Page 86 of Sinful Persuasion of a Lady in the Making
“He has done this because he cares not for you, nor anyone else. He is a selfish boor with less morals than a house cat, and less loyalty that even your worst enemy.”
“Luke,” Alison scolded again. “A little kindness, please.”
“I’m sorry, Jenny. I really am. But the sooner you accept the truth about that man, the better. And besides, we have Thomas’ ball this weekend. You won’t have time for anything else.” With his knife, he pointed to her untouched plate. “Eat something. It will do you good.”
Jenny reluctantly picked up her cutlery and silently dug into her pie, taking small bites. Despite her anger and her upset, she couldn’t help but admire the quality of food and she knew that Luke was right—it was already doing her good. She could feel her energy rising.
“Well, I for one am looking forward to this ball,” Alison said in her bright and cheery tone. “The last one seems so long ago, and a little dancing will do us all some good. Jenny, I have the most beautiful cerulean-blue gown that hasn’t fitted me since Elizabeth was born. I think it would look just perfect on you.”
“There, that’s more like it,” Luke said with a grin. “A little positivity goes a long way. And this will allow you to look for adecentsuitor, this time.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Jenny mumbled, although deep down, she dreaded it. “And I know how important these events are to you, Luke, so—”
“We’ll find you a much better suitor than Lord Hartwood could ever be,” Alison said, reaching over to take Jenny’s hand.
“What about Lord James?” Luke asked Alison, looking at her from under his brow as he stabbed at another piece of meat.
“The Earl of Bexford? He’s a little old for her, don’t you think?”
“Not at all,” Luke said, smiling now at the thought. “Actually, the more I think of it, the better a match I believe it will be. He is stable, he has an excellent reputation. He is wealthy enough to take care of her, and—”
“And do I get a say in any of this?” Jenny asked, outraged at the idea of this plan.
“Of course you do,” Alison cooed. “It’s only an idea.”
“You get a say,” Luke said sternly. “But let me remind you of what happened the last time you didn’t listen to my advice.”
“At least dance with the Earl. You cannot rule him out before you have even met him.”
“I suppose not,” Jenny muttered, although with uncertainty. How could she possibly get involved with someone else, when she still didn’t have answers to the previous Lord?
“Yes. An excellent plan. And at the same time, we’ll show Thomas our love and support. He has helped us enormously, after all,” Luke said. “I don’t know where we’d be without him.”
“No,” Jenny said, smiling weakly at one then the other. “You’re both right, of course. I shall willingly attend the ball.”
