~~~edited.~~~
Friday morning trickled around as everyone in the Ashworth household was up and about on that glorious day. Sophia was still sleeping, soundlessly in bed.
“Miss Sophia. It's time to wake up.”
Sophia opened up her ocean blue eyes, seeing Maria handling her pale, pink cotton muslin.
Why is she setting out that dress? “Maria, is there some special occasion happening that you should place out that gown for me?”
Her maid nodded, “Why yes, there is. Miss Helena is with a Miss Lucy Malloy downstairs waiting for you.” Oh, it's her. The most annoying gossiper I've ever met in Bath. Couldn't she live a day without spreading more rumors?
Straining herself away from her thoughts, Sophia jumped out of bed. “Maria, please help me into my gown, then hand me my brush. We must make this quick.” Quick enough to get rid of Lucy.
Maria did what she was told, then handed the black brush to Sophia. Quickly, Sophia brushed through her wavy, blond hair, glanced at herself in the mirror, and left the room.
Downstairs, the house servants and maids were scampering around, like it was the end of the world. Oh, dear. What is going on here?
Getting to the bottom of the steps, she heard laughter coming from the piano room. Who's laughing? Especially in the piano room. Sophia placed her hand on the cold, brown tinted door and pushed opened.
“Lucy? Helena? What's the meaning of this?” They both turned around from sitting on the tan couch, facing the fireplace.
Lucy spoke, but didn't rise, “Oh, Sophia. It's wonderful news.” Lucy's expression was joyful, like she knew something that Sophia didn't. What's making everyone so happy?
Sophia walked towards them but didn't sit down, “What news?”
“You got a letter from Lord McCord, this morning.” Helena chimed in, while she handed the note to Sophia.
She took the letter, immediately opened and read.
Miss Selwood,
I am writing this to you to inform you of the upcoming events. Let me explain myself first. Since the time your father told me I was one of your suitors, I was completely thrilled. Yet this past week has changed drastically. You will no longer have to worry about me being your suitor, anymore. For I found a different path in my life when I visited Lyme and now in Bath. In short words, I have found a different love in my life. I am planning to marry Miss Lucy Malloy by tomorrow at the gardens. Including in this letter is the invitation to our wedding.
A Dear Friend,
Lord McCord
Earl of Carsdale
Sophia glanced at the invitation with a questionable look. They had to make it fancy looking. As Sophia rolled her eyes.
She then looked away from the papers at the two people in front of her. Strangely Lucy gave a look like she was better than her. That look! Well, Simon was right. She doesn't act like a lady.
“What do you think?” Lucy's expression was between joyful and prideful. Who does she think she is?
“The letter is...shocking. I must say. Yet I wish you a happy marriage with him.” Was all Sophia could say without slapping Lucy in the face. She placed that fake smile for Lucy, not wanting her to ask many questions concerning the wedding.
“Oh, Sophia! I forgot, Helena is getting married too!” Lucy proclaimed.
Helena's cheeks were turning twelve shades of red and pink. “Is it true, Helena?” Sophia asked with curiosity.
Her cousin nodded, “I was so excited last night at Almacks, when Simon proposed to me.”
A dark brow raised on Sophia's forehead. “Simon? You mean Lucy's brother?” As she glanced at Lucy.
“Of course, Sophia. What other Simon is there?” Lucy mentioned with annoyance. She rolled her eyes not wanting Sophia to see. What?! Why did she roll her eyes like that? She thinks she's annoyed.
Suddenly a knock came from the other side of the door. Sophia called out, “Come in!”
The door creaked opened and Maria came inside carrying another letter. “A letter for you Miss Sophia and a Captain Bentley is here to see you.”
“I was right. James is in love with her. No wonder he came here, to proclaim his love to her.” Sophia snapped her head down at Lucy who was whispering to Helena.
Sophia spoke calmly, “Maria, please show Miss Lucy out.” Lucy, one the other hand, didn't look very pleased with the current situation. She instead rose and left the room without looking in Sophia's direction.
“I must leave also. Simon is coming this afternoon to meet papa and mama.” Sophia smiled goodbye to Helena.
“Maria, please tell Captain Bentley that I am busy this morning.” Maria nodded with handing the letter to Sophia.
She opened the letter with gentle care and read.
Miss Selwood,
I call upon you this mid-morning at the gardens. Meet me at 11:30 sharp at the fountain.
Yours Truly,
Lord Covington
Marquess of Ellsworth
“No, I must see her!” Sophia tore her eyes from the letter as she heard someone yelling outside the door.
“Sir, you can't go in there.” Immediately the door flew open showing no other than James. He was breathing heavily, with having his collar points too low. He looks like a mess. James came in, shut the door in Maria's face, and pulled a chair to secure the locked door.
“Captain Bentley, what are you doing here?” Sophia's anger and rage was building up.
“Sophia-”
“Miss Selwood, you mean.” She was growing impatient. “You didn't answer me. What are you doing here?”
Then all of a sudden James grabbed Sophia's arm and pushed her against the wall. Cowering over Sophia, he spoke clearly, “I came here to tell you about Richard Covington.”
“How dare you push me! If anyone found this out, you'd be thrown in jail.”
James rolled his emerald eyes, “Don't be so dramatic, Sophia. Didn't you hear a word I said?”
“I don't care what you said.” She paused to take a breath as James leaned in closer. “I have a very important appointment with Lord Covington, this morning.” With that Sophia pushed James back and pulled the chair away from the door. “Good day, Captain Bentley.”
“Sophia!” James called out, except it was too late. Sophia had grabbed her white gloves, Spencer jacket and left out the door.
How dare he push me like that. I shall tell my Uncle John about this. Then Captain Bentley would leave me alone. Then again, I'll be married to the most handsomest man alive.
I feel as though Sophia’s emotions aren’t genuine in this chapter. She seemed kind of fact, reacting very dramatically to every situation thrown at her while in other chapters, she was very sensible and proper. Be careful to keep your MC consistent, but have her grow slowly as well. Is James making her restless? Or is she folding under pressure? Expand on all these things.
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