The Pawns move

Sophie

She had heard Schwartz telling Proserpina that he was leaving.

That he would be going to Uzbekistan.

Her heart sank. When would he be back?

***

Although he treated her in a friendly manner, he was distant and remained aloof, never having referred to the kiss they had shared at the Club that night. In fact, apart from sharing a common joke or smiling at her when he saw her, he seemed totally uninterested in her.

***

Sophie rubbed her eyes tiredly. She had tossed and turned all night, overwhelmed by guilt after speaking to Proserpina. it had been a crass comment and the only excuse she could give for her behaviour was that she had been half asleep.

Beatrice’s comment in the morning had not made matters better. The old woman had pointedly made her feel unwelcome when she had entered the kitchen in the morning. She was devoted to Proserpina.

'Some folks do not know how to be kind, Amy.' she had told the startled maid who had been setting the table.

'I mean, who would deliberately m