Page 36 of Sinful Persuasion of a Lady in the Making
She had tucked Lord Hartwood’s handkerchief into the bosom of her gown, and she felt her heart beat against it. She was aware of it, like a beacon shining out from under her clothes, and she was concerned that Alison might see it.
She needn’t have worried; it was well concealed. But that it was next to her bare flesh, her beating heart, sent a thrill through her. It sent improper thoughts through her mind, while bolstering them with attraction and memories of his kindness, and she struggled to stop the corners of her mouth turning up into a smile.
“You look happy this morning,” Alison said, not accusingly but curious. She sliced into the pear that was on her plate, the juice rolling down the sides, and Jenny licked her lips. Access to such rich fruits was one part of her new life she didn’t mind at all!
In the corner of the small room sat the nursemaid, who rocked baby Elizabeth as she suckled on a bent knuckle.
“Yes,” Jenny said, taking her seat. She leaned over and picked up the teapot, pouring herself a cup. “I slept well.”
“Good,” Alison said, eyeing her carefully, and Jenny felt her cheeks flush. “Is that all? Nothing else?”
“I—” Jenny looked around her awkwardly as she tapped the teaspoon on the side of her cup and placed it on her saucer. “No Luke this morning?” she asked.
“No, not today,” Alison said. “He has an early business meeting, or so I believe. We are quite alone.” She smiled at Jenny in a conspiratorial way, silently urging her to share her secrets, and Jenny could no longer contain her grin.
She reached into the bodice of her gown and gripped the tip of the handkerchief, pulling it out and grinning at Alison. Alison looked entirely confused, and the baby gurgled happily, as though implicit in Jenny’s secrets.
“It’s Lord Hartwood’s,” Jenny said quietly, feeling mischievous. “He gave it to me when I was upset last night. I must have forgotten to give it back to him.”
“And you have been holding onto it all this time?” Alison asked, surprise ringing through her tone. Jenny nodded, shy but happy. “It must clearly mean something to you, then.”
“It does,” Jenny admitted. “I know you and Luke don’t approve, but really, Alison—”
She trailed off, her jaw bobbing as she searched for the right words, her eyes lit up and her soul singing.
“I know we’ve only just met, but being with him just seemed right in a way that I don’t even understand. I certainly can’t explain it.”
“I don’t think you need to explain it,” Alison said, a slice of pear on her fork and half way to her mouth. “Your expression says it all, and to be honest, I think I understand… from my own experiences.”
“Do you?” Jenny asked, her voice thin and reedy with hope.
To have Alison on her side would make Jenny very happy indeed, for as she formulated a plan in her mind, she knew she would have to fight Luke every step of the way.
“I really do,” Alison said softly, then slid the slice of pear into her mouth and chewed slowly.
Jenny cradled her teacup, not wanting to eat anything thanks to the roiling emotions in the pit of her stomach. She held the warm tea to her face, though, enjoying the sensation of the steam rolling across her cheeks.
“I know Luke forbade me from seeing him again,” she began after a moment’s contemplative silence, “but it would be a terrible shame for Lord Hartwood to lose his handkerchief permanently.”
“That it would,” Alison said, nodding knowingly.
Jenny could see the glint in her eye and she sensed that Alison would be more open to their idea of their seeing one another again than Luke would ever be. She put her teacup on the saucer with a clatter and inched to the edge of her seat, leaning forward and urging her sister.
“I dearly want to see him again,” she gushed. “He really was the kindest of gentlemen.”
“And his rather dashing good looks no doubt helped,” Alison teased, putting another piece of pear into her mouth.
“Well,” Jenny said, her cheeks turning a bright and shiny cherry red. “I cannot deny that he is handsome, but that is not why I wish to see him.”
“Of course not,” Alison said, shaking her head in mock denial. “I would not dream of thinking such a thing.”
“Oh,” Jenny said, shaking her head in frustration. “Stop it, you,” she said, and she threw her napkin at Alison. Alison dodged it, despite its softness, laughing freely.
“I am sorry,” Alison said sincerely, “but in truth, I feel Luke was a little harsh last night. Admittedly, Lord Hartwood does not have the best reputation—”
“And neither do I,” Jenny pointed out.
“You know as well as I that Luke’s anger last night was out of character. I fear he is worried for your new position. He knows how upset you get when you hear the other ladies whispering about you, and he doesn’t want things to get harder for you, that’s all.”
