Page 81 of Sinful Persuasion of a Lady in the Making
“I think he might have been right in this case, though,” she said, leaning over conspiratorially.
“What happened?” Alison asked wide-eyed. “I’ve only ever heard his poor mother’s version of events, and as you can imagine—”
“Apparently, this maid used her charms to persuade the Duke to hand over a good portion of his wealth, even before they were married. She promised everything and of course, they did marry and she is now a Duchess, but it was never for love.”
Alison gasped and then cackled with laughter.
“But how can you be sure it’s not just idle gossip.?”
“She was good friends with the cook at Salsbury Manor—Mrs. Jennings. She came to visit once, not long before she married, and all the maids gathered round to hear her tell her tale. You should have heard her, Alison. So delighted in what she had done. I heard it right from her own mouth. I remember her words so clearly because they were so shocking.”
Jenny paused, grinning with delight. She took a sip of her tea, trying not to laugh as Alison silently urged her to continue.
“Gulliver, come away from there,” Jenny called as the dog began sniffing and whimpering around the bordering trees.
“Well?” Alison said eventually. “Come on, what did she say?”
Gulliver took a step back, eyeing the border carefully, and then he began to yap loudly.
“She said, and I quote,” she raised her eyes to the sky as she focused on remembering the exact words, but the dog’s barking got louder and louder. “Gulliver!” she snapped. “Away from there, right now.” She turned back to Alison. “Where was I? Ah yes…All I had to do was charm the lord and convince him I’m in love with him. I’m not, of course, but he seems to believe it. And now we are to marry, and not only will I have risen socially, but I’ll have his wealth, as well.”
