Page 42 of Sinful Persuasion of a Lady in the Making
“Come in, My Lord,” Lady Alison said, widening the door and ushering him into the hall. “It does nothing but cause gossip to stand talking on the doorstep, and we all have quite enough of that already, don’t you agree?”
“Yes,” he said, chuckling with relief. “Actually, I do. Is Miss Jones here?”
“Are you here only to return the shawl?”
She held her hand out for it and Sebastian quite automatically handed it over.
“That,” he admitted, “and the fact that I am keen to talk with her again.”
“Yes, your friendliness last night did not go unnoticed. But I’m afraid she’s indisposed at the moment,” Lady Alison said, her face scrunched up against the news.
“Oh,” Sebastian said, looking to the floor in dismay. “Oh, that is disappointing. I really thought… it matters not. Please pass on my good wishes.”
“I will,” Lady Alison said sincerely, and he could see the pain on her face, her desire to make things somehow better for him. She seemed like a kind lady, at least.
He nodded and turned, feeling a sting of disappointment but mixed with recognition and resignation. He had been knocked back before; this was a familiar experience.
I just wish it wasn’t, with her.
But before he could put his hand on the brass knob, a door behind him creaked open and he sensed someone stood in the doorway.
Miss Jones!
He turned quickly, a smile of delight now spreading across his face, only for him to lose it immediately. Her face held a scowl, her jaw jutting and her teeth clenched, and she held herself rather tense as she watched him, eyes ablaze.
“Miss Jones!” he cried, taking a step forward, but she didn’t move, didn’t relax at all. He stopped and tried again. “I was hoping you could spare me a little time. I have come to return your—”
“Good afternoon, Lord Hartwood,” Miss Jones said coldly.
Hartwood? What happened to Sebastian?
“I have come to return your shawl,” he began again, pointing to the silk in Lady Alison’s hand.
“Thank you,” she said.
“I… er…” Lady Alison looked from Miss Jones to Sebastian and back again, “I was just telling Lord Hartwood how you are currently indisposed.”
“That’s right,” Miss Jones said, her expression harsh and unchanging. “I am indisposed, and I do not wish to speak with you. Good day, Lord Hartwood.”
Then she turned and walked away.
