(A/N: What grand ideas you guys have about what Winnifred is planning. It does sound like something she would totally do, planning a wedding behind Cedfia's backs.

I own nothing!)

Dear Amber,

You will never believe what has happened about a week ago. Lord Hexley and Cedric finally came to something of an understanding. Their relationship is still tense but they are finally getting on the right track. Since then, Lord Hexley has invited Cedric to join him on estate business. I witnessed the moment when Lord Hexley extended the invite and you would not believe how elated Cedric was. Last night, Cedric and I walked the gardens and he talked my ears off, telling me about it all and how it felt to have his father's approval after so many years. I'm still so excited to be a part of it and witness the change. When we first met, Cedric was most definitely hurting from the years of rejection from his father. But now, I almost don't recognize him. Oh of course, there are still the occasional disagreements between the two. But they are trying.

But now, the mystery remains of what happened to the letters Cedric sent to his mother. Apparently, Lord Hexley didn't know anything about them either. Winnifred confronted him about it. She had no doubt he was telling the truth. When asked, Cedric indicated there was a decent amount sent. Probably about fifteen to twenty in total. And none of them made it to Hexley Hall. If Lord Hexley truly didn't know anything about them, thus doing nothing about them, then who did? One or two could easily get lost. Cedric could have easily goofed something initially while he was extremely clouded with misery about his circumstances. But up to twenty letters lost? Something is seriously wrong.

Winnifred has enjoyed having me around. And as much as she can grind on my nerves (I did tell you what she did to my wardrobe, right?), I actually do enjoy her company. And I don't think she would need to threaten hiding the carriage. I am enjoying my time here, despite some of the drama.

I look forward to your next letter.

Love, Sofia

oOo

Sofia stared at her reflection in the mirror. She still wasn't entirely at ease seeing herself in colorful clothing but with each passing day, she got just a bit more comfortable with the change.

Today, she had picked out a light purple gown that had dark purple embroidery. And Violet had done her hair up in a loose bun with some curls framing her face. Sofia suspected that Winnifred had a hand in Violet's sudden insistence on doing the nicer updos. The maid had never argued with Sofia having her hair in a tight bun but now she wouldn't hear of it. Said Sofia should have lovely hair to go with the lovely gowns.

A knock sounded on the door. Sofia knew just who it was. It was time for the usual morning routine with Winnifred. Sofia gave permission for the marchioness to enter.

"Good morning, Sofia," Winnifred said.

"Good morning," Sofia replied. "I've been thinking about something. I received a letter from my sister yesterday and something she suggested has been on my mind ever since then."

Winnifred raised an eyebrow. "And what is that, Dearie?"

"I mentioned the strange disappearance of every single one of Cedric's letters and how neither you or Lord Hexley had known anything about them. Amber agreed that someone is interfering and wondered if whoever did it had something to gain by Cedric not returning to Hexley Hall. Someone like a...frustrated heir presumptive."

Winnifred seemed to understand quickly what Sofia was really getting at.

"Well if he is the one to interfere, I imagine that he will find himself in deep trouble. Enough of that though. Cedric is back, Goodwyn has accepted him. And you don't need to worry about that. Besides, it's time for you to do your morning exercise."

Sofia nodded. Without being prompted further, she stood tall and smiled at herself in the mirror.

"What I like about myself...I can help people around me even when I can't seem to help myself."

Winnifred nodded. "Alright."

Sofia didn't miss the slight disappointment in Winnifred's voice.

"I know, I probably could do better than that. I just don't quite have it in me today."

We all have our bad days, but it's what you do about them that is important. Now, I do believe it is almost breakfast time."

Sofia nodded and walked down the hallway to the dining room. As they arrived there, they saw something that made them both smile.

Goodwyn and Cedric were quietly discussing something. Sofia couldn't quite catch everything being said but as far as she could tell, it had to do with their plans that day.

"I must say," Winnifred started. "It is good to see you two getting along."

Both men instantly dropped their conversation and stood up. Cedric's eyes immediately found Sofia's and they, not so subtly, looked at each other.

"Good morning," Goodwyn greeted. "You both look lovely this morning."

"Thank you," Winnifred replied.

Within moments, everyone was seated at the table and breakfast had been brought out.

"Winnifred, what's going on with the spring ball?" Goodwyn asked after several moments. "I've been hearing rumors that it's not happening."

"Oh I will still be hosting the spring ball like I always do," Winnifred replied, a smirk growing on her face. "This year's event will just be different than before."

Sofia glanced at Cedric. "What's the spring ball?"

"Mummy always holds a big masquerade ball here in the spring," Cedric explained. "It's a grand affair that goes very late into the night."

Sofia nodded in understanding. The concept reminded her a lot of the harvest party her dad held in the fall. Only, Sofia was certain that Winnifred's spring ball would be a lot bigger than the harvest party.

"What's going to be different this time?" Goodwyn asked.

"It will be held two weeks from tomorrow," Winnifred started.

If anyone noticed Sofia's eyes widen in shock and disbelief, they didn't say anything.

"So it's a little later than usual." Goodwyn raised an eyebrow. "How is that different?"

"I wasn't finished explaining, Goodie," Winnifred scolded.

"Of course," Goodwyn said. "Do continue."

