The Reluctant Countess by Wendy Vella Page A

dear.”
    Sophie quickly rushed into an explanation about Ginny and her current predicament. When she finished, Letty studied her for several seconds.
    “Are you unwell, dear?” Letty looked at the pale, pinched look on Sophie’s face, and the red-rimmed eyes.
    “Just a little bit tired, Letty. I fear my head is paining me.”
    “Hmmm,” was all the older lady said, although Sophie was in no doubt she did not believe one word.
    “I have no problem with your new maid coming to work here. However, it will be your task to make sure she fits in with the rest of the staff.”
    “Of course and thank you, Letty.…”
    “But just see that this does not happen too often,” Letty finished, cutting Sophie off.
    Needing a diversion, Sophie looked at the small brown parcel Letty held in her hand. “Is that for me?”
    “Yes, it was delivered sometime this morning while we were both out, dear.”
    “Is Timmy still sleeping?”
    “Yes, and I am just going to have an afternoon nap myself,” Letty added. “As I am sure the theater will be quite tiring.”
    “Oh, the theater.”
    “Come, Sophie, you have been waiting weeks for this night.”
    “Yes of course, Letty, I am just tired,” Sophie said, as she battled with the thought of seeing the Earl of Coulter again so soon. At least she would have Amelia for company this evening, and Amelia could always be relied upon to make Sophie laugh.
    “Oh, and Sophie.” Letty looked over her shoulder as she turned to leave.
    Sophie raised her eyes from the package and Letty could see the dark smudges beneath. Even standing in her dressing gown with a tea stain on the lapel, the girl was stunning, although perhaps a little more approachable than the countess she portrayed herself to be when she left the house.
    “If you need to talk about what has upset you, you know where I am,” Letty added before slipping into her room.
    Sophie shook her head as she too returned to her room. She had not known Letty long, yet her sister-in-law already knew her better than her own mother had.
    Sitting on the side of her bed, she looked at the package. A shiver ran the length of her spine as she studied the spiky, uneven handwriting. It was familiar to her, yet she could not recall where she had seen it before and for some reason Sophie was terrified of what she would find inside. Pulling one of the ties, she slowly unwrapped it.
    “No!” The cry flew from her lips as she looked at the piece of white fabric. Touching it with a trembling finger, Sophie felt her stomach roll. How was it possible? Drawing a deep, steadying breath, she searched the folds for what she sought, and turning over one of the long ties she read the initials S.B. A small square of paper was tucked inside. She looked at it for several seconds and then, smoothing the note, 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. After losing her innocence this morning to Lord Coulter and now this, her insides were a quivering mess. Someone knew who she was and she had an idea who that someone was. The note had said not to tell anyone and she would not take the risk of speaking with Letty until she knew just what the sender ofthis package wanted from her. Letty would be consumed with unearthing the culprit, as there was little doubting it was a prelude to blackmail. What other reason could anyone have to send her her old apron? She felt nausea rise again; her very existence was about to come tumbling down around her ears.
    “Oh Letty, I knew it was too good to be true,” Sophie whispered, reaching for one of her pillows. Hugging it close, she wondered how Letty would cope with the exposure. How would she feel once society, which she loved to be part of,