Early the next morning, Sofia woke up and quietly started packing for the trip. The letter had stated she was welcome to visit for the foreseeable future but Sofia wasn't certain she wanted to stay an extremely long time. Besides, if she had to guess, her parents would want her home for her birthday in a couple months.
Once she had a trunk packed, Sofia grabbed Cedric's letter and quietly stepped out of the room. Now out of her room where Amber was still soundly sleeping, the brunette rushed down to the stables and mounted Minimus.
"Let's go Minimus!"
Minutes later, the two arrived at the cabin. Sofia tethered Minimus and walked around to the front door. She took a deep breath then opened the door.
Inside, Cedric was sleeping on the couch in front of the fireplace. Sofia stepped over to him. She was about to touch his shoulder to rouse him but she paused. Cedric had a look of someone who hadn't been sleeping well. It made Sofia feel guilty for intruding but she needed to get him the letter and extend the invitation to return home.
"Cedric, wake up."
Cedric's eyes flew open at the gentle voice. He sat up, his blanket falling down and revealing he wasn't wearing a shirt. Sofia blushed furiously at the sight.
"Do you never wear a shirt to bed?"
Cedric smirked. "What did you expect? This is my place after all. What brings you here this early?"
"I needed to talk to you. We need to talk."
oOo
"Dad, Mom, may I borrow a carriage, please?"
Two sets of wide eyes landed on Sofia at breakfast that morning.
"What for?" Roland asked.
"I wrote Lady Hexley wanting to know more about her missing son and she extended an invitation for me to visit. May I go please?"
"Mystic Meadows is a long way from here."
"I know. But I'd really like to go meet her."
Roland looked unconvinced. Sofia was beginning to worry she'd be traveling without permission.
"Come now Dad," Amber said. "Are you really going to go against a marchioness? And not just any marchioness, but Lady Hexley herself? You know going against her or Lord Hexley is a very bad idea. Besides, Sofia doesn't ask much for herself. Would it be unreasonable to grant her something so small yet important to her?"
Sofia suppressed a smile. Amber could be quite convincing.
Roland nodded. "I suppose you may go."
Sofia nearly jumped in excitement. "Thank you Dad!"
"You're welcome. How soon do you want to leave?"
"As soon as everything is ready."
"Do you have everything you need ready?" Amber asked.
"I think so."
"Let's make sure," Amber said standing up. "It'd be rather embarrassing to show up unprepared."
Sofia nodded and stood up. The sisters walked to Sofia's room, Amber closing the door behind them.
"Have you been to Lord Sebara's already?" Amber asked.
Sofia nodded.
"How did it go?" Amber prodded.
"It started out well enough. But in a blink of an eye, the conversation deteriorated and things are now worse."
"Did you tell him you were going to Hexley Hall?"
"No. He shut me out once I handed him the letter. Still, I could have held my tongue on one thing."
Amber raised an eyebrow. "What did you say?"
"I asked him a theoretical question. He didn't like it one bit."
Amber cringed. "Yikes."
"He didn't say anything but his expression said it all. I left shortly after that. Once the conversation started going bad, both of us, I think, had our guards up."
"Well, sounds like the only way you two are going to work things out is for the both of you to let down your guards."
"Easier said than done," Sofia said flatly.
Amber opened the trunk Sofia had packed her things in. "Hopefully you can figure things out quickly. Now let's see what you packed. And if I see one of your custom made riding outfits-"
"You'll leave it be," Sofia interrupted. "I have a proper riding habit packed but I want my regular outfit."
Amber nodded. "I guess that's fine. You do have everything right? Nightgown, robe, gowns, shoes…?"
"I have everything, Amber."
"It's too bad you don't have anything bright and cheerful to wear. I know, I bet I have a dress or two that will fit you."
"Not happening Amber. My wardrobe is fine the way it is."
Amber shook her head, sighing. "Is Minimus going with you?"
"What do you think? Of course I'm taking him along."
Amber smiled. "Of course. You always take him with you."
A knock sounded on the door. Amber opened it up. Baileywick stood there.
"Pardon me, Miss Sofia. The carriage is hitched up. Violet will be going with you in addition to the coachmen. Is your trunk ready to be packed?"
"Yes Baileywick. Minimus is coming with me."
"I thought so. He's out front with the carriage. The side saddle and regular saddle are both set in the carriage."
Sofia nodded. "Have the regular saddle put on. I will be riding the first part of the journey."
"Very well Miss Sofia. Everything will be ready in a moment."
"Thank you Baileywick."
Sofia grabbed her cloak off her chair. "It's time."
Amber nodded. "I hope you find what you're looking for. It was nice seeing you be happy again. I miss the happy you. We all have."
Sofia smiled slightly. "Thanks."
The two sisters embraced each other tightly. As they did, Sofia whispered something in Amber's ear.
"Do I have to?" Amber asked.
Sofia nodded.
"Fine. But I won't promise to be nice when I do."