Chapter 3

I folded the letter and put it away in the box.

Hold on, sweetheart.

I have an even bigger surprise waiting for you.

When Gabrielle heard I was trying to set her up with Terry, she showed up at my place that very night, carrying a box of pastries.

"I made these cakes just for you. Please try them," she said, setting the box on the table, her eyes curving into crescent moons. "You've always been so good to me, and honestly, I have no idea how to repay you. So I thought I'd make you some treats to show my gratitude."

I picked up a piece and took a bite. "Not bad. Sweet but not overwhelming. You're really talented," I said, nodding.

Gabrielle sat down across from me, looking like she wanted to say something but kept hesitating.

I smiled. "Come on, just spill it. We're a family; no need to keep secrets between us."

"Sophia..." She bit her lip. "Did Terry... agree?"

"Him?" I blinked, then burst out laughing.

"Silly girl, what man would ever say no to something like this? Don't worry, I've already talked to Terry, and he's over the moon."

Gabrielle's cheeks turned pink as she lowered her head, nervously playing with the hem of her dress. "So... when do you think is the right time for me to, you know, make it official?"

"What's the rush?" I said, lifting my cup. "We need to pick a good day for something like this. I've already asked the butler to make the arrangements. Besides, you just got here. Take your time to settle in—it's always easier once you really become part of the family."

Gabrielle nodded, then looked up at me, her eyes red with emotion. "Sophia, I never had a real sister growing up. Ever since I came here, you've been so good to me. I honestly wish I could do anything for you for the rest of my life..."

"Don't be silly," I said, patting her hand. "You're my cousin. Who else should I be good to if not you?"

After Gabrielle left, Eugenia came in to clear the cups, muttering under her breath, "Ma'am, did you see how pleased she looked? She's acting like she owns the place already."

"She does," I said leisurely. "She's going to be Terry's concubine. How could she not own the place?"

Eugenia just pouted and kept quiet.

The next day, Gabrielle came to me, saying she wanted to check out the market in the south of the city.

"Sophia, I heard the market down south is super lively; there's acrobatics, opera, and all kinds of delicious food and fun stuff," she said, clinging to my arm and acting all cute. "Will you come with me?"

"I've got things to do today, so I can't go," I said, shaking my head. After thinking for a moment, I added, "How about this? I'll have some of the servants go with you. I'll pick a few sharp ones, so you'll have someone to look after you."

Gabrielle's eyes sparkled. "Really?"

"Of course," I said, calling for Ivor. I told him to pick out two strong young attendants, and then had the steward give Gabrielle twenty silver coins. "Buy whatever you want. Don't hold back."

Gabrielle left with a huge grin on her face, absolutely thrilled.

By evening, she returned, her arms loaded with packages.

"Sophia, check out this rouge. Isn't it gorgeous? I bought it from a shop in the south of the city, and the owner swore it's top-notch," she said, showing me the box. "And look at this—this sachet, the cloth is just exquisite..."

I glanced at the rouge. It was definitely good stuff, just as good as the ones I usually use.

"What kind of person is the shop owner? He's got a sharp eye," I asked offhandedly.

Gabrielle's cheeks flushed slightly. "He's just... a young guy, actually. Pretty handsome, too..."

I looked at her and smiled. "Oh? Looks like you'll have to visit him again and help out his business next time."

A few days later, Gabrielle came to me again, saying she wanted to burn incense at the temple.

"Sophia, I heard St. John Church is super blessed. I want to go and pray for peace and safety for you and Terry," she said.

I thought for a moment. "St. John Church really is a good place, but it's a bit far. I'd worry if you went by yourself."

"It's alright, really. Those two guys from last time were great; just let them come with me again," Gabrielle said.

I nodded. "Alright then. Oh, and there's an academy behind St. John Church on the hill. I heard the scenery is beautiful; if you have time after, feel free to take a look."

Gabrielle paused for a moment. "An academy?"

"Yeah, there's a painter there. He's really talented, and lots of families send their kids to study with him," I said, taking a sip of wine. "But honestly, it's not the sort of place for a young lady like you. Better not go."

Gabrielle nodded, though something flashed in her eyes.

By evening, Gabrielle came back with a stack of books in her hands.

"Sophia, I came across a book vendor on my way home. Some poetry books caught my eye, so I picked them up," she said, handing them over. "Want to check them out?"