(A/N: So my thoughts are very random and recently I've had the lyrics for 'Rewrite the Stars' going through my head. And I just thought to myself that those words perfectly describe Cedfia in this story. They want each other but they have obstacles to get through that make a match seem unlikely. Or at least, unlikely in the eyes of a judgemental society and the person who has to bear the brunt of that cruel judgement.

I own nothing!)

A few mornings later, Sofia scratched her head. She'd been dressed and ready for some time and Winnifred had not shown up to do the usual morning exercise with her. After waiting several more minutes, Sofia decided to go in search of the absentee marchioness.

Walking down the corridors, Sofia noticed that any servant she passed was extremely anxious and tense.

Something's happened.

Sofia checked the parlor where she spent a great deal of time with Winnifred. Except for a servant doing a bit of dusting, it was vacant. Still perplexed, Sofia checked the dining room. Again, no one.

Odd. What is going on here?

Sofia scratched her chin. A maid went scurrying by.

"Excuse me," Sofia said.

"Yes Miss?" the maid responded, anxiously.

"Do you know where Lady Hexley is?"

"I believe Miss, she's in Lord Hexley's study."

"Everyone seems very nervous this morning," Sofia observed. "Do you have any ideas about why that is?"

The maid seemed to get a bit more antsy. "Well Miss, one of the servants was arrested very early this morning. No one knows exactly why."

Sofia nodded slowly. "Okay, thank you for your help."

The maid curtsied and scurried off. Curiosity burning brighter, Sofia started walking towards the study. A few feet away from the door, she paused. Inside, it sounded like there was a heated discussion going on. But Sofia wasn't completely certain though. She couldn't hear the conversation very well through the door.

Despite reason telling her to stay out of it, Sofia knocked on the door. Maybe she could help, maybe not. Either way, Sofia did want to know what was going on.

The door opened and Winnifred peered out. Instantly, Sofia could see exhaustion written all over her face.

"Good morning," Sofia said. "Is something going on?"

Winnifred motioned Sofia into the study. Quickly, the young lady noticed Cedric and Goodwyn there as well. Both looked every bit as tired as Winnifred did.

"Did something happen during the night?" Sofia prodded. "One of the maids hinted at there being a bit of an incident."

Winnifred nodded. "One of our closest and most trustworthy friends informed me that she had overheard a very suspicious conversation involving one of our servants and Sir Idiot."

Sofia nodded. "The relative who would inherit if not for Cedric. Do you ever call him by his actual name?"

Winnifred shook her head. "Only to his face. Anyhow, between what was overheard and the suspicion brought forward by you, we began to suspect there was a real possibility that the idiot did, in fact, interfere with Cedric's letters. There's only been one servant who's retrieved the mail from the postmaster for the past several years. He claimed to have known nothing about the letters but it wasn't hard to tell he was lying. Early this morning, we found the proof needed. There was correspondence found between our servant and Sir Idiot."

Sofia's eyes widened. "Yikes. Why would he do that?"

"Position," Cedric answered sourly. "Our cousin promised the servant a very prestigious position if he helped sabotage me."

"What a couple of idiots," Sofia said bitterly.

"Well said," Winnifred responded. "In any case, the servant is in custody and as we speak, the constables are making a move for Sir Idiot."

Sofia nodded in understanding. Winnifred smiled.

"Come my dear. I believe there is one thing you and I have to take care of before breakfast."

Winnifred wrapped an arm around Sofia and led her out of the study. The two walked towards Sofia's room.

"It must be a relief to have some answers," Sofia said. "And I know Lord Hexley hated the very idea of Sir Idiot inheriting everything."

Winnifred nodded. "Indeed. Goodwyn has always wanted to keep Sir Idiot away from the Hexley title and estate. For the longest time after we married, we weren't certain we would be able to."

"Why do you say that?" Sofia asked, very confused.

"It was very hard for me to get pregnant and when I did, I would miscarry," Winnifred explained. "That went on for several years. Finally, Cordelia and Cedric came along."

Sofia nodded in understanding. "That explains why Cedric told me Lord Hexley was very proud to have a son. A son was the realization of a dream and deep hope."

Winnifred nodded. "Goodwyn was very ecstatic when he realized he would be able to keep Sir Idiot away from the title. Afterall, the surest way is through Cedric, especially if he marries and has a son of his own."

Winnifred looked Sofia dead in the eyes. The young lady was certain her face was every bit as red as it felt but she said nothing. What did someone say to a comment like that? Sofia wasn't sure. Fortunately, the two ladies arrived at Sofia's room for the morning exercise.

In front of the mirror, Sofia just stared.

"I honestly am not sure what to say," Sofia admitted. "My mind just seems stuck on this morning's shenanigans."

Winnifred smiled. "That's alright. I'll say something."

Sofia's eyes widened.

"I see a powerful young lady in you," Winnifred said. "You have strength unlike anything."

"I'm not strong," Sofia contradicted. "I don't understand why you say I am strong or confident."

"As I once told you, Dear Girl, you've only forgotten it," Winnifred replied. "And you must realize you have some strength. You stood up to Goodwyn and made him listen to you. Not very many people can do that but you did. You traveled a far distance to learn about a friend, wanting to help him. You reconciled with said friend after intense arguing and hurt. And you care immensely about those around you, especially your friends and your family. That is your strength. Your compassion and your ability to get back up when knocked down define you in a way that absolutely nothing else can. People may purposely put you down but their actions do not define you. It defines them."

Sofia found herself breathing deeply as she listened to what her companion was saying.

"Do you really think so?" Sofia asked.

"You are a force to be reckoned with. You've only forgotten how powerful you truly are. I want you to see how strong and wonderful you are. That's why we've been doing this morning routine ever since you came. By talking about yourself in a positive manner, you push the negativity out. Yes, something happened and it affected you terribly. And maybe some days, you will still struggle. But it is your choice to fight and become a better person than you ever were."

Sofia was silent for a moment.

"There's a part of me that wishes I met you a lot sooner," Sofia said softly. "And I'm definitely glad I accepted your invitation to visit. Being away from home...well sometimes it's hard. But I wouldn't change coming here at all."

"You needed time away from somewhere where your life got uprooted. It's understandable."

Sofia nodded. As she did, she began to wonder just how much the marchioness had figured out.

She is rather perceptive.

All the same, Sofia didn't ask. She wasn't sure she wanted to know. Sofia didn't wonder about it for long though. Instead, as the two ladies went down to breakfast, she thought about what Winnifred had said about her.