Their ship would sail in the morning, and Sophie would have the pleasure of enjoying Wesley’s company on the return voyage. She could barely believe her good fortune. Though Wesley had taken more convincing than she’d anticipated, he’d eventually agreed to abandon his earlier plans to return home in early December and instead sail with the Broadmoors. If her good fortune continued, Sophie might even convince him to accompany her home. Though he’d agreed to a Christmas visit, he’d not yet conceded to the idea of coming any earlier, and Sophie wasn’t certain if she should continue to beseech him or to simply accept his refusal. She would, after all, enjoy his company during their luxurious days and evenings aboard ship, and there would be a flurry of activity when they finally arrived home. Only moments ago Aunt Victoria had expressed concern over entertaining the entire family for a belated Thanksgiving celebration only two days after they were scheduled to arrive home. “Beatrice likes nothing more than to take charge of everyone.
