The morning light filtered softly through the tall windows of the Fiennes drawing room, catching on the pale blue upholstery and the polished wood of the writing desk where Sophia had abandoned a half-read volume the night before. She sat near the window now, posture relaxed but alert, her engagement ring glinting faintly as if it were still an unfamiliar thing.
Laughter announced the arrival of her friends long before the footman finished opening the doors.
Ian entered first, composed as ever, though his eyes softened when he saw her. Earnest followed, smiling shyly, and Jeremy—inevitably—came last, already mid-sentence.
"So," Jeremy said cheerfully, settling himself into a chair as though he owned the house, "now that you are officially engaged, I assume your schedule has cleared enough for us to finally discuss Alexandria."
Sophia blinked. "I beg your pardon?"
