Sofia didn't take long to dress, and her brown hair dried quickly. She wasn't at all a vain young woman. She only looked in the mirror to apply powder and lipstick.
"Are you going somewhere?" Edgar asked her as he saw her descending the stairs in a beautiful blue dress.
"To the dressmaker," the young woman replied.
"It wasn't my intention to catch you unprepared for tomorrow's party," Edgar said.
"I left all my best clothes at home."
"But this is a beautiful dress," Edgar insisted.
"I'm not sure if you're complimenting the dress because you genuinely like it, or if it's just a way to avoid praising my figure."
"What?" Edgar chuckled. "Your figure is splendid, but this dress also has its merits."
The girl didn't answer. She wasn't expecting any compliments from Mr. Scott. She blushed and quickly jumped into the carriage, helped by the coachman, who kindly extended his hand. Inside the carriage, Nanny was already waiting for her.
"Did you argue again?" asked the grandmother as the carriage slowly began to move.
"Not at all," Sofia replied. "He only complimented me on this dress."
"And he hasn't seen you in the dress we'll pick out today," Nanny smiled, satisfied.
"I don't think Edgar Scott knows much about dresses," Sofia said, gazing at the landscape through the window. Slowly, the redness began to fade from her cheeks, and she was happy about it.
"Did you read the letter?" the grandmother asked.
"What letter?"
"The invitation."
"No."
"Then what are you waiting for?"
The girl took the letter from her purse, opened it, and read its contents.
"What does it say?" asked Nanny.
The girl didn't respond but passed her the letter.
"You know I don't have the eyes to read it. Read it to me."
Sofia cleared her throat and read it all in one breath:
"Dear Miss Swan, it is not often that one encounters a woman as intelligent as you. I must admit it was a pleasure meeting you, and it is just as delightful to have you as a guest in my home. I know that you love books. It's written all over your face. I also know which ones you've had your eye on. Yes, I am a keen observer. I'm writing this letter not to flatter you nor to flatter myself, but simply to invite you to your first society ball. Hoping I've done something you'll appreciate, I kindly ask that you dedicate the first dance to me.
Peace?
Yours, Edgar Scott."
"He's better at writing than speaking," Nanny said.
Sofia's cheeks were once again flushed.
"He knows which books I want," she said.
"Could you think of something other than books?"
"But he put them up high so I can't reach them!"
"The library will be public starting tomorrow," Nanny said. "You can take them as much as you want."
"But others will be able to take them too," Sofia pointed out.
"There's a man courting you, and you're still thinking about books! I can't believe it!"
"Edgar Scott is not courting me!"
"Tell him that."
The girl grew thoughtful. A smile briefly illuminated her face. It showed satisfaction. But then, she remembered all the arguments and provocations. She shook her head in denial and turned to stare at the landscape once more.