Prison Games

Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Sophia sat up straighter in her chair, setting her drink down. She watched Alice as she went into her room. After pulling the small package from its hiding place, Alice came back and laid it in Sophia's lap. Sophia sat staring at it for several moments.

"Blimey, Sophia girl, ain't goin' to open itself!"

Sophia gently lifted the small package and began tearing away the paper. She uncovered a small box. There was a note attached. Sophia opened the note first.

Dear Sophia,

Merry Christmas! I know we can't spend it together, but please know that you are in my heart as you read this. You will always be in my heart. I want everyone to know that you are my lovely wife, and so I give this ring with all my love. James

Sophia's hands trembled as she slowly opened the box. There, wrapped in purple velvet, was a small gold band. The firelight danced off of it. "Oh my, oh my," was all she could say.

Maggie and Alice giggled with pleasure as they watched her. "Ain't ya goin' ta put it on, Sophia?" Alice asked. Sophia nodded, never taking her eyes off the ring. Holding her hand out, she pushed

it on her ring finger. She stared at her hand, flexing her finger. Without warning, she burst into tears. The two women rushed over to Sophia. Not quite knowing what to do, Alice

grabbed the hanky she had made for Sophia and handed it to her. Maggie just stood shifting her weight from one foot to the other. Alice patted Sophia on the back, cooing as if comforting a babe. Before

too long Sophia sniffed, wiped her eyes, and blew her nose. "How in the world did he ever get a ring for me? How did he know it would fit? Did you two have something to do with this?" Smiling, both nodded. "Aye, but Lady Wilson was part of it too," Maggie stated.

""Twas surprised were ya now, Sophia?" Alice laughed.

"Surprised isn't the word for it. Isn't it beautiful?" Sophia held her hand up to examine the ring once more. "Thank you for this!" "No need to thank us. James would have done it himself if he was able. We just did his footwork for him," Maggie replied.

""Tis the truth, Sophia girl. "Twas the first time I e'er be in a fancy store fer such things. Ne'er been in a shop jest for baubles. Didn't know there be such a thing. Should 'ave seen the sparklers. Ne'er saw anythin' like it! Why, there be jewels the size of me big toe, an' some bigger still!"

Maggie stared at Alice as if she had grown another head. "Calm down, Alice. You're starting to sweat; it was only a*****e. Sophia, I wish you could have seen her in there. I almost had to tie her down for all the commotion she was making." "Hey, 'twas all new ta me. Just lookin' I was," Alice teased back.

"Where in the world did he get the money to pay for it?" Sophia mused out loud. "Don't e'er ask a man such a question. His pride will bruise for it," Maggie warned. **Tis truth she speaks," Alice added. "A man's pride is somethin' fearful. If

'n ya wants to be knowin', ask Lady Wilson and not James." "Oh, Alice! I dirtied the beautiful hanky you gave me already." ""Tis a grand thing when it be used fer tears o' joy, an' nor sorrow. A grand thing

indeed."

R

The women spent the rest of the morning talking, laughing, and enjoying their time together. It went by fast, and before too long it was time to get ready for their visitors. They set the table with their finest dishes, making sure all was in order. Soon the Wilsons' carriage pulled up.

Sophia ran to open the door, catching sight of the footman struggling with many "Goodness, what is all this? It looks like you bought out the stores." gifts Lady Wilson hugged Sophia. "Don't say that. Edward always says I overdo it, but I can't help myself. It's my favorite holiday. I love to shop."

Lord Wilson patted his wife's hand. "I've given up trying to hold you back, my dear. We've been together long enough for me to know that I've lost the battle. I surrender,"

They had a grand day. The dinner turned out wonderfully. Maggie, along with Alice, beamed with pleasure at all the compliments given them. Gifts were exchanged along with laughter and a few tears of joy.

Lady Wilson gasped as she opened the shawl Sophia gave her. "It truly is beautiful, dear. It really belonged to your mother, and you want me to have it? I feel honored that you would give me such a wonderful gift. Edward will treasure your father's watch, won't you, dear?" R

"I certainly will. Your father meant a great deal to me. He was more than a worker to me. He was my friend. Thank you, Sophia, for such a heartfelt gift. I don't think anyone, except my dear wife, has ever lavished on me such a thoughtful gift."

Sophia, Alice, and Maggie were heaped with gifts from the Wilsons. Sophia noticed that all the gifts for her were practical things. She was given warm clothing, blankets, bedding, and such. One thing stood out for Sophia-a beautiful picture with their sweet faces smiling at her. The frame was exquisite. She would treasure it forever. "I see you received a very special gift from your husband," Lady Wilson said.

"Isn't it beautiful? I was so surprised to get it. I know you had a lot to do with my receiving it. Thank you both for all you've done, and for your love and support." Alice broke in. "If ya ever need to shop in one of them fancy sparkler stores again, Lady Wilson, jest let me know. Ol' Alice will be happy ta help."

