Duchess Sofia

Chapter 2

Sophia relished her 8 o'clock breakfast of soft bread, thinly sliced beef, and fresh fish soup, tailored to her young appetite. With no need for a lavish spread, she dined alone each morning while the rest of the household slumbered. Her siblings, George and Henry, aged 7 and 6, adhered to their parents' nocturnal habits, defying convention with their late starts and leisurely lunches.

In their eyes, Sophia's disciplined routine marked her as odd—a deviation from the norm. Initially adored for her docility, their affection waned as Sophia's differences became more apparent.

At 1:40 in the afternoon, Sophia sat poised in the dining room, awaiting the arrival of her brothers. Clad in pajamas, George and Henry finally appeared, their distinctive blond hair and prominent foreheads distinguishing them from one another.

"Starving! Let's see when Father's joining us," George proclaimed, instructing a servant to fetch Sophia.

"Sophia, protocol dictates you rise when we enter," George chided, focusing his attention on her.

Sophia complied, rising to greet them politely. Unwilling to exacerbate tensions within the household, she acquiesced to their demands, biding her time until they matured enough to recognize her worth.

Shortly after, the Duke of Clarence, clad in pajamas, entered, signaling the commencement of lunch. With the butler's assistance, he settled at the head of the table, flanked by George and Henry. Sophia occupied the opposite end, near their mother, Mrs. Jordan.

Lunch commenced at 2 o'clock, with an array of dishes gracing the table. While Sophia abstained from the more exotic offerings, focusing on her meal in silence, her family indulged in a feast of meats and delicacies.

As lunch drew to a close, Mrs. Jordan regaled the table with tales of the previous evening's ball, particularly highlighting the attendance of the Duchess of Devonshire and her daughter.

"Duchess of Devonshire? Is she the inspiration for 'The Duchess'?" Sophia wondered silently, eagerly absorbing the gossip, her main source of insight into the era.

"I hadn't noticed," the Duke mused, recalling the Duchess's prolonged absence from society. The affairs of the Duke of Devonshire's family had long been a subject of intrigue among the nobility.

The Duchess of Devonshire endured seven childless years after her marriage, punctuated by miscarriages and dashed hopes. A fortuitous encounter with Elizabeth Forster, a mother of two sons, led to a close friendship and a subsequent surge in the Duchess's fertility. With Mrs. Forster's support, the Duchess bore a healthy daughter, followed by another daughter two years later. This period of prolific childbirth, encouraged by her confidante, culminated in the birth of a long-awaited heir, who inherited the title of Marquis of Hartington at birth.

However, the Duchess's joy was short-lived as her trusted friend became her husband's lover. Despite the scandalous affair, the Duchess continued to bear children, including an illegitimate daughter conceived out of wedlock. Eventually, the Duchess sought refuge in France, estranged from her offspring.

Sophia pondered over the intricate web of relationships and the complexities within the Duke's household. The recent assistance provided by the Duke to Mrs. Forster's sons sparked her curiosity. Amidst the crowded and convoluted familial dynamics, Sophia struggled to decipher the identities and roles of those involved.

Reflecting on the character of the Duchess portrayed in the film "The Duchess," Sophia mulled over her political fervor and social engagements. However, her quest for understanding was interrupted by the arrival of the chickens purchased by Ms. Bond.

With the chickens now in her care, Sophia faced the challenge of establishing suitable living conditions and providing nourishment for them. Despite her efforts, the chickens showed no signs of laying eggs, leaving Sophia perplexed and frustrated. The notion of enjoying freshly laid eggs seemed increasingly elusive.

As Mrs. Jordan regaled the family with gossip from the Duke of Devonshire's household, Sophia's thoughts turned to Miss Georgiana Cavendish's impending marriage. The lavish dowry provided by the Duke fueled speculation and anticipation, highlighting the stark contrast between the fortunes of Miss Cavendish and Sophia's eldest sister, Frances Daly.

Amidst discussions of matrimonial prospects and dowries, Sophia contemplated the evolving social landscape and the precariousness of familial fortunes.

"I must meet with them first, Dorothea," the father's voice echoed down the long table, addressing his wife.

"I'll make arrangements promptly," replied the mother, her smile betraying her anticipation of the promised 5,000 pounds.

As Sophia celebrated her fifth birthday in August, her half-sister Frances Daly, affectionately known as Fanny, finally arrived from her residence in Brompton. The inclement weather dampened Fanny's arrival, causing her skirt hem to become wet upon entry.

"Ms. Bond, please escort the young lady to her room to change her skirt," instructed Mrs. Jordan from the living room, opting not to embrace her eldest daughter immediately. After exchanging greetings, she allowed Fanny, whom she hadn't seen in some time, to retire and freshen up.

With George and Henry conspicuously absent, Sophia found herself seated alone, while Mary, not yet three years old, nestled in the maid's arms.

"Sophia, mind your manners," Mrs. Jordan admonished her youngest daughter once Fanny had retreated upstairs. "I hear you've been preoccupied with caring for pets lately. You're too young to manage them on your own! Perhaps you should occupy yourself with learning French instead. The Duke, who recently wed, speaks it fluently."

"Mother, I raise them for enjoyment. The servants handle their care. I needn't bother myself with it," Sophia defended, unwilling to relinquish her newfound hobby. Steering the conversation back to the Duke's wedding, she inquired about the reported incident.

"It concerns the Marquis of Hartington," Mrs. Jordan's eyes sparkled with excitement as she veered off-topic, captivated by her own thoughts.

"Mom, I want to hear too," chimed in Fanny, who had just descended the stairs, eagerly joining her mother's side.

"Of course, dear. I've been waiting for you," Mrs. Jordan's demeanor shifted seamlessly, adopting a more affectionate tone in Fanny's presence.

Undeterred by the intimate exchange between her mother and sister, Sophia focused on the information she sought, keenly listening to their conversation.