstairs to her room. She sat on a chaise near a window in her room that overlooked the garden. At least in her own thoughts, Sophia could be free.
Thinking about Lord Roderick, Sophia tried to remember everything he had said to her. She wanted to know everything about him.
Sophia blushed as the memories from the day he saved her raced through her mind. Lord Roderick was a hero, but Sophia thought she must have appeared to be very foolish on that day.
Upon their first meeting, she was covered in mud, screaming in public and alone. Despite the fact that she had acted very unladylike, Lord Roderick had still been a perfect gentleman.
Her appearance or social stature didn't stop him from assisting Sophia in her time of need. Lord Roderick had saved Sophia's life, saved her horse, escorted her to safety, and informed her father of her whereabouts. He had behaved admirably.
She didn’t want to marry the Duke of Langley. Other than his money and title, he was undesirable. All Sophia knew was that the engagement was final; she couldn’t refuse.