Page 4 of His Scandalous Siren
Two
Sofia stared out of the window in the salon and wished there was something to ease her bout of ennui. They had arrived in London a mere three days ago, and she couldn’t shake the sense of unrest that had taken root inside of her. The walls seemed as if they were closing around her, and nothing settled her. She had the urge to pace the halls, but managed to keep her feet planted on the ground. It hadn’t been easy either…
“Sofia dear,” her Aunt Rubina, the Duchess of Huntly, said. “Would you like to go for a walk?”
Had her aunt noticed her mindless wandering, or rather her agitated state, since she hadn’t really wandered all that much? “A walk would be lovely,” she answered.
“Good,” her aunt said, then smiled. “Emilia,” the duchess turned toward her daughter. “Be a good hostess and escort our guests for a walk. It’s a lovely day. Too lovely really, to stay indoors.”
Sofia didn’t know why her aunt hadn’t suggested that to Emilia to start with. She didn’t need to ask her if she wanted to walk first. Instead of saying as much, Sofia kept her thoughts to herself. She did want to go for a walk, after all. It might help her settle.
“A walk is indeed a lovely idea,” Emilia told her mother. Her smile suggested she wanted to shove that idea down her mother’s throat. Sofia lifted her hand over her mouth, then coughed to hide the laugh that wanted to escape.
“Go,” the duchess said, then motioned with her hands to shoo them out of the room. It was enough to make Sofia wonder if her aunt had other plans for the room. Perhaps she should not question her aunt’s motives too much.
Emilia and Sofia exited the salon and then went to the foyer. “We should ask Gabrielle and Claudine if they wish to join us.”
“It is probably the polite thing to do.” Part of her wanted to leave her sister and her friend at the townhouse. It would be nice to have some time alone with her cousin. “But if they say no, let’s leave them to that decision.”
Emilia nodded, then brushed a stray lock of her blonde hair behind her ear. “I won’t force the issue. If they wish to stay behind, that is their decision to make.” She frowned. There was a bit of anxiety in her silver-gray eyes. “Though I would like them to come. There is someone I wish to introduce the three of you two.”
“Oh?” Sofia lifted a brow. “Who?” This person must be important if Emilia wanted to introduce them. Was it a beau? That would certainly be interesting. It was time that her cousin gave up on Alexander Marsden. The earl would not ask for her hand or confess his undying love. If he were going to do so, he would have years ago.
Before Emilia could answer, Gabrielle and Claudine came down the hall and stopped by them. “What are you two doing?” Gabrielle asked.
“We are going for a walk. Would you like to join us?” Sofia asked.
“Oh, what a lovely idea,” Claudine exclaimed. “Yes, I will come along.”
“I will as well,” Gabrielle replied. Her sister didn’t seem thrilled with the idea, but Gabrielle probably didn’t wish to remain alone.
Emilia grinned. “The walk shouldn’t be too taxing. We will pay a call on a friend of mine and join her for afternoon tea.” She waved at them to follow her, then they exited the townhouse.
They walked down the streets of Mayfair without speaking for several minutes. Emilia led them away from the Huntly townhouse and until they reached a stately townhouse that was as well maintained as the one they had left.
“You were right,” Sofia said. “That was not a very long walk.”
“I never lie. It’s a useless endeavor.” Emilia blew out a breath. “This is where I come when home seems stifling. I thought you could use some room to breathe.”
Clearly, Sofia had done a terrible job of hiding her anxiety. She didn’t bother to ask how Emilia had none. The answer didn’t really matter. What did was that her cousin had noticed and was trying to help aid her. “Who lives here?” Sofia asked.
“A lovely woman,” Emilia answered, but didn’t give any more details. Instead, she led them to the door and knocked.
A man with snow white hair and cool blue eyes opened the door. “Ah, Lady Emilia,” the man said. “Please come in. She’ll be expecting you.”
“Thank you, Brody,” Emilia said.
Sofia was confused. How had anyone known to expect them? Had Emilia planned this all along? How could she have known her mother would have suggested they go for a walk? She had so many questions…
They followed Emilia down the hall and into a large sitting room. There was a fire in the hearth, even though it was a warm day. An older woman sat in a chair near the fire. She had gray hair streaked with black and white. A large white cat sat at her feet, curled in a ball. She glanced up when they walked inside. “Emilia dear. It’s about time you came for a visit.”
“My apologies Lady Wyndam. We were unable to escape my mother’s company sooner.” Emilia went over and hugged her. “How is Fiona?” She patted the cat’s head lightly. The cat didn’t move an inch, but it opened his eyes to directly glare at her for her impudence.
“Fiona,” a woman said as she entered the room, pushing a tea cart. “Is a hellion. Don’t let her innocent act fool you.” The woman had golden blonde hair and cornflower blue eyes. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a stiff plait and twisted into a bun at her nape.
“Juliet,” Emilia greeted her. “I’d like you to meet my cousins.” She gestured toward them. “That is Misses Sofia and Gabrielle Leone.” Then she turned toward their friend. “And Mrs. Claudine Gandolfi is their friend.” She smiled at the woman.
Juliet smiled. “It is nice to meet you. I am Miss Juliet Adams…Lady Wyndam’s paid companion.” She gestured toward the tea cart. “Would any of you care for some tea? I’ll pour.”
