“But there’s something I need to tell you…”
“It can wait.”
“No, I really want you to know. I talked to Evan, and we both agree—we want to name the second baby girl Sophie.”
“Sophie?” Her heart did a pitter-patter, and she warmed. “I’m honored, of course, but I thought you hated both our names because they came from our father.” She and Ally had both been named after their father—Angus Alexander Sophocles MacIntyre, the Earl of Longarry.
“How can I hate the name of the closest person to me in the world? We’ve decided to name her after you, after the maid who delivered her, and after Dr. Michael Blake who…saved my life. Sophie Elspeth Michaela.”
Sophie’s eyes misted. “It’s a lovely name, Ally. Beautiful, even.”
“Little Sophie is a miracle, a delightful surprise we didn’t expect. And that’s how I feel about you, Sophie. You taking the role in that production—you’re going to find that it leads to many surprises that you never expected. I think it’s already led to some.”
Sophie couldn’t deny what Ally said. She had so much talk to her sister about, beginning with Zach’s offer to court her. Imagine, a man as handsome and talented as Zachary Newland wanted to court her? But Ally’s energy was waning. Their sisterly talk would have to wait.
Evan entered from the sitting room. “I think that’s enough, my love. You need to rest.”
Ally nodded. “Yes, Evan, I am indeed exhausted. Thank you for bringing Sophie to me.”
“Anything for you, my Alexandra,” Evan said. “Thank you for giving me two precious little daughters.”
Sophie became uncomfortable. This was a moment for Ally to be sharing with her husband. She quietly stole out of the bedchamber and out of the suite.
She knew now, in all her heart, that Ally would be all right. She would recover, and though she may feel the loss of her womb, her two little daughters would heal her heart and soul.
She smiled, wandering into the nursery adjoining Evan and Ally’s suite. Time to dote on Maureen and little Sophie.
* * *
Sophie woke early to Hannah’s rapping on her door. She had asked the maid to wake her at six in the morning, so she could ready herself for rehearsal.
Goodness, the life of a working girl! Never a life she had imagined for herself, but she found herself strangely rising to the challenge and looking forward to it. With Hannah’s help, she bathed, dressed, did her hair, and then descended for a light breakfast.
Only the earl was up at this hour. “Good morning, Sophie,” he said jovially. “I understand you will be going to the theatre this morning for rehearsal.”
“Yes, I’m a little frightened but looking forward to it. Is there any news on Ally this morning?”
“Blake tells me she’s going to be fine. We’re glad of that. And I’m thrilled with my two new granddaughters. I hear one is to be your namesake.”
Sophie warmed. “Yes, I was quite touched when Ally told me.”
“A beautiful name it is, just like the first in the family to carry it.” He gave her a wink.
She warmed again, remembering that Zach would be coming sometime soon to talk to the earl about courting her. She still couldn’t wrap her mind around that one. Did she even want to be courted? Yes, she did. And God help her, she wanted more…adventures with Zach.
But this morning was all about work. After a scone and some tea, she rose and excused herself.
“A coach is waiting to take you into town to the theatre,” the earl said with a smile. “We are all very much looking forward to your debut, Sophie.”
Sophie nodded, too nervous to answer. She nearly stumbled walking out the door, so skittish she was. The coachman helped her into the lavish coach, and soon they were off, the horses clopping down the dirt roads, taking her off the estate and toward the city of Bath. Sophie shivered the whole way. It was late April, and she was dressed appropriately, but still she quivered, her nerves not allowing her peace. She hoped she had not made a huge mistake agreeing to take this role.
After what seemed like hours, the coach finally arrived in front of the Regal Theatre. The coachman helped Sophie down and escorted her in. The doorman welcomed her and showed her where to go. All performers were to head into the theatre itself and sit in the audience chairs, where Zach and the director would tell them what they would be doing today.
Sophie walked nervously toward the theatre when an arm grabbed her from behind and pulled her into a secluded corner. She looked into the blue eyes of Miss Nanette Lloyd.
“You may be Zach’s flavor du jour, my lady, but I assure you it’s only a matter of time until I am back as lead soprano…and as his lead performer in the bedchamber.”
Zach had slept with Nanette? Of course, Sophie shouldn’t be surprised. She had caught them in that clench.