SOPHIE WAITED FOR Topper to finish his lunch and then decided to rest before the party. She knew tonight was going to be a late one and she didn’t want to miss any of it. She wanted to be alert and enjoy every minute.

Sophie had been asleep for what felt like less than a minute when a scraping noise woke her, and she opened her eyes to find Christine leading Betty into the room with a bathtub. “Good afternoon, Sophie. Time to wake up and get pretty for the party.”

“Ugh, Christine, what time is it?” Sophie groaned.

“It’s about four-thirty.” Christine closed the door. “Come and take a warm bath, you’ll feel better.”

Sophie eased out of bed, disrobed, and climbed into the tub. As the water flowed around her body, she inhaled deeply, the scent of oranges filling her nose, and she smiled as her lethargy left her body. She couldn’t think of anything she loved more than oranges. Christine was right. She did feel better.

Sophie sighed. “This is heaven.”

The lit fire made the bedroom almost too warm, so Christine opened a window, just a crack.

“Can I just stay here all night? I’m not sure if I’m up for a crowd tonight.” Sophie stretched her legs and settled her feet on the edge of the copper tub.

Christine laughed. “I share your feelings. But for now, let’s get that hair of yours washed. If we don’t start now, we might miss the party,” she joked—sort of. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone with as much hair as you.”

Once Sophie’s hair was washed, Christine wrapped it in a towel, and then Sophie stepped out of the tub and grabbed another towel for her body. She decided not to get dressed completely and stood behind Christine, who had slipped out of her day dress and into a robe.

Styling Christine’s strawberry blonde locks into a simple chignon, Sophie placed a ribbon over her crown like a headband, leaving the ends trailing down her back. Christine’s hair was all one length, but instead of parting it in the middle, as was the style of the day, Sophie swept it straight back off her forehead.

“Sophie, it’s beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it before. Where did you learn to do this?” Christine gushed.

“I used to wear my hair like this all the time.”

Sophie didn’t mention that it was how she would control her locks when she competed in horse shows. She had to be able to set her riding helmet or top hat on her head, so had to have a style that worked for both.

“Your turn.” Christine stood to trade places with Sophie. “Where are the ribbons that Madame sent over with the dress?”

“I think Elizabeth put them in the wardrobe.”

Christine collected the velvet ribbons and styled Sophie’s hair by pulling her locks loosely up and slightly away from her face. Leaving a few long curls cascading down her back, she stalled when she couldn’t figure out what to do with Sophie’s bangs, as they had begun to get quite long. In the end, she swept them to the side again and Sophie tucked them behind an ear.

It was now time for the gowns, so Sophie tightened Christine’s corset first, then helped her step into a pink chiffon dress, with layers of material that gave the skirt an almost ruffled effect. The top was a crisscross style, off the shoulder and came to a V at her waist. With Christine’s hair and skin, it suited her perfectly.

Once Christine was ready, she tightened Sophie’s corset and helped her on with her skirt. Sophie yanked at the top. It gave them a bit of trouble, particularly because it was even more revealing than the copper one. She was thankful her sleeves weren’t as tight across her shoulders. They lay on her arms in a droop fashion that gave her more room to move, but she still felt a bit exposed.

Sophie tried a few windmills with her arms and everything stayed where it was supposed to be, so she decided not to worry about falling out. She went over to the full-length mirror and took a deep breath. If she could have designed her perfect dress, it would have never come close to the magnificence of this one. She felt beautiful.

“Christine. It’s incredible.” She twirled around. “I love my hair, I love the dress, I love it all. I don’t know how to thank you.”

“Nonsense, it’s an early birthday present. You look beautiful and that’s the best thanks I can receive.”

The girls left the room and headed downstairs. Sophie’s stomach fluttered in anticipation as they made their way to the ballroom. They took their place in the receiving line, outside the large double doors, along with Michael and Nona, and greeted guests as they arrived.

“Where’s Topper?”

Michael rolled his eyes. “He refused to attend.”

