The tension radiating off Vic, who’d yet to meet her eyes, told her there was more to this conversation than she could possibly understand. “I’d love to, but unfortunately we’ve only been given a ten-minute break in filming.”

“Of course,” the duke agreed quickly, “and we have to get settled into the residence. We have no intention of interrupting your plans, or Victoria’s, for that matter.”

“Yes, we must freshen up, but I look forward to some quality time with my daughter this evening. Perhaps you’ll join us? I would relish the chance to get to know the woman who’s been captivating the castle in our absence.”

Sophia used the same airy laugh she’d used on set over the last few days, finding it easier to slip into a more practiced persona than to try to parse out a power structure she didn’t fully understand. “You give me entirely too much credit. My job has merely been to reflect this beautiful setting and a very compelling script.”

“Modesty is overrated, my dear.” The duchess gave a little dismissive wave as her voice fell only slightly. “From what I hear, you’ve been so much more than either the set or script could’ve dictated.”

The hair on the back of her neck stood on end at both the comment and the knowing way in which the woman delivered it. Thankfully, she didn’t have to decide how to respond because the duke stepped back in. “Perhaps then you’ll join our family for an evening meal?”

“That’s kind of you.” She tried to edge away. “But I have a long day scheduled, and I’m afraid I wouldn’t be very animated company.”

“Right, and we’ve been traveling,” the duchess offered. For a second Sophia thought she might let her off the hook. “Why don’t we try something less formal? Shall we say drinks and a movie in the library whenever your film crew clears out for the evening?”

She felt the snare closing in as the duchess negated her excuses around scheduling, space, and formality in one fell swoop. To turn down the offer now would make it clear Sophia simply didn’t want to accept. Normally, she wouldn’t mind saying so bluntly, but these weren’t some rich producers or fans. They were the nobility whose home she was both working and living in. She had a professional and social obligation to them on both counts, even without factoring in their relationship to Vic. And yet, the pull toward Vic tugged on her more than all the others combined.

She turned to her now, searching her for some cue as to what she’d have her do; only the face she’d come to use as an anchor or touchstone had transformed into an impenetrable wall.