Page 49 of Sinful Persuasion of a Lady in the Making
“Perfect,” Jenny said, leaning forward, her eyes beginning to close, but Sebastian held a halting hand up and she fell back, laughing so loud that she drew Fanny’s attention.
“Well, now she’s looking,” he said, enjoying teasing her, the sound of her laugh like the sweetest music he had ever heard.
“It’s your fault,” she reprimanded. “You were the one who made me laugh.”
“Perhaps,” he said, side-eyeing her. “Ilikeyou, Jenny. I want this to be more than further gossip. We must do this right, if we’re going to continue at all.”
“Or we could give them something really to talk about,” she said with a grin, but she quickly sighed and added, “but you’re right, I suppose.”
“We both have enough of a reputation as it is. I don’t want to risk our budding relationship on physical passion alone—as much as I am very seriously tempted.”
“Budding relationship?” she asked, eyebrow raised.
“Isn’t that what this is?” he asked. “Something a little more than a snatched kiss in a deserted garden?”
She blushed again, and he felt that little leap his heart made, and he knew he was right in what he was saying.
“I hope so,” she said so softly that it was almost a whisper.
By the time Jenny showed Sebastian out of the house, he felt as though he was walking on air. Everything that, only days ago, seemed wrong with his life was now making his heart sing with joy. He had found the one who would help him find peace, the one with whom he could finally begin his life.
“It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it, Adam?” he said to the coachman as he veritably jumped from the carriage.
Adam started in surprise, then managed to utter a reply.
“Er… yes, My Lord. Beautiful.”
“Tell the groom to give the horses an extra treat today, will you? They deserve it.”
Adam furrowed his brow and blinked, his lips curling up at the corners, but he nodded his acquiescence and moved to take the carriage to the coach house.
Sebastian strode through the entrance to the house, wishing the butler a bright ‘Good Day’ as he handed him his hat and his cape. As he did, he spotted Diana floating down the stairs.
“Ah, my Dearest Sister,” he said, walking up to her and taking her arm in his. “How delightful it is to see you.”
She narrowed her eyes at him.
“What’s got into you?”
“Nothing,” he replied, singsong. “But it’s time for me to become the man you have always wanted me to be.”
He guided her toward the parlor and she followed, but she didn’t take her eyes off him.
“It’s a little late for that,” she said.
“Come now, Dearest Sister. Don’t be so negative. You’ve been after me to change my ways, and now I am going to.”
“By which you mean—?”
“By which I mean no gambling, no drinking—well, all right,lessdrinking. I am going to sort myself out, become a better man for all. I might even start attending more of your society events, if you like.”
They reached the parlor door but instead of entering, she turned to scowl at Sebastian.
“And, pray tell, why would you want to do that, after so many years of refusing?”
“Goodness, Diana,” he said, rolling his eyes but smiling still. “I thought you would, at last, be happy.”
