fiance chapter 15

Solid got engaged a few days after Georgia Centania’s ball, and after a brief, three-month engagement, they married two months ago.

“Solid’s pushing herself, coming all this way when she’s with child.” That’s what the Countess had said a few days ago, upon seeing Sophia sitting on the parlor sofa, reading Solid’s letter. One couldn’t imagine how startled Sophia had been. She’d even jumped up, dropping the letter she’d been reading.

“Good heavens, what?” With child? Did that mean Solid was expecting?

Sophia nearly fainted, but the Countess continued, calmly, as if she’d already mulled this over countless times. “Yes, Sophie. She’s about a month along, I believe. A quick conception. Though, there is some speculation that it happened even earlier.”

“Mother!” Sophia raised her voice, leaping to her friend’s defense. But the Countess declared that Sophia’s five-month convalescence had earned her enough leniency. With a stern face, she added, “Don’t raise your voice at me. It’s unseemly.”

“Such good friends you are. At least Solid’s indiscretion has shifted the attention away from you. Well, I suppose she’d see it that way too. Lucky for her, you took the poison meant for the Duke and stole the spotlight. True friends, indeed.” With those pointed words, the Countess excused herself, claiming a headache and pressing a hand to her forehead.

“Don’t say it like that!” Sophia cried after her departing mother, then picked up the fallen letter, scrutinizing its contents. But nowhere did it mention Solid’s pregnancy. Solid had simply written that she was overjoyed Sophia had awakened and wished to visit.

“Solid’s pregnant…” Five months wasn’t a short time, yet Sophia hadn’t realized how much her life, and the lives around her, had changed. She was engaged to the Duke, and Solid was expecting.

The thought of missing her closest friend’s pregnancy and wedding saddened her. She and Solid had been inseparable since before their debut into society, exchanging letters and confidences. It felt as though they’d crossed a bridge, leaving something irretrievable behind.

Yet, that evening, when Solid arrived, her demeanor was unchanged. Instead of the awkwardness Sophia had anticipated, there was only affection and tender concern.

“Oh, Sophie!”

“Solid!”

The two young women embraced tightly. Solid’s arms around her neck were warm and soft. The scent of oranges and peaches, a fragrance of the south—Solid’s scent.

“Sophie, thank goodness you’re awake. I thought I’d lost you…” Solid kissed the back of Sophia’s hand. Her glistening green eyes held a mixture of worry and relief. Sophia felt their friendship, a powerful wave, washing over her with that kiss.

“Solid, I’m so sorry. It breaks my heart that I missed your wedding.” Sophia confessed, her face clouded with regret.

Solid dabbed at the tears welling in her eyes with a pearl-grey glove and smiled. “I was terribly sad without you. But the moment I heard you’d awakened, all that sadness vanished. Oh, Sophie, I’m so relieved to see you like this.” With an exclamation of joy, Solid embraced Sophia again. Their prolonged embrace left everyone around them feeling awkward. The Countess stepped forward, on behalf of the unfortunate young woman who had been patiently waiting behind Solid.

“Welcome. Mrs. Sandel, Miss Woodridge, Mr. Ronald Medesia.”

As if suddenly remembering the others, Solid quickly released Sophia. “My apologies. This is my cousin, Miss Anita Woodridge. And behind her, you all know my younger brother.”

“Mr. Ronald, Miss Woodridge.”

“Count, Countess, Lady Hilden.” Ronald and Anita curtsied politely. While it was expected of young Ronald, Sophia found Miss Woodridge’s presence puzzling.

Of course, everyone knew who Miss Woodridge was. The fact that Solid Medesia, now Mrs. Sandel, had a constant shadow was well-known throughout society.

Anita Woodridge was Solid’s cousin from the Finley region. The Woodridge family, minor nobility from a remote area, had little to rely on besides their blood ties to the Medesia county. They had readily sacrificed pride and money for their daughter’s marriage prospects. Almost subserviently hovering around the Medesias, the Woodridge family finally saw their efforts rewarded with Anita’s debut into society. The Medesia family had graciously offered to present 

Anita alongside their own daughter, Solid. However, having spent so much to maintain their proximity to the Medesias, the Woodridges had little left to invest in Anita’s actual debut. Consequently, wherever the radiant Solid went, Miss Woodridge, in her somewhat drab attire, was always at her side.