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“ A re you in there, dear?”

Sophie opened the door to her bedroom at Letty’s knock and saw the small parcel in her sister-in-law’s hand. “Is that for me?”

“Yes, it was delivered sometime this morning while we were both out, dear.”

“It’s likely from Amelia, as I know no one else in London,” Sophie said.

“Ah, you’re possibly correct,” Letty said. “Is Timmy still sleeping?”

“Yes, and Doddy is lying beside his bed.”

“I’m so pleased he came to live with us. Not only do we love him, but the staff do too. Everyone seems a great deal happier lately,” Letty said.

“He is a lovely boy,” Sophie agreed.

“Now, I am just going to have an afternoon nap myself,” Letty added. “I am sure the theatre will be quite tiring.”

“Wonderful. I am so looking forward to attending, as is Amelia, who has mentioned it many times,” Sophie said, taking the parcel. “Now go take your nap, Letty, and I will see you when you wake.”

Her rooms were two doors along from Timmy’s.

Sophie had insisted on this in case he got scared and called for her in the night.

Since Doddy’s arrival in the household, he’d spent time in both their rooms. He slept on the floor beside Timmy.

However, when in Sophie’s room, he insisted on sleeping on her bed.

So far, she had not broken him of the habit, and if she was honest, she enjoyed having his warm body close.

Sophie closed the door and sat in the chair beside the window. A shiver ran the length of her spine as she studied the spiky, uneven handwriting. It was familiar, yet she could not recall where she’d seen it before. Untying the string, she opened it.

Looking at the white fabric, Sophie felt her stomach clench. How was it possible? Exhaling slowly, she made herself study the cotton and found the initials SB. Opening the note tucked inside, she read the words.

I know who you are, Sophie Beams, and I will make you pay for your deceit. Tell no one and wait for my next note.

Sophie raced to the small bowl on her nightstand and threw up her lunch. Retching until there was nothing left, she rinsed her mouth and retraced her steps, this time lying flat on her bed.

Someone knew who she was, and Sophie had an idea who that someone was. The note said not to tell anyone, and she would not take the risk of speaking with Letty until she knew just what the sender of this package wanted.

There was no doubting this package was a prelude to blackmail. What other reason could anyone have to send her the old apron she’d worn as a maid? What did they want?

Sophie Beams was someone she had worked hard to put behind her.

The housemaid with no future, just endless hours of backbreaking work from dawn till dusk.

Closing her eyes, she felt a wave of exhaustion thinking about the evening ahead.

She would have to pull on her best and haughtiest demeanor to fool everyone, especially Letty.

When would the blackmailer next show his hand? Could Jack Spode be behind this? He was more than capable. Had he found her in London? He’d vowed to destroy her after what she’d done.

For now, all Sophie could do was wait and hope that it wasn’t him, because Jack Spode was someone she’d hoped never to see again.

…

“You are quiet, Sophie.”

“Just excited, Letty,” she said, looking across the carriage as it rolled slowly toward the theatre. “’Tis a shame Amelia can’t be with us.”

Letty made a tsking sound. “Minerva is determined to ruin that girl’s life, and considering her own parents and that monster destroyed her, one would think she’d want more for her child.”

“I’m not sure what we can do about it, Letty. It saddens me to see how strong Amelia portrays herself to be, and yet I know deep inside she is sad and a little scared.”

“You see that because that was once you,” Letty said gently.

“Perhaps. You look lovely tonight,” Sophie added, and it was the truth. The rust gown was stunning, as was the arrangement in her air.

“Thank you, dear, and you also. That emerald is a wonderful color with your hair.”

They traveled in silence for a while before Sophie spoke again. “I would like to help Amelia in some way but am unsure how to do so.”

“Be there for her, Sophie. For now, that is enough. I will think about Minerva and see what solution I can come up with.”

She nodded as the carriage rolled slowly forward in a queue behind the others. When would another note arrive? Sophie hoped they made a move soon, because her nerves were already stretched to breaking point.

Will Lord Coulter be here tonight?

“I don’t want to wed you, Countess. I want to bed you.

” She couldn’t believe he’d spoken those words to her.

Would she have been shocked had she been the widow he believed her to be?

Sophie would never know the answer to that.

But for now, she was happy to just avoid him, and if he approached, she’d treat him like she did everyone.

Cool and distant. There would be no more kisses even if she’d enjoyed them.

Sophie had never been held like Lord Coulter held her that night. Never experienced passion as she had with his kisses. She may be innocent but was aware of what went on between a man and a woman.

A few men had grabbed her and forced horrid kisses on her in the tavern where she’d worked, but none had felt like the ones she’d shared with him. They’d left her feeling hot all over and unsettled.

He may want you, but he also suspects you are not what you appear. Sophie needed to remember this.

“Come along,” Letty said from the doorway. “You are daydreaming.”

“Sorry.” Stepping out, she took Letty’s arm and walked into the foyer, where all the guests were milling about in their finery, and then to the stairs.

“Good Lord,” Sophie whispered when they stepped into the Monmouth box. It was stunning in green baize and gold-tooled leather. There was elegance and opulence everywhere her eyes fell.

“My brother loved coming here,” Letty said.

“It’s beautiful,” Sophie added, moving to the edge. Bracing her hands, she looked around her, eager to take it all in.

There were multiple tiers of boxes, and all looked down to the pit below that had curved bench seating. A stage was to her right and close. They would have an excellent view of the performance. “It’s amazing.”

“I knew you’d enjoy it,” Letty said, taking a seat.

Enormous chandeliers threw out light along with wall sconces. The place was alive with noise and color.

“I never thought I’d see such a sight,” Sophie said, smiling at Letty. For tonight, she would focus on this and nothing else. Tomorrow she would worry again about Lord Coulter and whoever had sent her that note.

She sat beside Letty, who was waving to people, and let her eyes wander.

Sophie saw familiar faces and others she didn’t know, some chatting, others taking it all in.

A box that seemed full of women caught her attention.

They were laughing with one another. The breath lodged in her throat as two men joined them. Lord Coulter and Lord Sumner.

She felt that little jolt at seeing him there, yet why should she when he had more right to attend than Sophie did?

A woman, older than the others, stepped close and hugged him. He was smiling when she released him. It was genuine, like the one he’d given Timmy that day in the tea shop.

“Letty, who is that?” she asked.

“Who, dear?”

“There.” Sophie pointed across the theatre. “That box filled with blond women, one of which is hugging the earl?”

“Ah, Lady Sumner.” Letty smiled. “She is Viscount Sumner’s mother, and the three young ladies standing with her are his sisters.

She’s a lovely lady. I will introduce you in the interval, dear,” she added, patting Sophie’s hand.

“Lord Coulter has been friends with Lord Sumner since they were children, so he is almost part of their family.”

Beatrice arrived then with her nephew, Mr. Tilton. Sophie had met him before and liked him. A shy man but pleasant enough.

“Would you care for a drink, Countess?”

“No, thank you, Mr. Tilton.” She never drank in public because she needed to always keep her wits about her while navigating society.

“Is this your first trip to the theatre this season, Countess?”

“It is, Mr. Tilton, and I have to say, it is exciting.”

“My first time was like that. Often the most enjoyable part is watching the antics going on below,” he said.

“Really?”

“Oh yes. No one is actually quiet for the performance.”

Mr. Tilton told her stories then that had Sophie laughing while they waited for the performance to start.

He had a dry humor and a sweet way about him that made her comfortable.

She fought the urge to look for Lord Coulter again and hoped they did not come in contact with each other tonight.

She’d be safe if she stayed in here with Letty, so that’s what she’d do.