Miss Swan was taking a bath when the invitation for the inauguration of the library arrived. Nanny rushed towards her, all excited, and didn't stop even when she saw her naked in the tub.
"Nanny!" the young woman scolded her.
"What's wrong? I was there when you were born. I've seen you naked already."
"It's not the same thing, Nanny!"
The girl stood up, wrapped herself in a towel, and sat on the stool nearby.
"What's so urgent?" she asked.
"I thought, after your bickering, it wouldn't arrive, but..."
"What wouldn't arrive?"
"The invitation, you silly!" Nanny said, handing her a white envelope.
"I knew he would invite me. He certainly can't ignore me since I live in his house."
"In the servant's wing," Nanny specified.
"I know, we'll never be on equal terms," Sofia said, going towards the wardrobe, leaving her grandmother puzzled about what to do. She hadn't yet taken the envelope from her hand.
"Aren't you curious to see what's written?"
"He probably wrote the same thing in all the invitations."
"Do you really think that about the young man?"
"I think," Sofia said, taking the letter from her grandmother's cracked hands. "I think he's a chronic misogynist, and only death will help him."
"Oh, don't say that and don't mention death. His mother just passed away."
"Then it's not appropriate to celebrate for this library."
"Promise me something, Sofia," her grandmother said seriously, taking both her hands. "Avoid talking about his mother. Never do that. He loved her madly, his heart is still shattered."
"I've noticed. Is that why he always dresses in black?"
"Yes, he's still in mourning... But tell me, what do you plan to wear for the ball?"
Sofia opened the wardrobe and showed her grandmother a couple of elegant long dresses.
"They're both beautiful, but you've worn them quite a few times already."
"But I've never been to a social event," the young woman protested. "How should I arrange my hair? What should I wear?"
"How should you walk? How should you curtsy?"
"Curtsy in front of whom?"
"She certainly won't curtsy in front of me," a male voice was heard from behind them.
The two women turned quickly. Sofia was still half-naked, wrapped in the towel, but this didn't stop her from running toward the young man.
"Hi, big sis," he chuckled.
"Hi, nephew," said Nanny as Sofia hugged him. "I'm so happy to see you here. What brings you to London?"
"Definitely not the inauguration of the Scott library," Sofia laughed, pulling away from her brother. Now it was Nanny's turn for the hugs.
"Reading is not my strong suit," he admitted.
"Then what brings you here, Johnny?"
"You never do anything by chance."
"I'm looking for a job," Johnny said.
"Did you get yourself in debt again? You play too many card games with crooks!"
"With crooks like me," Johnny laughed.
"If you were a real crook, you wouldn't have any debts," Nanny scolded him.
"And you're always so kind," said the young man, gently caressing her wrinkled cheek.
"And I thought you came to find a wife," Sofia said.
"I'm looking for that too."
"Well, then tonight, when we're all at the table, just say the second one," Sofia warned him. "You'll certainly make a better impression than saying you're full of debts and need a hand."
"But I need a hand!" Johnny exclaimed.
"Or a wife with a spectacular dowry," said Nanny.
"But which woman would want a simpleton like me? I'm neither a duke nor a viscount."
"But you have your charm," his sister ruffled his hair.
"An irresistible charm," added Nanny.
"You absolutely must get invited by the Scotts to tomorrow's ball. It could be a great opportunity for you."
"For us, sister," Johnny corrected her.
"I'm not here to find a husband," the young woman huffed. "I just want to study medicine."
"I don't believe you."
"Grandma, do you believe me?"
The old woman didn't answer and avoided the question with another sentence.
"Both of you need to find a nice outfit for tomorrow," she said. She put her hands in her pockets and took out some coins. She gave three to her granddaughter and two to Johnny.
"No cigars," she warned him.
"Thank you, Grandma."
"Thank you very much!"
"What time does the dressmaker close?" Sofia asked. "Nanny, will you accompany me?"
"Of course. I'll go call the coachman."
The old woman hobbled slightly out of the room. Sofia's expression hardened, and her face became serious.
"So, you're in trouble again?" she said.
"I hope to find a job at the Scott house," the young man admitted.
"I forbid you to ask them for help."
"You're my older sister, but you have no right to give me orders," Johnny retorted angrily and left the room.
Sofia, now finally alone, flopped down on the bed with a sigh.
"This couldn't have come at a worse time..."