It was unsettling, to say the least, not to mention a plane of surrealism that she couldn't even comprehend. Sophia never thought she would see the day where her sister and the biggest mistake of her lifetime walked hand in hand, yet here that very odd day had come.

Colette and the Marquess were walking in front of her, several feet apart as custom dictated but yet still walking together and chattering. It was mainly Colette doing the talking, but regardless, something about the scene twisted something in Sophia.

She, as the chaperone was trailing behind them and keeping a watchful eye. Even that seemed unusual. Her being a chaperone after being felled from society-it felt like a cosmic joke. Alessandra told Colette first of the chaperone change and she had been quick to inform the Marquess of the venue and chaperone change. He barely seemed perturbed by it.

The thought had a flash of anger spearing through her. How dare he pretend everything was all right, that this didn't change the entire dynamic of his and Colette's courtship? How dare he pretend that their history was something they didn't even need to bring into consideration or be talked about when it was the very reason all of this had been spurred on?

Sophia shook her head. Agitation was of no use to her. There was no way she could have predicted or possibly controlled this. All she could do now was take this situation and make sure it ended up with only one possible end: Colette married and happy.

She took in a deep breath, trying to let the crisp afternoon air rejuvenate her. While the sun blazed in the sky, tickling her skin with warmth, the air still had a cool undertone. The lush greenery of the Brighton's garden made it even cooler.

Trees rose like arrows that had been shot up from the ground, the branches making a lovely protective shield almost along the gray, cobbled pathway. Roses and myrtles made the scenery pop with brilliant color and the variety of other colored buds were starkly bright against the low bushes. The gentle rhythm of a stream a few miles from where she was a gentle roar that caressed Sophia's ears. A bird flitted by her and she let out a small shriek which had the couple in front of her turn in alarm.

"Sorry. Just startled by a bird, that's all." Sophia beckoned them to go on, stilling her heartbeat that had spiked up. Sophia cast a look at her sister and suitor once again.

They were ambling down the pathway once more and although they were not quite touching, but the proximity and intimacy of their conversation was deep enough for Sophia to feel acutely alone. Sophia felt it like a punch in the stomach-the truth that she would always be completely and wholly alone.

Sophia loved Colette with all her heart but she could not keep some amounts of the resentment she held for her at bay. Colette would have someone she could wake up to every day, someone to look out for her, care for her, always stay by her side. And one day, she would hold her own children and the bond between them would be so wholly unique and magical and something she had always wanted but wouldn't have-

Sophia stifled a sob. It was no fault of Colette's that she was getting the future she deserved, the future Sophia would have had if she hadn't been so impulsive. Both herself and the Marquess had played a role in her ruination. Dwelling on the past wouldn't aid her now. She had to focus, make sure Colette successfully completed her debutante period and emerged out of it with a socially known engagement.

A shrill laugh cut through the air and Sophia saw Colette amicably swat at the Marquess with her fan. Sophia couldn't help it. Something about that action, the way she could be so casual with the Marquess made her stomach roil. The lunch in her stomach she had eaten hours ago turned and she waited for her body to throw it out, but nothing came. Sophia didn't know if she was sickened by the sight of them flirting in general or just plain jealous it wasn't her.

Although she had no right to be so, her heart twanged that it wasn't her in Colette's place. The Marquess was a mistake of her past and something she had to get over. But how did you get over someone who broke down all your defenses the very first time you met? Who made life seem so much bright and every breath she took with him all the more cherished? Someone who had seen right through her, shown her kindness' and empathy and admiration. Someone who loved her intellect and sharp tongue. Someone who, even now, from yards away made every cell in her body feel like it was on fire.

And when her briefly turned around moments later to meet her with sparkling eyes and a small grin, it seemed to be explosion after explosions wreaking havoc in Sophia. She barely knew him. It was years since she had seen him. Yet, in an instance, he managed to break down every wall she had created the past five years to keep the darkness and sadness at bay and flooded it with a light and grace so beautiful that angels would weep.

How could she possibly ever overcome that?

The weight of Sophia's stare felt like they were burning holes into his back while also feeling like someone had dropped a weight the size of an elephant on his chest. Blake shuffled his feet slightly. There seemed to be no hate, sorrow or anger in that careful gaze she gave him ever since she accepted his ask for Colette's hand, but it still caused discomfort to size him. Beaded sweat painted his neck, coating his collar with musky dampness.

