An Unexpected Love by Tracie Peterson, Judith Miller

of.”
    “My point exactly. There are so many causes—so many people who have needs. I want to use my abilities and fortune to better society.” Amanda sighed and put her own embroidery away. “I can’t hope to ever convince Father, but Mother seems to understand. I believe she will be my advocate.”
    “In what way?”
    “In allowing me to go to college.”
    “Are you certain that getting an education is what God would have you do?” Fanny asked.
    Amanda shrugged. “I know God would have me help others. I wouldn’t feel such a compelling drive to involve myself in such matters if not. Acts of kindness and assistance to the poor are hardly things Satan would desire of me.” She smiled. “Nevertheless, pray for me that I might know exactly what I am to do. Obviously I have no love interest to put my attention on as you and Sophie have.”
    Fanny laughed. “Yes, but you can never tell when that love interest might come into your life. Until we came here, Sophie had no idea of Mr. Hedrick’s existence. Your very own Mr. Hedrick might be awaiting you in London.”
    Amanda shook her head and rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “Goodness, but I hope not. One of us acting like a lovesick ninny is quite enough.”

    The three Broadmoor girls thought Daniel’s injury would give Fanny the peace and solitude she desired. He would, after all, be unable to keep pace with her until his leg completely healed. Unfortunately, Lord Illiff declared the best remedy for the soreness was exercise—particularly walking. Lady Illiff had suggested the gardens as a perfect place for the young man’s recuperation and Fanny the perfect person to escort him. And Victoria had concurred.
    Sophie glanced up as Fanny rushed into the bedroom and came to a halt in front of Amanda. “Your mother is insisting I go walk with Daniel yet again this afternoon. Do say one of you will come with me. I cannot abide another afternoon of listening to him speak of my lovely tresses or beautiful eyes. He’s even begun reading poetry to me—very poorly, I might add.”
    Sophie rocked back on the bed and collapsed in a fit of giggles. “Daniel reading poetry? I daresay that is something I would truly like to hear.”
    “Then come with me,” Fanny urged.
    Sophie shook her head. “I doubt Daniel would recite poetry to you if Amanda or I came along. However, I’m sure I can devise a plan that will prove quite enjoyable for all of us.” While rubbing her palms together, Sophie instructed Fanny on what path she should walk with Daniel. “Don’t deviate, or we shall never find you among all the twists and turns, and I don’t want to miss hearing him.”
    “You needn’t worry. We’ll be on the bench by two o’clock. I do hope this works.”
    Sophie clucked her tongue. “Trust me. After this, Daniel will never again recite a poem to you! And should he fail to bring along his book of verse, you must encourage him to recite from memory.”
    Once Fanny departed, the two of them secured their bonnets and walked toward the gardens. Amanda admitted she thought the plan fun, but as they descended the stairs, she hastened to remind Sophie she would take no blame for the idea. “If Daniel speaks to Mother, you must confess that you devised this scheme. I doubt she will be pleased to hear we’ve made him the brunt of a joke.”
    Sophie was more than willing to take full responsibility for their afternoon of diversion. Other than needlework or reading, there was little else to occupy her time. Wesley had accompanied Lord Illiff to a distant farm to purchase another horse, and they weren’t expected to return until evening. Indeed, the opportunity to hear Daniel’s poetic reading would be worth any reprimand her aunt could mete out.
    Winding around the far end of the garden, Sophie pointed to an opening where they could cut through the hedge. Amanda pursed her lips. “You seem to know your way around these hedges better than Lady Illiff.”
    Sophie grinned.