“I felt bad for Miss Haywinkle—and the frog,” Sophie said with a laugh. “But you’re right. I confess I am feeling anxious.” She’d been frazzled ever since the hackney cab had dropped her off at Fiona’s house an hour ago. Lily and Fiona were more like sisters than friends; Sophie wasn’t accustomed to keeping secrets from them.

And Reese was a very big secret.

The trio of women had gathered that morning, as they did each Saturday, to discuss their plans for the next Debutante’s Revenge column. They’d taken care of business quickly, which left them time to chat and catch up on the week’s events. But for Sophie, the last twelve hours with Reese had eclipsed everything else in her world.

“Would your nervousness have something to do with your whereabouts last night?” Fiona asked, momentarily looking up from her easel. There was no hint of censure in her voice. Sophie knew instinctively that Fiona and Lily would never judge her harshly—even if most of the ton would. “Did something happen after the meeting?”

“Yes,” Sophie admitted. She stood, walked to the window of Fiona’s lovely studio, and swept aside a gauzy silk curtain so she could gaze at the trees outside, just beginning to bud. “I’m involved in a new project. It’s only temporary,” she said, feeling an unexpected pang. But she’d known her involvement with Reese couldn’t continue once she was betrothed to Lord Singleton.

“I’m sure I’ll tell both of you all about it one day soon,” Sophie continued, “but I’m not quite ready to share.” She was still sorting out her own feelings about Reese and didn’t trust herself to talk about him without revealing more than she should. She knew Fiona and Lily would support her, no matter what. They’d encourage her to follow her heart.

But Sophie did not have that luxury.

It wasn’t possible for her to pursue her own happiness—not when her family’s future rested on her shoulders.

“You may confide in us if and when you wish,” Fiona said sincerely. “We would never press you to reveal your secrets.”

“Speak for yourself,” Lily quipped, flashing a mischievous smile. “I want to know everything.”

“Pay no attention to her,” Fiona said, shooting her sister a slightly scolding look. “We know and trust you. Unlike a certain person in this room”—she rolled her eyes meaningfully in Lily’s direction—“you’d never engage in behavior that was illegal or improper.”

“Of course not,” Sophie said, perhaps a bit too vehemently.

Lily laughed and rubbed her palms together with obvious glee. “Miss Sophie Kendall,” she teased, “you are involved in something scandalous, and I, for one, cannot wait to discover what it is.”

Chapter 12