Page 67 of Sinful Persuasion of a Lady in the Making
How could she even suggest such a thing?
That he and Jenny loved one another was perfectly obvious, even to Mr. Jones, and to state otherwise was completely irrational.
“So, you don’t think she loves me?” he asked, shaking his head.
“Of course she doesn’t!” Diana said, barking out a mirthless laugh. “You are nothing but a rogue and a scoundrel, and—”
“Do you really think those things of me, Diana?” he asked, her words stabbing at his heart. He took a step back, as though he had taken a physical blow. “Do you really think I am unlovable?”
She paused for a moment, then visibly softened. “No, I’m sorry, that’s not what I meant at all,” she said, reaching out to touch Sebastian’s arm. He took a step back, out of her reach.
“Then what did you mean?” he asked. “What could you possibly mean by such harsh words?”
“Just… oh,” she said, looking away briefly and then turning back. “I just want you to be careful, Sebastian. She is already known to be a servant and a—”
“Stop this, right now!” Sebastian called, grabbing her by the arm. “Stop. You cannot keep doing this. Miss Jones and I are going to be married, and not because she is on the hunt for riches or some title. We love each other, and nothing you say or do is going to stop that.”
They stared at each other for a long moment, eyes looking into eyes, their souls talking to one another. Sebastian pleaded with her to understand, while Diana looked back with confusion and anger and hurt. When she finally spoke, her voice cracked with emotion.
“But what about me?” she asked. “I—”
“I will always be there for you, Diana,” Sebastian said firmly. “I know I have hurt you, but I promise you this: I am going to become a better man, the man you have always wanted me to be. I will no longer go to the gaming hall, or drink too much. I am going to look after myself and you.”
“And her,” she said.
“And her, yes,” he said, nodding. He finally let go of her arm and she looked down at the ground, her shoulders hunched and her hands clasped together in front of her.
“You are doing all this for Miss Jones?” she asked without looking up.
“Partly,” he said, nodding. “Yes, partly for Miss Jones. She makes me want to be a better person. But I’m also doing it for me, Diana, and for you. I’m doing it for all of us. Can you accept that?”
“I don’t know,” she said honestly. She turned and began to walk again, and he followed, walking by her side. “You say all the right words, but she is not a good match for you. I am worried about who the real Miss Jones is, for I am sure she is not the same one she presents to you now.”
“You are being ridiculous,” he said, although his tone was not harsh. “I have never felt happier, Diana. I finally feel like I can heal from all the past hurt, and I cannot let your hatred get to me.”
“It’s nothatred,” she said. “It’s love, Sebastian, for you. It’s concern.”
“Well, either way. I am embracing this moment, Diana. And I would like you, my dearest sister, to embrace it with me. Would you at least try?”
“Yes,” she said, glancing at him with a smile. “I’ll come to the party, if for no other reason than to try and discover her true motives.”