Sophia turned toward Lady Wilson. "How is it going with your Christmas ball?" "Fine, just fine. I haven't had a chance to tell you that it's more an engagement party for Tess than a Christmas ball."

Sophia flinched at the mention of Tess. Her stomach flip-flopped, but she held her composure. "Oh, how interesting," was all she could say.

"Yes, what a shock it was for me when Edward and Tess told me about her engagement. I used to think a mother was the first to know, but I guess they wanted to surprise me. They certainly did. David, Tess's fiancé, and his father arrived a few days ago. We've had a splendid time getting to know each other." Sophia only acknowledged with a nod.

Lady Wilson shared some of her plans for the party, which was to be held the night after Christmas. "We have wreaths hanging in every window, and next to the orchestra will stand a fifteen-foot tree."

Alice exclaimed. "A fifteen-footer? Yas can be fittin' such a tree in your room?" "Yes, it happened to be a Christmas surprise. David had it shipped in, and it arrived the same day as they did. He talked to Edward and planned to surprise Tess and myself with it. It is breathtaking! I wondered why Edward fought me so when I wanted to get a tree ready for their arrival. Now I know. David is such a thoughtful young man. He and his father have some relatives here in London, and they wanted to spend the day with them. It worked out so nice since that gave us a chance to be here with all of you. Tess went with them. They seemed so happy. I've asked Tess how she met him, and how they could have had a courtship without me knowing about it. She just laughs, saying she'll explain later. I'll never know how she kept this from me. Between being surprised with the engagement and the tree, I wonder how many more secrets my husband is keeping from me." Lady Wilson laughed. "But it's a dream-come-true for Tess to at last be engaged," she admitted.

Her husband cleared his throat, taking a drink offered him, and eyed Sophia. Soon it was time for church. Alice flounced about, showing off her new dress. Everyone oooed and aaahed, making her feel special. Maggie wore the hat Alice had crocheted for her.

They all loaded up in the carriage and were off. The team of horses wore sleigh bells, although they pulled a coach instead of a sleigh. Still, it added to the magic of Christmas. The cathedral was filled to capacity, but Lord and Lady Wilson led the others to their private booth. The music filled the ornately built structure with beauty and the feeling of goodwill. Alice couldn't keep the wonder of the place to herself. Pointing and declaring appreciation at the sight of the statues and stained-glass windows, she caused many a smile. As Sophia looked around, she sadly thought of those who didn't have a warm cottage, food to fill their bellies, or family. Guilt tugged at her. No, she would not feel guilty but would enjoy her Christmas. It could be the only one she would ever spend with these dear ones.

The music spilled out of the cathedral onto the streets, where two children stood and listened. They had stopped picking up loose coal that had fallen from the wagon that was heading down the street.

"Listen ter that, Sadie! Sounds like angels singin'!" the young boy said to his smaller

sister.

"Real angels? Do you think so, Tommy? What a wondrous thing it would be to hear angels sing!"

The two began running after the coal wagon once more. "Mum will be 'appy fer with all the coal we got! She be cookin' up a fine hen fer dinner. What a Christmas sure we will 'ave. Let's go home." And the two skipped off with their wealth of coal and hearts full of all that

Christmas held.

Finally, the day of the ball had arrived. Only three days after Christmas, it was an exciting time for all. Tess stood gazing at her image in the mirror. The gown she wore was a beautiful emerald green with puffy sleeves. Filmy red material was ornately tucked in at the bodice. Her hair was pulled back with curls cascading down her back. Holly sprigs were pinned amongst the curls. She knew she looked beautiful. She tried to think of the evening ahead, but her mind kept drifting to Peter. He would be there tonight, since he had responded to her personal invitation. The guests did not know it was going to be an engagement party, including him. She was afraid to tell him, afraid he wouldn't come if he knew. The announcement would come during dinner.

Looking out her window, she watched as carriages of all shapes and sizes pulled onto their road. Tess tried to ignore the nagging feeling of fear in the pit of her stomach. Of late she had enjoyed her fiancé, his father, and the new attitude her parents had toward her. They treated her like a mature adult instead of a child.

Her feelings toward Peter had also begun to change as of late. He wasn't as attentive as he had been. She wanted to see his reaction to the news of her engagement. Would he get angry or be relieved? Would there be a confrontation between Peter, David, or her father? If so, she knew her parents would be mortified. Still, it would be interesting to watch his reaction. Secretly she wanted men to quarrel over her in front of all the guests. It would serve some of those snooty women right. She smiled to herself. She would be the talk of the season.

Tess turned as her mother knocked on her door. "Oh, Tess, you look beautiful! Isn't this the most exciting Christmas we've ever had? Everything is happening so fast! Since David has been here, I can see how much he truly cares for you. Oh, honey, you look gorgeous!" she repeated. Lady Wilson was simply gushing with excitement.