He clicked his tongue as he went on. “If you can’t get what you want, you opt for the closest option. It is only business.”
“Business, you say?” Jane could barely believe her ears. She laughed incredulously, shaking her head at the wonder of his mindset. “And is that what you believe your first daughter is, Father? Business? Is she a second option item or a person?”
“You will not speak to me that way, child. Hold your tongue.” Henry’s eyes blazed with a composed anger.
Jane's worry for her sister gripped her heart, the memory of her own experience with Graham haunting her thoughts. The image of sweet Sarah entwined with such a self-serving man sent shivers down her spine, igniting a sense of urgency within her.
As she glared at her father, ready to unleash her depth of her anger, Sarah's voice cut through the tension, halting her in her tracks.
“You must understand that everything is fine, dear sister.” Attempting to reassure Jane, her soft words floated in the air, “As a matter of fact, I am quite content with the situation."
Yet, Jane's eyes, filled with skepticism, bore into her until she added, "In truth, I might harbor an interest in the Marquess as well."
Jane's astonishment was clear as day as her eyes nearly appeared to be falling out their sockets. She froze for a moment. Finally, her voice was filled with shock as she questioned, "Truly? Do you speak the truth, sister?"
Sarah's nod confirmed her words, leaving her momentarily speechless again.
A profound silence enveloped the room as she grappled with this unexpected revelation. Despite her intense disbelief, the realization that her sister might find happiness in this arrangement softened her resolve.
After all, all that mattered was that sweet Sarah was happy. Just because the Marquess was a wrong match for her did not necessarily mean it’d be the same in Sarah’s case.
With a reluctant nod of acceptance, she murmured, "If you find peace with this, then I can only hope for the best, Sarah."
Sarah's grateful smile in response caused Jane to smile as well. The two nodded, a silent sign of exchange of sisterly support.
“Enough of all that. What is your allowance from the Duke? I need details, if you can provide.”
Their father's interruption cut through the moment; his inquiry delivered with unwavering directness. He was clearly fishing for information about the Duke’s finances.
Despite knowing him to be a blunt man, both sisters couldn’t help but raise a brow at this. Sarah's widened eyes portrayed her surprise, but Jane masked her amazement better.
Irritated and annoyed, she decided that the best option would be to ignore the abrupt shift in conversation. She delicately lifted her tea cup to her lips, as though she never heard a word.
“Duchess! Duchess, where are you?”
“Your Grace!”
Right as Henry opened his mouth to speak again, a delightful interruption emerged, embodied by the lively entrance of Louisa and Margaret.
They called out in unison, their voices filled with excitement and urgency, eyes scanning the room eagerly for a glimpse of their new beloved.
Their joyous expressions transformed into pure elation upon finally spotting her, their faces lighting up with delight. However, their jubilant dash towards her came to an abrupt halt right as it started as they realized they were not alone in her company.
Margaret, displaying a maturity beyond her years, gently nudged her younger sister, prompting them to swiftly regain their composure. With practiced grace, they executed a perfect curtsy, along with an apology for their exuberance.
Jane's laughter filled the room as she reassured them, "It's quite all right, my dears. You are most welcome to join us. I want to introduce you to my family.”
The tension of the moment dissipated as the two, now composed and demure, approached the table.
Yet, Henry’s expression twisted in shock at the girls' previous behavior. Jane, with a defiant grace, chose to overlook his disapproval.
"Come here, my darlings," She beckoned, guiding the duo to face her, shielding them from his disapproving gaze. With a wide smile, she introduced them to Sarah, then her father.
Sarah, in a gentle and welcoming tone, responded to their greetings with a soft coo, “Oh, aren’t you both so lively and adorable?”
Louisa's gaze lingered on Sarah, a mix of shyness and curiosity dancing in her eyes. In contrast, however, Margaret's stare held contemplation, a gleam of mischief sparking in her eyes.
Without delay, she leaned in, whispering something in Louisa's ear. In an instant, their expressions transformed, fixating on Sarah with an intensity that Jane had come to know well.
