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“Yes, mama.”
     
     

CHAPTER SIX
     
    Christine was a willing hostage for well over two hours as Sophie regaled her with stories of the future. “Do you think you could help me find my way back?”
    “I have no idea where to begin,” Christine said.
    “Perhaps where Nona found me?” Sophie widened her eyes in hope. “By the stables?”
    A knock at the door interrupted their conversation and brought Nona, followed by Betty and another servant, laden with trays.
    “ Hi, Nona.”
    Sophie and Christine moved to help with the food.
    “ You both missed dinner.”
    “ Thank you.”
    Nona ushered the servants from the room and then turned to Sophie. “I’ll leave the tray. You should eat and then rest. You’ve had a very emotional day.”
    Sophie nodded and then Nona left the girls alone again. Christine prepared two plates and, with a sigh, Sophie forced herself to choke down a few bites of chicken and fruit.
    “ Tell me more about Jamie.” Christine wiped her mouth with her napkin.
    Sophie’s heart warmed as her thoughts wandered to her husband, and she couldn’t help but smile. “He’s the most amazing man.”
    “ How did you meet?”
    “ We met at a college function. He was singing, and I was instantly lost.”
    “He sings?” Christine asked.
    “Yes, incredibly. We used to sing together, actually.”
    “I’d love to accompany you on the piano sometime.”
    Sophie grinned. “I would like that.”
    “Sorry, I’ve veered from our topic. Please, continue.” Christine sipped her drink.
    “Well, Jamie took me bowling on our first date.”
    “ What is first date?”
    “ A first date.” Sophie chuckled. “I suppose it would be similar to a ride in the park, or a private dinner, once courtship has been offered.”
    Christine nodded, so Sophie continued, “It was the perfect date. Especially when we said good night.”
    Christine raised an eyebrow in question.
    “I was beyond excited because he’d asked me out again, and we had plans to see a local band the next night.”
    “What is a band?”
    “Right. Um, a performance with musicians. People pay to see musicians perform, but we don’t dance to the music—well, not the way you do in this century.”
    “You can explain that another time.”
    “Thank you.” Sophie smiled.
    “So, after you said good night, what happened?”
    Sophie’s hand found its way to her chest. “I had just closed and locked my apartment door when I heard a knock.” Sophie blinked back tears as the moment came rushing back. “I opened the door and suddenly he was there, arm around my waist, and a hand stroking my cheek as he kissed me.”
    “The scoundrel!”
    Sophie sat forward. “No, no, he wasn’t. He was the perfect gentleman. It’s just different in my time.”
    “How different?”
    “It’s hard to explain. Sex before marriage is acceptable, even expected, so Jamie and I were considered strange.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Well, we chose to wait until marriage to consummate our relationship.”
    “As it should be,” Christine said.
    Sophie smiled at Christine’s pursed mouth and blushed cheeks. Her expression was reminiscent of Jamie’s very proper, very Baptist, grandmother. “Is this too much information?”
    “No, just unfamiliar. I’ve never witnessed affection between a man and a woman, and we certainly don’t discuss it. Please, continue.”
    Sophie chuckled sadly. “Jamie’s kiss was amazing. I had never been kissed like that before and, believe me, he never disappointed in that regard. Even five years later, his kisses can make my legs weak.”
    A quiet squeal brought Sophie’s eyes back to Christine, who was bright red and fanning her face with her hand. “Oh, my, my.”
    “Sorry, Christine, I’ve talked your ear off.”
    “Nonsense. It’s refreshing.”
    Sophie laughed out loud. “I can see how refreshed you are. Your face is beet red.”
    Christine cleared her throat. “Well, we’ll just need to find a way for you to move