"It's two weeks from tomorrow," Winnifred repeated. "And we will be celebrating a very important birthday."

"Wait, what?" Goodwyn asked.

Cedric looked at his mother, every bit as confused as his father.

"You heard me," Winnifred said. "The spring ball will be a birthday party."

"For whom?" Cedric asked. "We don't have any birthdays coming up."

"Are you certain about that, Ceddykins?"

Cedric looked very intently at his mother. He could see she was being serious.

"Not with that look you're giving," Cedric admitted.

"Good answer," Winnifred replied. "Although, I'm surprised you didn't know about this birthday."

"Whose birthday is it?" Goodwyn asked.

"Sofia's," Winnifred answered.

Three sets of eyes turned to Sofia, who was very still.

"Truly, Sofia?" Cedric asked.

Sofia nodded. "Although how you found that out, Winnifred, I'm not even going to ask."

"You had hinted it was coming up soon when we first met, My Dear," Winnifred said. "It didn't take much more to find out the exact date."

"But there's just one problem," Sofia said flatly.

"And what's that?" WInnifred asked.

"I don't do parties or birthdays," Sofia answered.

"Eighteen is a wonderful age," Winnifred said. "We will be celebrating your eighteenth birthday."

Sofia pulled an annoyed face. "I'm getting the feeling I won't be able to talk you out of this."

"You're not. Invitations have already been sent. I imagine your family received theirs a few days ago."

Sofia nodded mutely. Silently, she finished her breakfast then excused herself. She needed a few moments to process the news she had just received.

Shouldn't surprise me. She wouldn't hear of any protests I had about my wardrobe.

Sofia arrived in her bedroom and closed the door behind her. As she took a step further in, she noticed a package laying on her bed.

Huh?

Sofia walked over to her bed, curiosity piqued. As she examined the package, she recognized the insignia on it. It was from Madame Collette.

What now?

Sofia was apprehensive as she opened the box but as soon as she saw the contents, she began to smile. Inside the box were two new riding outfits. And not proper riding habits. They had the leggings and high low skirt that she preferred when riding. And although neither outfit was quite as plain as her old riding outfits, they seemed simple enough that she could dress herself with little to no assistance. One outfit was a vibrant purple and the other was royal blue.

Suddenly, Sofia was no longer annoyed with her hostess. These outfits were what she liked for riding and they were permission to be comfortable while on horseback. So much of her time at Hexley Hall had involved Sofia being pushed outside of her comfort zone, it was a relief to have something that was familiar and comfortable.

Quickly, Sofia rang for Violet so she could help her out of the day gown and pulled on the purple outfit. Much to the young lady's delight, it was a perfect fit.

Once she was ready, Sofia rushed out of the bedroom and made her way down to the stables. On the way, she nearly plowed into Winnifred.

"Where are you going in such a rush?" Winnifred looked Sofia over.

"I decided to go for a ride on Minimus," Sofia replied. "It's a lovely day for a ride."

"Of course."

In Sofia's elation over the new riding outfits, she missed the perplexed expression on Winnifred's face. Winnifred opened her mouth again to say something but thought better of whatever she was going to say.

"Enjoy your ride, Sofia," Winnifred smiled.

Sofia nodded and continued on her way to the stables. Meanwhile, the marchioness went on a search for someone else.

oOo

That evening, Sofia strolled through the gardens. Her ride on Minimus had been exhilarating and she had enjoyed the comfort of the forward facing saddle. But now she found herself thinking about the party that her hostess had decided to plan for her. And how it would have been nice to find out sooner.

Sofia sighed as she came up to a bench. She sat down. For several moments, she just stared into the distance.

"You seem distracted."

Sofia startled when she heard Cedric's voice. He smiled at her and sat down by her.

"I guess I am," Sofia said. "I just can't seem to get over the fact that your mother is planning a birthday party for me."

Cedric nodded. "And it bothers you?"

Sofia shrugged. "Like I said this morning, I don't do birthdays or parties."

"Ever or just in the past two years?" Cedric asked flatly.

Sofia said nothing, her silence answering the question. Cedric sighed.

"Sofia, are you really going to let that dirtbag win by ruining your own life?" Cedric asked sternly.

Sofia tensed a bit. "Some things aren't easy to come back from," she said softly.

"That shouldn't stop you from living and enjoying yourself."

Sofia didn't respond verbally. Instead she lost herself to her thoughts.

Would you still think that way if you knew the truth?

A sudden pressure on her hand distracted Sofia from herself. Cedric had grasped her hand and was holding it tightly. Sofia looked at Cedric in mild surprise. He looked back at her with immense tenderness.

"Sofia, quit punishing yourself for something that wasn't your fault."

Sofia cocked her head ever so slightly. She wasn't sure how to respond to that. So instead, she remained quiet.

A slight breeze blew through the air causing Sofia to shiver slightly. It was getting warmer, no doubt of that, but it was still a little cold in the evenings. Cedric smiled slightly.

"Let's go inside before it gets too much colder."

Cedric stood up, still firmly holding onto Sofia's hand. He pulled her up to her feet and as he always did, kissed her hand before tucking it into his elbow. Sofia smiled slightly as Cedric escorted her back inside.

(A/N: Shout out to Nerdsinatree for guessing what Winnifred was up to.)