“Mama, this is wonderful news.”
“And we shall naturally need you at The Hall. You are the lure to set the trap, Temia!”
“But Papa – he has agreed to this?”
“Darling, he is full of remorse with how he behaved towards you. He cannot wait to see you.”
“And Sophia?”
“I have told him of her existence, but we must take this one step at a time. It was quite a shock for him, as you can imagine. Now, make haste. I have the carriage outside and we must return to The Hall at once. Sophia, you don’t mind waiting here, do you?”
Sophia smiled shyly and bowed her head. She was so delighted that she did not wish to show her eagerness.
“Perhaps that handsome Captain of yours will take you for a drive,” suggested Temia. “I think I should stay behind in case the Earl comes for you. After all, we don’t
