Through It All

sses to choose from and as she tried different hairstyles on her, but as much as she wanted to be optimistic, Daniel Smith's face ran through her head like a dark cloud. How could he have done tha

ailable for marriage, Daniel's sudden interest in her made her so glad that she might get married sooner than she thought. But months had gone by and Sophia kept seeing Daniel as often as she could. Daniel i

r cheeks for the hundredth time since she last saw Daniel, why did it have to happen to her? She feels so ashamed, though

phi

oor. "We are ready for you in the dra

as bad as she thinks, maybe he will like her, she smiles but then it fades, or maybe he won't. She steps out of her room runni

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f this house." Sophia smiles shyly and curtsies quietly. "Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster, I want to introduce you to my younge

olding his arm is Adam's mother, a boy of about twelve years of age who is standing quietly behind them is the youngest son na

are at playing the piano." Sophia saw this coming. Playing an instrument was the way to impress a gentl

notices Lucia standing next to their mother watching her expe

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r father admiring her ancestors' portraits down the hall. He is a striking man, no doubt about that. He talks firmly and elegantly. He is very courteous and he carries himself with so

ok at her beautiful sister, her fair skin and blue dreamy eyes always made Sophia feel inferior to her. Lucia, after all, inherited the incomparable beauty from their mother. As for Sophia, she simply inherited her love for reading from their father. Her eyes search for Adam one more time but panics as she

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Willis' study to discuss the delicate subject of the bride's dowry and her inheritance. The

the family's extensive library. Adam walks along the wall inspecting the bo

roat, "Are these b

il I started reading them. I've bare

he re

e can she say? She didn't want to bore him. Nothin

ion, " she hears hi

e watches him skimming through a novel by a Russian write

was it. Sophia feels useless. Why was this so difficult? She can't even seem to converse with Adam without feeling self-conscious afterwards.

??

footmen make their way around the table, eac

e boring, why the questio

f not paying much attention to what is being ser

you mad? You were engaged in a conver

ith Lucia now than he was with me." She observes Lu

children, the two mothers chattering about their neighbors. John seems bored as he starts playing with his f

doesn't for she didn't want to be obvious about their conversation. "I am scare

musing thing in the world. "You nee

and she smiles. "No he was not. What i

father that he refuses to marry you, but is less likely that that wou

is obligated

ligated but yes, s

he watches Adam from across the table

ve more dates before the actual wedding, and you'll have time

can feel her hope

It is what ha

ve around as his daily companion. But Lucia's presence will make this a very challenging task. She can't compete with her sister, not when he's obviously enjoying her company. Sophia looks up from h

lass and everyone around the table turn

attention. "It is settled, we will

he blood being drai

o unify our families, "

ight? You look a little pale

llow but her mouth has gone dry. "I am just surprised, Friday

have to discuss this first father?"

l saw how well you got along, so why delay the process?" Sophia's father adds something t

even know if he wants to get married, why didn't she ask him while she had the chance? Instead of talking about books, she cou

ast? Why did she have to fall for Daniel? Why is Adam the