Page 113 of Sinful Persuasion of a Lady in the Making
“Absolutely yes,” Mr. Jones said, not letting Sebastian finish his words. He wore a huge grin across his cheeks, and Sebastian felt his own smile growing to match it.
“Really? You approve of our betrothal?”
“I do,” he said. “Do you think you’ll be able to make it down to the dining room this evening?”
“Yes, I don’t see why not,” Sebastian said, looking at Mr. Jones curiously.
Where is he going with this?
“Excellent! In that case, I feel it’s time we try that celebratory dinner again. What do you say?”
“I think this evening would be a great opportunity to tell Jenny the good news. And then we can start planning the wedding in earnest.”
* * *
The day had passed in excited anticipation, and by early evening, Sebastian’s valet had arrived from his house, carrying a spare suit of clothes for the evening.
“Mr. Jones sent for me,” the valet explained as he helped Sebastian out of bed. “Let’s get you washed and dressed.”
By the time that he was ready, Sebastian felt incredible. Although his shoulder still throbbed, he had washed and was clean shaven, and he stood tall as he admired his reflection in the looking glass.
Good enough to ask for Jenny’s hand in marriage, and properly, this time.
It was a little painful to walk—Sebastian hadn’t realized how much his shoulders moved when his feet did—but he found his way down the stairs and into the dining room without too much trouble. Everyone was already there, including his dear sister and Lord Denninson, and as soon as he walked through the door, he felt the blast of warmth and love hit him.
“Sebastian,” Diana said, rushing up to him with glee in her eyes. “I’m so happy to see you up and about.”
“Thank you, Diana. I’m certainly glad to be out of bed.”
Over her shoulder, he caught sight of his beautiful Jenny and his heart skipped a beat.He threw her a smile and when she returned it, his spirits leaped inside.
“I’m sorry, what?” Sebastian said. As his attention was pulled back to his sister, he realized he hadn’t been listening to a word she was saying.
“I am sorry,” she said again, searching his eyes out with hers. They locked their gazes.
“Sorry for what?” he asked, genuinely confused.
“For being so horrid about you and Miss Jones. I was dreadfully wrong. You two make the perfect match, and I couldn’t have been more wrong about her intentions.”
He smiled down at her gently. “I’m so glad you can see it now,” he said.
“She told me you think I hate you, but you know that isn’t true, don’t you, Sebastian?”
“Heavens, Diana, you have every right to hate me, after what I did to our parents. I have, as you have quite rightly said, ruined your reputation, and—”
“But no, it’s not true. I have been terribly wrong for so many years. I have blamed you, but it is and never was your fault.”
“But—”
“But nothing. I have acted like a child, letting my hurt fester, and pushing the blame on you was easier than dealing with my grief. I can see that, now, and my own comportment has perhaps pushed you into behaving… less gentlemanly.”
“Do you really think it wasn’t my fault?”
“It most definitely wasn’t your fault, Sebastian. You were a child. You couldn’t control any of it. You must forgive yourself.”
“It means a lot to me that you would say that,” Sebastian said, his heart softening and his hurt melting away. It would take time, he knew, to let it all go, but the first—and hardest—steps had been taken.
“I have never hated you, not at all, not really. I have only ever loved you. It is myself I have hated. For being so weak and unable to find a husband.”
