“There’s no other way,” Sophie choked out. “But I intend to make the best of my situation and be a supportive, dutiful wife.”

Lily squished her face again, but Fiona shot her a scolding look. To Sophie, she said, “Whatever you do, we will support you. Our trio sticks together, no matter what.”

Sophie swallowed the enormous knot in her throat. “There’s something else,” she said. “It’s about The Debutante’s Revenge and the Debutante Underground. As much as I’ve loved being a part of both projects, I’m afraid it’s time for me to step back from them. I can’t tell Lord Singleton about my role, and it wouldn’t be fair for me to continue sneaking around once we’re married.”

Both Lily and Fiona sat beside her, frozen and speechless.

Sophie felt her eyes sting. “I don’t want to give them up, but if I wish my relationship with Lord Singleton to succeed—and I do—I cannot begin by lying and keeping secrets from him.”

“But it’s always been the three of us,” Lily said in a hoarse whisper. “Since our days at Miss Haywinkle’s.”

“You’re like our sister.” Fiona swiped at her eyes. “You’re the rock that grounds us. We can’t continue the column or the secret society without you.”

“Nonsense,” Sophie said, even though her heart was breaking. “You’ll still create your beautiful, breathtaking drawings.” Turning to Lily, she said, “You’ll still write your witty, insightful articles. The column won’t suffer from my absence in the least.”

“That’s not true!” Lily exclaimed. “We rely on you in more ways than you know. On the days when I’m staring at a blank sheet of paper and feel like I have absolutely nothing to say, you’re the one who gives me ideas.”

“And when I’m certain that nothing in my sketchbook will suit a particular column, you somehow flip to the page with a perfectly matched drawing,” Fiona said.

“And let’s not forget the impact of the Debutante Underground,” Lily chimed in. “You’ve created something truly wonderful—a space where women from all walks of life can freely discuss romantic relationships and matters of love without fear of being ridiculed, or worse.”

Sophie mustered a smile. “I’ve loved every minute that I’ve worked with both of you. It’s been an honor to be a part of The Debutante’s Revenge.”

Fiona’s expressive blue eyes welled. “You’re talking as though you’re already done with it—and us.”