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“I am so happy to see you! Mr. Ridley was here, but he said such awful things, and I sent him away!”

Sophia pulled her closer, tightening the embrace with a gentle comfort that only those bound by childhood bonds could offer.

“Your mother informed me. Apparently, I missed the performance by only a few minutes.”

“How would Mama know what happened? Mr. Ridley only just left.”

“I am quite sure she was listening at the door. She seemed entirely affronted with the gentleman, muttering about his ingratitude.”

Lily pulled back, blinking at her cousin in amazement. “She did?”

Sophia nodded. “She was livid, truly. Pacing like a lioness in a drawing room. She kept repeating that no man ought to treat an Abbott in such a manner.”

“Huh! I thought she would blame me for not accepting the offer.”

“Nay, Lily. Your mother wants what is best for you. She simply needs time to adjust to all these happenings. Her hopes were pinned to an excellent match, and now she is left clutching broken straws. Just allow her a little time to gather herself together.”

“I am ever so glad you are here.”

Sophia smiled gently. “What happens now? Are you certain you do not wish to marry Mr. Ridley?”

Lily wailed, burying her face once more in Sophia’s shoulder, which was already damp with tears. “I am not certain of anything! I do not wish to be snubbed by good society. Now I must leave London in disgrace and travel to places unknown, merely to show my face in public. Far from everything I am familiar with. How did it all come to this?”

Sophia patted her gently on the shoulder as silence settled between them, thick and still.

“I feel I should warn you,” she said at last, “that the gossip rags mentioned you this morning.”

Lily groaned into her cousin’s sleeve. “My presence in high society has finally been noted.”

“I am afraid so.”

Lily drew a sharp breath, her chest rising and falling with distress. “What am I to do?”

Sophia turned her head toward Lily, her blue eyes soft with understanding. “Would you … permit me to speak to Mr. Ridley?”

“Oh, I think that is impossible. It is clear he does not trust me.”

“I feel confident we can make this arrangement work. The gentleman has been under great strain these past few days. He has always struck me as a kind-hearted man. He plays with Miles whenever he visits, and he shows genuine fondness for his nephew.”

“You believe I should give him another opportunity to make his offer?”

“I believe,” Sophia said carefully, “that what we need now is a little patience. Mr. Ridley’s belligerence is understandable, if not forgivable. He found his father dead, was accused of murder, and then was compelled to come here and offer marriage. The poor man is reeling. It does not excuse his conduct, but I do believe we ought to try again.”

Lily sucked on her lower lip, her gaze drifting toward the bedroom window, where the sunlight slanted across the carpet in golden bars. “I am not sure.”

“Mr. Ridley had only Richard to advise him this morning before he came,” Sophia added gently. “As much as I love my husband, you and I both know that Richard is still learning how to manage the intricacies of emotional ties. Mr. Ridley is inexperienced in courtship. I am quite certain he is the best solution to your predicament, but he may require a touch of guidance in so trying a time.”

Nodding, Lily sank back on the bed, her arms flung out in quiet surrender. “We shall try this one more time.”

Sophia settled down beside her, skirts rustling softly against the coverlet, and they both stared up at the ceiling just as they had done as girls. The pattern of shadowed plaster was riveting as they contemplated recent events.

“It was exceedingly brave of you,” Sophia said gently.

“I had to do it. Seeing the duchess in such despair … I had to follow my conscience.”

“You gave up much.”

Lily sighed, her gaze drifting across the familiar lines of the ceiling. “I shall never have a suitor bring me hothouse flowers or accompany me to Gunter’s for ices. I will never have my first dance with a man and realize that he might be my future husband.”