Noticing his state of agitation, Colette briefly touched his arm and drew away, effectively garnering his attention. "Is something the matter, my lord? You look...very restless and jittery." Colette raised the basket that had freshly baked biscuits, tea and a number of other pastries. "Should we head back to the house to consume our afternoon tea? We can dine there if you aren't feeling well." She scrunched her nose up at him in concern, her sky-blue eyes tinged with cobalt at the edges twinkling in alarm as well.

In the traditional sense, he knew that those eyes, her beautiful golden hair that was a rich blend of honey, wheat and spun gold and her perfectly delicate features would be a divine gift no man could refuse. No man would possibly ever refuse to be with her, do anything for her. She was soft and delicate, like a porcelain doll. She was the epitome of perfect yet all he could think about was Sophia.

Since the last time he had seen her, the chubbiness from her childhood had melted away, leaving everything even sharper. In the traditional sense, Colette would be considered the more beautiful of the two. Sophia's nose was a little too sharp and small, one eye smaller than the other and her cheekbones and jaw a trifle jarring with their sharpness but she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.

Even all those years he had been married to Elizabeth, he couldn't stop thinking of her. He knew it was a sin, but Sophia wasn't someone he could just forget. The way her eyelashes brushed her cheek, the way when the light hit her hair the chocolate strands amongst the raven curls glinted-

"My lord?" Colette asked again, expecting an answer.

Blake let loose a shuddering breath. "I'm sorry, my lady. I just felt a little lightheaded for a moment. I'm alright.

"I see," Colette politely replied, clearing her throat. He grew silent after her acknowledgment, a clear indication he didn't want to talk about what was preying on his mind, or rather talk at all. Colette knew that he was thinking about Sophia. It was so apparent every time she crossed his mind. Although he had tried to conceal it, every time he turned to look back at Sophia, he could see the tenderness that captured his face, the deep look of longing and wanting that were oceans deep in his eyes. When he wasn't looking at her, he would have this faraway look in his eyes, and a peaceful grin capturing the edge of his lips even when nothing she said could possibly elicit that. Colette also managed to see the vulnerable, heartbroken wanting looks her sister had thrown him in return when he wasn't looking. Given the current situation, it was so... pitiful and so... wrong on many levels, but Colette couldn't blame them.

The current between them sizzled the air between them even when they were far apart. They were connected on some ethereal plane she could not compete with. Colette would do anything to trade places with her sister because she deserved all the happiness in the world but Sophia would dig her own grave and die buried alive than let Colette ruin her reputation.

All Colette could do for now was wait and watch for events to unfold on their own. Because she knew in her heart that somehow, something would push Sophia and Blake together. Fate was a curious thing-believing in it could lead to damnation or happiness but Colette knew those two were fated to meet and be together. It was just a matter of time. And when that time came, Colette would give her blessing to both of them. They believed that they were never meant to be, but Colette wouldn't let them make that mistake. Not again like they had all those years ago. She swore it with all of her heart and soul.

If only she knew where that would lead her.

Colette, Blake and Sophia sat on the large blanket that was sprawled over several years under them. The basket full of delicacies was nearly empty now, the contents in the stomachs of the three who were bathing in the sun. None of them spoke but the silence wasn't awkward but peaceful.

Blake let the sunlight run its fingertips over his face, making a gentle glow spear through him. The wind tousled his curls slightly and provided a cool kiss to his sweating temples. It had been a while since he could simply just relax and not do anything. Being a Marquess was a lot harder than being a Viscount and even thought it had been a year since his father's passing and was ample time to learn, it didn't make it any less easier.

"My lord?" Sophia voice floated over to him and Blake blinked open his eyes.

"Yes, my lady?"

"Sorry to disturb you. You seem quite content but we should probably leave. It will get dark soon and it looks like it will pour soon."

It was true. While the sun was a golden coin in the sky, some of the sky was slowly darkening with angry gray clouds. London was unpredictable-it could go from sunny to pouring in seconds.

"Of course, my lady."

She gave him a small appreciative smile which made her nose scrunch up adorably and his heart seized.

How was she doing this to him? Every time. Every damn time.

He nodded to a dozing Colette. "We may first need to wake up your sister."

Sophia sighed and rolled her eyes heavenwards. "Every time. Every time we go on a picnic, once we finish eating, she just clambers right into the arms of sleep." Gently, she shook Colette's arms but it was to no avail. Colette continued to sleep. "And it takes forever for her to wake up."

