Chapter Nine
When Sophy arrived at Tipton Wood, she found Mr. Stanton awaiting her in a little clearing near the centre. He was seated upon a fallen tree, with his hat in his hands and the top two buttons of his waistcoat undone. He had the air of a man who had been waiting for some time, but who minded it not at all; he appeared relaxed and in fine spirits. The smile he directed at her when she approached suggested that the one thing that could improve the day for him had now arrived, and her heart beat a little faster.
He said nothing, however, by way of greeting. He merely moved over a little on the tree, making room for her to sit down. After a momentary hesitation, during which she suffered more than a few feelings of awkwardness, she accepted his unspoken invitation—although she di
