INSTANTLY, Sophia wished the ground would open up and swallow her whole. She felt an overpowering urge to flee, either back into the room to lock herself away, or straight out of the house altogether. Her pulse raced, her knees felt weak.

This was one of the last people she had ever hoped to see, not this morning, not any morning, not even ever.

Lady Frances sat rigidly at the dining table, her gaze fixed on Sophia, sharp and unyielding. The older woman’s eyes seemed to pierce through her, the weight of her presence making Sophia’s stomach tighten painfully. Fear gripped her chest like a vice.

She couldn’t speak. Not...