An Unexpected Love by Tracie Peterson, Judith Miller Read Free Book Online Page A

moment. It had given her great pleasure to see Paul’s mother correct his behavior. And Sophie didn’t fail to note that he didn’t appear to accept correction any more than she did.
    Once Paul had disappeared into the crowd, Mrs. Medford returned her attention to Sophie. “Now, what was it you were telling me, dear?”
    “I dislike the way Paul interferes in my life. He thinks I need his guidance.” Sophie looked heavenward. “I plan to have fun, and the last thing I want is someone telling me how to behave.”
    “I know you may not believe me now, but one day you will realize there is much more to life than fun, Sophie.” The older woman’s eyes shone with kindness, and she patted Sophie’s hand. “No matter our age, all of us need guidance from time to time, even an old woman such as me.”
    Sophie dropped back in her chair. “Your mother still requires you to follow her rules?”
    With a gentle laugh, the older woman shook her head. “No, but I do attempt to live by the conventions my parents taught me. More importantly, I do my best to live by the rules God has put in place for all of us.” Her tone exuded warmth rather than condemnation.
    The topic of God and His rules caused Sophie to squirm a bit. She didn’t care to dwell upon what God might think of her behavior, for if it aligned with the thoughts of other authority figures in her life, she’d be considered a heathen.
    “As for Paul’s behavior, I believe he is simply attempting to protect you from possible harm. Right or wrong, we are judged by our behavior, and Paul appears concerned about your reputation.”
    “Paul need not worry himself over my reputation. I can—”
    “Well, someone needs to, for you’re doing nothing to protect your family name or your own character,” Paul interjected. He placed two cups of punch on the table.
    His words stung, and Sophie pushed away from the table. “If you will excuse me, Mrs. Medford. I don’t believe you or your son should be seen in my company.” Sophie stood and grasped several folds of her silk gown in one hand before drawing near to Paul. “I wouldn’t want to besmirch your fine name, Paul.”
    She turned on her heel and hastened across the room in search of Amanda and Fanny. Neither was on the dance floor, and she hadn’t seen them since much earlier in the evening. While silently chiding herself for not keeping a closer watch, she strolled onto the deck. She’d nearly given up hope of finding them when she heard a hissing whisper.
    “Over here, Sophie!”
    She strained to see in the darkness and nearly tripped on a deck chair. “Is that you, Fanny?”
    “Yes. And Amanda, too.”
    Sophie peered into the darkened space they’d created for themselves behind several deck chairs and a small table. They had draped a piece of tarp or blanket, she couldn’t be certain which, to help conceal their whereabouts. Careful to hold her skirts close to keep the fabric from snagging on one of the wooden deck chairs, Sophie wended her way to their makeshift hideaway. “What are you two doing back here?”
    “Fanny is trying to avoid Daniel while I do my best to maintain a proper lookout,” Amanda said.
    “Do come out of there. I don’t want to ruin my dress or my coiffure. Moreover, we shouldn’t be required to hide. We’re supposed to be having fun.” Sophie motioned them toward the railing. The moon cast a shimmering light upon the water as the ship cut through the ocean, leaving a wide trail of white foam in its wake.
    “You appear to be annoyed,” Amanda said. “Did one of those young men escape without asking you for a dance?”
    Sophie flicked her fan on Amanda’s arm. “No need for barbed remarks. Paul has already delivered far too many for one evening. That man is a total bore!” She stood on tiptoe, leaned over the railing, peered into the water, and giggled. “Perhaps the two of you could help me toss him overboard.”
    Amanda’s lips parted and formed a wide