Page 41 of The Fighter who Needed Me
Persephone shook her head, “That is what I said. I was confused. I was just so desperate to go to that ball that I did not know what I was saying. But I was only supposed to meet that man so he could get me into the ball. That is all. I just wanted to go to that ball so badly and not have anyone upset that I went, that I lied. I apologize for lying. I know that is not the sort of ball you wanted me to go, and I didn’t wish to have you, or father be embarrassed by finding out about my going. And I also needed more time to reconcile that I am marrying Reginald. It is a big decision and he is so intimidating that I worry about our marriage. I am sorry for hurting anyone.”
Kitty’s eyes softened a fraction. “Well, that is just nice. I am glad to hear that. I know Bruce will as well. We will go back tomorrow to finish your season and then the wedding will be set and ready by then.”
Persephone nodded, “Oh, that will be wonderful. Thank you.”
Kitty smiled and stood, “I will send the maid to help you pack.”
Persephone smiled and nodded. “Thank you, mother.”
Kitty smiled even larger, and then leaned forward and hugged her, “No matter what we said in anger you are still my daughter.”
Persephone hugged her back, “That means the world to me.”
Kitty walked from the room and Persephone sat back on her bed, hating the ruse and wishing that it would not happen, but this was what needed to happen in order to get back to her life. Her man and her real family.
The maid came in the room and bustled about, packing her trunks and getting everything ready to leave in the morning.
She sat in bed and watched, hating the lie she had told Kitty, but getting back to London was all that mattered.
She would figure out the details later. She kept the plans in her head that made her keep going.
And she stayed hopeful as they got ready to leave and slept a real sleep for the first time.
* * *
On the road to London, Reginald glared at her, his arms crossed over his chest.
Bruce and Kitty were both sleeping, and she looked out the window, not wanting to pay attention to him.
He leaned forward and hissed, “I don’t believe the story that you told Kitty for one second. I know you want to get back to London where you will leave me again. You are not what anyone seems. You have them all played for fools and I don’t believe any of your lies.”
She let out a small breath, and looked over at him, “I do not appreciate what you are insinuating sir. I want to finish the season that I started and that was the agreement between my parents and I. I will only marry you if they fulfill their end of the agreement. And this is how it will be. If you do not agree with it, or like it, then I suggest you go back to Kent.”
He glared at her even more, “Whatever you are planning, I will know. I have a feeling you will be trying to pull the wool over my eyes, and I will not allow this to happen. I will be watching you every second I can. Trust me on that.”
She shrugged, “Watch all you wish.”
Then she lay back against the window and shut her eyes. Not wanting to look at his face again.
She stayed that way until they made it back to the house in London.
She had found out that it was Bruce and Kitty’s from their marriage and the two of them had used it often.
She did not know this when she was growing up, but their nannies and maids had stayed with her for weeks on end.
She had not known that they had left. Not that she cared. She was usually in a drugged state.
But staying here now, she was grateful they had kept it. And it held special memories for her.
Mainly Brooks claiming her in her room. Her body longed for him and she missed him more than she could say.
Being here, she would do her best to send him, Eden, Lily or anyone a note to let them know of her reappearance.
If they even cared. Or if they would listen. She knew Brooks must be hurting.
And she hoped against hope that he had not moved on from her. That he would understand that none of it had been her choice.
She gave a silent prayer for that and had done her best over the past few months to keep thoughts like that out of her head.