“Oh, well.” Sophie shrugged and turned to greet the new wave of guests. Richard arrived a little past six o’clock and as he made his way to the receiving area, he smiled deeply. Sophie smiled in return. “Good evening, Richard.”

Lifting her hands to his lips, he kissed each one. “Sophie, you look exquisite.”

“Thank you. You look very nice yourself.”

As they continued to make small talk, they heard voices and booted footsteps in the hallway. A group of soldiers entered the anteroom where everyone stood. Richard turned and walked over to the group. Sophie and Christine continued to greet guests and as the crowd lulled, they talked for a few minutes about the hospital and one of their favorite patients.

Their conversation was quickly interrupted when Richard walked back to them. “Sophie, Christine, I’d like you to meet 1^st Lieutenant James Emerson.”

The soldier walked forward to greet the girls, and Sophie grabbed Christine’s hand, squeezing it in panic. “Oh!” Sophie raised a gloved hand to her mouth.

“Sophie?” Christine asked, concerned. “Are you all right?”

The man stared at her like he recognized her but couldn’t quite place her.

Sophie’s eyes filled with tears. “Jamie.” Pitching forward, she dropped like a stone.

The lieutenant reacted instantly and caught her before she hit the ground.

“Bring her into the parlor,” Christine suggested. “Nona, you and Michael stay here and continue to greet people. I’ll tend to Sophie. I don’t want to draw attention if we can avoid it.” Christine walked into the parlor. Richard followed.

The lieutenant laid Sophie on the sofa and then reluctantly stood back as Christine moved to sit beside her. “Sophie?”

“Hm,” she mumbled and slowly opened her eyes. “What happened?”

“You fainted.”

Sophie waved her hand dismissively in the air as she sat up. “I don’t faint, Christine.”

Before Christine could comment, Sophie turned her head and with a smile a mile wide, she stood and made her way to the lieutenant. “You look amazing. A little scruffy... but, still, amazing.” She wrapped her hands around his waist and laid her head on his shoulder. “Jamie.” She sighed and closed her eyes.

The lieutenant stood stiff with his arms out, obviously uncertain how to react.

“What’s wrong?” Sophie looked up at him.

“I don’t know you.”

Sophie snorted. “Don’t joke, Jamie.”

“Ma’am, I’m sorry, I don’t know you.”

Sophie let out a nervous giggle. “It’s me, baby.”

At his sad look, she dropped her arms quickly, humiliation overtaking her as tears filled her eyes. Wiping her hands nervously over her skirt, Sophie swallowed. “Sir, I’m so sorry. You look identical to my husband.” His hair was longer, and he had a full beard, but he still looked exactly like him.

“I’m sorry.”

She put her hands over her face, mortified. “You must think I’m crazy.”

Richard pulled her into his arms. “James, I must apologize for Sophie. She has recently lost her husband and the grief has been overwhelming.”

Sophie pushed her way out of his arms. “Don’t you dare apologize for me, Richard Madden. I am perfectly capable of speaking for myself.” Turning back to the lieutenant, she forced a smile. “Lieutenant, again, I am very sorry. I just cannot get over your resemblance to my husband, Jamie. You even sound like him.”

“No need to apologize, ma’am. It’s perfectly all right. It’s not every day that a beautiful woman walks up and puts her arms around me.”

“Shall we make our way into the ballroom?” Richard asked.

“I need a minute.” Sophie, unable to drag her eyes away from the Lieutenant, grabbed for Christine’s hand.

Christine stayed with her as the men left the room and headed for the party. “Are you all right?”

“No, I’m not. That man looks exactly like Jamie. How is that even possible? He could be his twin.”

“If he was Jamie, he would know you—wouldn’t he? From what you’ve told me about him, if he knew you were close by, he wouldn’t hesitate to find you. It can’t possibly be him.”

“But he even has the same name.” Sophie pulled away and began to pace. “That can’t be a coincidence.”

