Polly’s brows rose. “Do you?”
“I have a title. Once I garner Mrs. James and Lady Daltry’s support, I’ll have a position in thetontoo. No one can snub or reject me again,” she said fiercely.
“I know acceptance is important to you, but I’ve always thought you deserved more.”
“Love, you mean?” She shook her head. “That’s for other people—”
“I believed the same thing once. When I wanted to settle for a loveless marriage, you told me I deserved better. Now I’m returning the favor.” Polly took Rosie’s hands, her expression earnest. “If I’ve learned anything, it’s thatnothingis as important as love.”
“I didn’t say I was in love with Andrew Corbett,” she said quickly.
Perhapstooquickly because Polly gave her an acute look. “But you do have feelings for him?”
Heat rose into her cheeks. “I may be attracted to him, but it doesn’t matter,” she said a tad desperately, “becausehehas no intention of marrying me. In fact, I practically offered for him once, and he turned me down flat.”
At least he’s been consistent, she thought forlornly.He’s never pretended that marriage is possible between us. He probably wants a less troublesome wife and a woman who’s good for more than just looking pretty.
“Only because he thought he was doing the honorable thing,” Polly argued. “If you told him that you don’t care about what Society thinks—”
“But Ido.” Her hands balled; there was no solution to her conundrum. “I cannot compromise everything that I’ve worked for just to indulge some whim of passion. I won’t prove thetonright by carrying on like the veriest trollop.”
“Falling in love doesn’t make you a trollop.” Polly gently touched her arm. “When I was confused about Sinjin, when I didn’t know what I ought to do, the truest guide was my heart. I hope you will listen to yours. And whatever you decide, know that I’ll be here for you.”
Rosie placed her hand atop her sister’s, said gratefully, “What would I do without you?”
“You’ll never have to find out, dearest.”
~~~
Later that evening, Polly’s maid was brushing her hair out after her bath when Sinjin entered through the door that connected their bedchambers. At the sight of her husband, Polly felt a tingle from head to toe. She still couldn’t believe that this beautiful, loving man was all hers.
Dismissing her maid, he came to her, his big hands settling on her shoulders. His eyes, a rich sensual blue, met hers in the looking glass. “Ready for bed, kitten?” he murmured.
“I’m not tired,” she said truthfully. Too much was brewing in her head.
“Capital.” He picked her up, startling a giggle from her, and carried her to the bed. Making short work of her robe and his, he lay her down, crawling over her like a sleek, playful panther. “Now where were we before we were so rudely interrupted this afternoon?”
Desire warred with worry as she stared up at her gorgeous husband.
“What’s the matter?” Concern lined his features. “Are you feeling unwell? Is it the babe—”
“It’s not the babe,” she said quickly.
“Do you wish to talk about it?”
It still amazed her how he could read her so easily. And she loved him for being understanding, especially when it was clear that he had other plans. His massive erection pressed into her belly, but his gaze patiently searched hers.
“I’m worried about Rosie,” she blurted.
Heaving a sigh, he rolled onto his side. “Tell me what happened.”
Gratefully, she did, concluding, “I think Rosie’s in love with Mr. Corbett, even though she won’t admit it. I’ve never heard her talk about any gentleman with such emotion. Suchlonging.”
“I thought your sister set her sights on gentlemen rather regularly,” Sinjin said, his tone dry.
“Not in this way. Not with her heart involved,” Polly said. “She may seem flighty, but when it comes down to it, she has a loyal and loving heart. I wish she would trust her own instincts.”
“And her instincts are correct in leading her to Corbett?”