"Seems like stubbornness runs in the family," Blake smirked.

Sophia furrowed her brows together. "How do you mean, my lord?"

He leaned forward. Although he was still several feet away from her at a proper distance, her breath still hitched. He hid a smile.

"I remember the Lady Sophia I knew years ago would frequently challenge me. Not submit to an opponent. Except," he gave her a cocky, arrogant grin, "when she finally couldn't resist anymore."

Instantly, she could she a bright redness steal her cheeks as she thought about all their intimate moments years ago. She sputtered and Blake hid a grin once more.

"Well, I suppose...you are right...in that...uh sense." Sophia turned away from him, trying to regain her composure. Her lips moved as if she was murmuring a prayer to compose herself.

"It seems Lady Colette is fast asleep and we won't be leaving soon. Tell me, Lady Sophia, do you still read?"

She gulped and he watched her throat bob delicately. "I don't think it's wise for a chaperone and a suitor to engage in conversation."

He smirked. "It's just talk, my lady. I remember you enjoyed talking about reading amongst other enjoyable things." Blake knew he shouldn't tease and flirt with her so. It was improper on so many levels but he loved seeing that blush stain her cheek, the mask she donned one fade for moments. For the oddest reason too, he could not control it. He didn't want to reign his rakish nature in.

If possible, her cheeks turned an even deeper beetroot red. She cleared her throat, her nimble gloved hands fidgeting nervously on her lap.

"Yes. I have been reading. Not much else I can do as a recluse. I even managed to read the new volume published by the Dublin Journal of Medical Science."

Blake's eyebrows shot up. "Already? Consider me impressed, my lady. I haven't been able to read it yet. Busy with my role as the Marquess."

Sophia tilted her head to the side and a loose curl slipped out from her coiffeur. He had an instant urge to tuck it behind her ear but suppressed it. One touch would be his undoing.

"In the light of everything I wasn't able to tell you that I was sorry to hear of your father's passing."

"More dictator than father but thank you."

"He was still your father. It's not easy to lose a parental figure and it does make the loss any less horrid, regardless of who he was." She smiled at him and Blake was transported, for a moment, back to the time he had said something along those lines.

"You are too kind, my lady."

As her grin widened, he knew she too was recalling that moment. He didn't know what to make of the fact that that thought made his heart practically glow.

"Tell me about this Journal. What did they say in it?"

While Colette was generally more talkative, when Sophia was asked about something she had read, she could go on for hours without stopping. And he could go on for hours listening to her, for her and the content about medicine which we had always loved were both fascinating.

He loved seeing the twinkle in her crystal eyes as she described what the journal had published, the way her soft, pink lips moved as she caressed the syllable of every word. Her skin and face seemed to glow with every passing moment and he realized with sudden clarity that she had barely anyone who would listen to her like this, find her knowledge entertaining. An odd sadness stole his heart for a moment.

They had barely realized the sun had started going down. Blake periodically asked her questions-all of which she knew the answer too and seemed proud to know as well-and she quizzed him to see if he was listening. Which he was...for the most part when he wasn't observing the curve of her neck or the gentle slope of her shoulders. While most of the moments they had shared had always been charged and exciting the peacefulness and the contentment of this one felt just as heartwarming.

Right as Sophia was going to go to the uses and disuses of mercury, Colette stirred rubbing her eyes sleepily.

"Oh, dear lord. Sorry I slept off."

Sophia immediately pushed her sister's curls behind her head out of impulse and handed her some water they had brought in a flask. Colette smacked her dry lips.

"Thank you, Soph. Now, it's better if we leave. Sorry I made it much later than we should have. We must return home before it gets even darker."

The three of them quickly packed everything and folded the blanket, placing it in the basket. Customarily, Colette and Blake walked together in front and Sophia took the role of chaperone and walked behind them as they made their way back home. Although Blake knew he should talk to Colette, all he could think about was the past couple hours he had spent with Sophia and how, more than every other moment he had spent in her company, this was one that was the most meaningful and the one he would carry until the end of his days.

What do you think about Colette? Selfless or filled with ulterior motives? And what did you think of a completely wholesome moment between our star couple?

Readers! Thank you for taking the time to read this chapter! Be sure to vote, comment and share it with others! Every single thing means the world to me! I love you all!