N.B. Hey guys, sorry it's been a long time since I've uploaded, lots of things happening. I hope you'll like this chapter, and I'll try to keep you updated as soon as possible. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter eleven.
''So you're decided then?'' Howl asked, sitting across the table from where Sophie stood, getting ready for the visit ahead.
''It's time to bury the hatchet.'' Sophie replied, putting one of her own hand made hats on her head. ''Anyway, maybe I can try and get some sort of reason out of her as to why she did what she did, even if she was reluctant in her letter.'' Howl nodded slowly, having seen the letter the previous evening.
Sophie picks up her coat and buttons it up. As she turns around, Howl stands up and walks to stand in front of her. He places his hands on her cheeks, and kisses her.
''If you feel you can't go through with it on your own, just come back and let me know. I'll be there for you.''
Sophie nods, Howl's hands still on her cheeks, and places a hand on one of his. They stay like this for a moment, before releasing each other. Sophie picks up her bag and goes to the front door. As she places a hand on the handle, she glances back at Howl. He inclines his head slightly. Sophie smiles slightly before pushing down on the handle and going through the door frame, closing the door behind her.
It was a surprisingly warm day. Sophie took a brisk walk down the street for a few minutes before turning off at the end of it. She felt nervous to be going to see her mother, but she kept on walking. Her decision compelled her to keep her feet going.
A few minutes later, she was outside the door to her mother's new residence. Sophie stood at the door for a few moments, taking a few calming breaths, before reaching out her hand and knocking three times on the polished wood door.
It took a few minutes for a servant to answer the door.
''Yes madam?''
''I'm here to see the lady of the house.'' Sophie replied.
''And can I ask who is asking for her?''
''Her eldest daughter.'' The servant closes the door after letting Sophie in, and walks swiftly away, her footsteps echoing through the corridor. Sophie waits patiently and nervously, swiftly leaning on one foot, then the other.
The servant returns quickly, with Honey swiftly following her.
''Sophie.'' Honey squealed, rushing forward and embracing Sophie tightly.
''Mother.'' Sophie gasped, placing her hands on her mother's elbows to gently push her away, smiling. ''You're hugs are as tight as ever.''
''I'm sorry Sophie.'' Honey replied, taking one of Sophie's hands and asking the servant to bring some tea and cakes. ''I'm so glad you're here.''
''So am I.'' Sophie replied, surprising herself with her words. Being in her mother's presence without being angry with her made it easier to be around her. They both sit at a small square table. The servant swiftly brings the tea and cakes and sets it between Sophie and her mother. Honey starts to pour the tea with practised hands, and the servant places a slice of cake in front of Sophie and Honey. She takes the tray away.
''Marie is an asset to my staff.'' Honey tells Sophie, placing a teacup and saucer in front of her. ''She's been with us since we moved here.''
''How long have you been here now?'' Sophie asks, sipping slowly from her tea, giving it time to cool.
''A year and a half.'' Honey replied, resting her head on her hand, elbow on the table. ''I think this place is a keeper.'' Honey sighs slightly. ''I'm sure you're not just here to hear about my current abode.''
''You're right.'' Sophie replies, setting the tea down. ''I have some questions, and some news.''
''I'm not sure what I want to hear first.'' Honey answers, straightening her back.
''I'll start with the news then.'' Sophie smiles. ''I'm pregnant.'' Honey squeals.
''Oh my, I can't believe it.'' Honey gasps, her hands moving about, but without much direction. ''I'm going to be a grandmother.' Honey realises her words and places a hand to her mouth. ''I'm going to be a grandmother. I'm only forty five.'' Sophie laughs.
''I should have known you'd think that.'' Honey smiles and picks up her tea.
''Though you're the oldest, I'm surprised you're the first to have children.''
''Why's that?'' Sophie asks. Honey shrugs her shoulders.
''You always had your head screwed on, but it was mostly about the shop. But I do need to remind myself that was five years ago. You've become an amazingly confident woman, but still doing what you can for others.'' Sophie looks at her questioningly
''All because we haven't spoken in years, doesn't mean I didn't keep an eye on you. You'll remember we passed each other in the street, and people you knew would speak highly of you.'' Honey continued.