Christine smiled. “Sophie, there are many men named James in the army. It’s a common name.”

Sophie sighed. “You’re probably right. His hair is quite a bit longer than Jamie’s and he has a full beard. Jamie was always a stickler with the razor. I have never seen him with a beard, or hair not perfectly trimmed.”

Christine nodded. “There you go. I bet if he cut his hair and shaved off the beard, the lieutenant wouldn’t even look like Jamie.”

Just then, Richard strode into the parlor. “Sophie, are you feeling better?”

Sophie rolled her eyes. “Yes, Richard, I’m fine. Sorry I snapped at you. I know you were only trying to help.”

“Are you ready to come back to the party?”

Sophie forced her feet forward and walked with Richard and Christine out of the parlor. Just before they entered the ballroom, Sophie took a deep breath, put her shoulders back, and tried to conjure up courage she simply didn’t feel. She could do this. She had to.

* * *

James stood with Mitch and watched Sophie walk into the room with Richard. Tall and curvy, she was just about perfect in his opinion. He’d almost lost his composure when she’d walked up and put her arms around his waist. As she crushed her full breasts to his chest and laid her head on his shoulder, he’d had a flash of a memory and felt overwhelming love. He just had no idea what it meant.

“Who do you think she is?” Mitch asked.

James narrowed his eyes. “I’ve no idea.”

“She’s magnificent.”

James turned his head slowly with a warning scowl. “You’ll go nowhere near her.”

“Hm. No, I don’t suppose I will.” Mitch chuckled. “Come on, Jimmy. Let’s get a drink.”

James let Mitch drag him to the refreshment table and slid back into his thoughts.

Whoever this Jamie fellow was, he was a lucky man. James’s focus drifted back to Sophie and he felt a small flutter of jealousy when he noticed her hand gripping Richard’s arm. He had to admit, he was surprised by the emotion. He’d just met this woman. He laid no claim. Yet he couldn’t shake the feeling that she was significant somehow. He had every intention of investigating that significance. He just had to figure out how.

James watched as Richard released Christine’s hand and then turned to Sophie. Sophie looked up at him with a small grimace and James’s ire rose as Richard took his free hand and placed it over hers with a reassuring pat. She looked like she was trying desperately not to flee.

Sophie and Richard joined the Simmonds family, who were sitting at one side of the large ballroom. Andrew rose as they approached and offered Sophie his chair. She sat down and Richard laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

James wanted to be Richard. He needed to be near her.

* * *

Sophie ran her finger over her wedding band, despite the fact that it was covered by a silk glove. The action gave her comfort, even if it was minor.

What am I supposed to do now?

As soon as she felt as though she was coming to grips with what happened to her, there was a wrench thrown in for good measure. She was lost in her thoughts when the Lieutenant approached the group. Richard introduced him to the family, and Sophie couldn’t do anything but stare at him. She didn’t know what to say. He could seriously be Jamie’s identical twin. Maybe he was a distant relative.

She did notice that he darted several looks in her direction. She lowered her head slightly so he wouldn’t catch her gaze.

The poor man probably thinks I’m a loon and should stay very far away from me.

Her thoughts were interrupted by warm breath in her ear. “If I leave you briefly, will you be all right?” Richard asked.

Wanting to smack his face away, Sophie stifled a growl. “I’m fine, Richard, really.”

“I can stay.”

Sophie gritted her teeth. “Go,” and then under her breath, “away.”

Watching the men as Richard left her to introduce James to a few key people, her stomach churned. Every time the lieutenant shook hands, smiled, or quite frankly, moved any part of his body, she had flashes of Jamie. She turned when Christine walked over to her.

“How are you?”

“I’m fine.” Sophie stood before Christine could sit down. “Do you think we could step outside and take a little walk? It’s stifling in here.”

“Yes, definitely.”

The girls left through the side door and with linked arms, started walking. The night air was cool, and a breeze created a slight bite to the air, so Sophie pulled her shawl closer to her shoulders as the girls let out a collective sigh, enjoying the breathing room.

