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decided preference to Mr Arnold, she had danced with him twice and they had all gone in for refreshments together. Sophie had sat next to James, but the chat had no longer looked like that of lovers, more of friends as the whole group took part.
    “I can understand why you would be concerned. It seems to be a very complicated situation and I imagine that the Earl would not have removed Lady Sophie from the company of the Arnolds without just cause. He does not appear to be a man who acts on whims,” Mary said quietly. “Poor James, did he notice anything amiss?”
    “I think so from his expression once the Arnolds had joined our party. We had spoken before going out though and I had told him to be brighter around Lady Sophie or she would soon get tired of his possessive moods. I did not realise he would be faced with a previous suitor, for whom we do not know the true extent of her affection. That would dampen anyone’s mood. All we can be sure of is that Lady Sophie knows her brother’s opinion of Mr Arnold and so will probably not show her true feelings. This means we can only guess where her affection really lies. Oh, this is a horrible situation!” Isabelle groaned.
    “We have to keep on as normal and try to make things as if Mr Arnold has not stirred up such feelings of concern. We don’t know after all if Lady Sophie told her brother the truth and does see him as a friend’s brother. We should give her the benefit of the doubt until there is opportunity to find out more,” Mary reasoned.
    “I am trying to give her credit for not treating James in such a manner, but I am worried about James in all of this because she could be using him. We don’t know her well enough to be sure she would not encourage James while her affections are already secured by another. I wish I did not doubt her, but I do not know her well enough to know her character fully. I feel shame that I would doubt someone of our acquaintance so much,” Isabelle said.
    “That is understandable. But let’s do our best to keep our concerns to ourselves; it will not help anyone if you voice your doubts. I feel our role is to support James and observe until we see something that would support or disprove your concerns,” Mary said firmly. They resolved to make sure James’s visit would continue to pass with as few worries as possible. Matters would only be made worse if James knew his sister and cousin had doubts about Sophie’s integrity.
    James and Isabelle had arranged to meet the Earl and Lady Sophie to walk in Sidney Gardens after breakfast. They had decided against horse riding; a decision which Isabelle regretted making the more she thought about Mr Arnold. She was concerned that they would meet the Arnolds on their walk preventing James spending time with Sophie. She managed to shake her worries away by the time James joined them and soon they were all walking through the gates at the end of Great Pulteney Street into the Gardens along with many other Bath residents.
    The day was fine if chilly, but there was much shelter within the gardens and they set a brisk pace. Sophie and James became separated slightly, of which Isabelle was glad to see and gave the Earl a little smile when she saw him glance at her after watching the pair for a few moments. He returned her smile and she was reassured that if her doubts proved to be unfounded James would eventually receive his approval.
    Sophie approached Isabelle as they left the labyrinth. “Are you visiting the Pump Rooms today, Miss Crawford?”
    “Unfortunately not. I need to make some purchases, so I’m afraid the pull of Milsom Street is greater than the Pump Room today,” Isabelle answered in her usual playful way.
    “Oh, would you mind if I accompanied you? I’ve heard so much of the shopping in Bath, but hav e not had chance to do any. My brother isn’t very patient when visiting shops.”
    Isabelle laughed. “I don’t think many men have the patience to shop, but yes, you