sophie’s eyes do not turn away from the window, but her shoulders shoot up straighter when she hears the viscount’s voice coming from the doorway. she had thought it was benedict, and the hope in her chest was a fool’s indeed. her breath catches in her throat. when she had seen the second eldest bridgerton leave the garden she thought, maybe, that he was coming to see her. “ my lord, i apologize. i shall leave you to your reading. lady bridgerton, she allows me use of the library when it is not in use i- “ she finally turned, ducking her head, listening to him as he continued. his words, they tug at her. why would the viscount wish for his brother to live a shameful life, one where they would be forced to leave the family? he saw the relationship between the brothers, how they cared for one another. she could not fathom he would wish that on his younger sibling, any of them. “ i am sorry, sir, but i do not know what you mean. “ she could be sacked for this, she knew it. a blessing, perhaps. she did not know how she could stay, with benedict lingering about as often as he did.