“This is so much better. I didn’t know if I could have stayed in that ballroom for much longer.” Sophie sighed. “And not just because of the heat.”

Christine smiled gently. The girls ended up at the stables. Sophie always seemed to find herself here whenever she was deep in thought. There were a few lanterns lit as she led Christine into the barn and, as was her habit, towards Samson’s stall. The horse popped his head out and nuzzled her hand.

“Are you feeling better, Sophie?” Christine made her way to Gentle Ben’s stall.

“Other than total and complete confusion, you mean? I’m great.”

“I’m sorry.”

Sophie kissed Samson’s muzzle. “Just when I thought I could start to let Jamie go, his look-a-like walks through the door just to mess with me.” She laughed a little at the absurdity.

“Yes, it is strange.” Christine handed her horse a sugar cube.

Hearing noise to their left, the girls turned to see two men staggering towards them. They appeared to be dirty and very drunk.

“Well, well. Good evening ladies, you appear to be all by yourselves. Would you like some company?”

Christine and Sophie darted nervous glances at each other.

“We were just leaving.” Sophie grasped Christine’s hand.

“Aw, now, come on, ladies. We can offer you something that the party can’t,” said the larger of the two.

“No, thank you, we’ll take our leave now.” Christine started to pull Sophie towards the barn doors. They had to pass the men to leave the stables, and as they walked by the large one, he reached out and grabbed Sophie’s arm.

“Don’t hurry away on our account.” He yanked her toward him.

“Let go of me!” Sophie tried to pull her arm away from him. He wouldn’t let go.

“You’re real pretty. I bet you never had anyone like me before.”

“You’re right. I’ve never had an ugly, smelly drunk before and I have no intention of having one now. Release me.”

Despite her bluster, Sophie’s panic rose as the man held her tighter. She and Christine stupidly hadn’t told anyone where they were going. Despite Jamie’s intensive tutelage in basic mixed martial arts training, she didn’t know if she could defend herself in her heavy skirts. She tried to think of a way to get out of this.

Christine started to pull her toward the barn doors, when his just-as-ugly friend grabbed her and pulled her away from Sophie. He held her arms from behind so that she couldn’t get free of him. Christine screamed but with the music and laughter in the ballroom, Sophie didn’t think anyone would hear them. Samson whinnied loudly, visibly upset. Pounding his hoof, he kicked out and managed to kick a hole in his stall door.

The big smelly one pulled Sophie in front of him and pushed her up against one of the stalls. Leaning his head down, he tried to kiss her, the smell of his rancid, alcoholic breath turning her stomach. Moving her head away, she deflected as much as she could and felt bile rising in her throat as he tried to kiss her again.

“Get your hands off me, asshole.” Sophie slammed her head against him. She tried for a head-butt, however only managed to clip him on the chin and give herself a headache. She tried to kick as hard as she could but she couldn’t get any momentum in her hoop skirt and tight bodice.

Slapping her hard across the face, he fattened her lip and she could taste blood. “Quit fightin’ me, bitch! You might be uppity and rich, but you’re all the same in the end. You’re going to like this.”

Squeezing her eyes shut, Sophie closed her mouth tight and tried to keep him from kissing her. All of a sudden, she felt a tug and then he no longer held her in his filthy grip. She opened her eyes when she heard flesh connecting with bone and turned to see the big smelly drunk passed out on the floor of the barn. The lieutenant stood over him, shaking out his hand.

She turned to see Richard pull the other one off of Christine and grasp her upper arms. “Are you all right?”

“Yes.” Christine braced herself against his chest. “Thank you both for the assistance.”

“What the hell were you thinking coming all the way out here by yourselves? Have you lost your minds? Why didn’t you tell anyone where you were going? Why didn’t you come and ask me to escort you?” Richard ranted.

“Richard, you were otherwise engaged and neither one of us came here alone. We had no reason to think anything like that would happen.” Christine stepped away from him.