"And something happened when Cedric was only fourteen years old. To this day, I still don't know what happened. All I know for sure is that it involved the most honorable mayor Dunwittie has ever had."
"Most honorable…" Sofia gasped. "But that's-"
"Your father. Yes I know."
Sofia was quiet as she mulled over the fact that Cedric apparently didn't like her father.
It would explain why he constantly refused to go to Cantata Hall to meet Mom and Dad.
"Don't take it too hard, Sofia," Lady Hexley said. "Whatever it was, I'm sure it was a misunderstanding."
"Doesn't make me feel better about that," Sofia replied, suddenly needing a change in topic. "Something Cedric said to me a few days ago is bothering me. He was surprised when I gave him the letter from you. He didn't believe me when I told him that you had written my father. And he said that he had written letters to you several times over the last five years but that they all went unanswered."
That last statement caught Lady Hexley's attention. "I never received any letters."
"Could someone be interfering?" Sofia asked.
"Quite likely." Lady Hexley shook her head. "I'll sort that out later. I think I know who is interfering. Tell me a bit about yourself, Sofia."
Sofia thought for a moment. What could she tell?
"I enjoy horse riding, knitting, and going to the local orphanage to play with the children there."
Lady Hexley smiled. "Sounds like you'll be quite prepared for your children when you get married."
Sofia shook her head. Unconsciously, she grasped her left arm.
"I'll never get married or have children."
"How old are you, Sofia?" Lady Hexley asked, frowning.
"I'll be eighteen in a couple months."
"So young and you've already given up on having your own family?"
Sofia looked away as she silently forced herself to let go of her arm. A cheeky smile appeared on Lady Hexley's face.
"Well, I've decided, you're going to stay here indefinitely. We have to do something about that attitude and confidence of yours. And if you try to leave before I say you may, I'll have my coachmen hide your carriage."
"My Lady, I…" Sofia trailed off. She wasn't even sure how to respond.
"And you, my dear girl, may call me Winnifred."
Sofia gave a small, nervous smile.
What did I just get myself into?
oOo
Cedric paced his cabin. It'd been a few days since he encountered Amber and he was still reeling from their conversation. Knowing now as much as he did, he couldn't fault Amber for being protective of her sister.
Sofia…
Cedric mentally kicked himself for the umpteenth time for how their last two interactions had gone.
And now, she's at Hexley Hall. And for how long?
Cedric let out an exasperated sigh and sat down. As he did, he looked at the fireplace. He regretted tossing his mother's letter in there the previous week and he wished he could take that action back. But it was too late for that. He just couldn't believe it when Sofia said there was a letter for him, especially since he sent so many letters back home that went unanswered.
"What good will it do you if everyone in the world believes in you but you don't believe in yourself? Cedric, if you were to inherit the title, regardless of what happens with your father, how will you hold your own against other nobles when you wouldn't face your own father?"
Cedric gritted his teeth. The conversation he'd had with Sofia continued to haunt him. Cedric let out a sigh and stood up.
Please still be there.