Unfortunately, prudence was still not one of her virtues.
"Well, the Season's not over yet," her mother continued. "Lady Helena mentioned an eligible young earl—"
"No, Mama."No more skulking around and hiding who you are.Gavin might not return her love, but she knew the truth of her own feelings—and they remained steadfast. Something to fight for. Taking a breath for courage, she said, "I'm not interested in any other gentleman. I... I'm already in love."
"You cannot mean with this Hunt character," Mama said sharply.
She gave a small yet firm nod.
"From what Nicholas has said, the man is a dangerous scoundrel. He'll do anything to get his revenge and hurt anyone standing in his way. How could you believe yourself in love with such a heartless blackguard?"
"He'snota blackguard. If you only knew what he has gone through. His own mother abandoned him, he lived in a flash house with that terrible Grimes, and he spent a decade in the hulks for a crime he did not commit—"
Mama's hand stilled atop Fitzwell's head. "He's aconvicton top of it all?"
Dash it."Well, not atrueconvict. I mean, he was convicted of burning down the flash house, but he didn't do it. Anyway," Percy said hastily, "he has a good heart. If you met him, you'd see it's true. He takes in orphans—"
"Persephone Fines, you listen to me." Mama pinned her with a steely gaze. "This man plans to destroy the company your dear Papa built with his own hands. He plans to hurt Nicholas. And you, my foolish girl, are merely a means to those ends."
Percy straightened her shoulders. "I'm not a girl any longer. And I'm not as foolish as you think. If I could just speak to Mr. Hunt again, perhaps I could persuade him to—"
Mama cursed. Percy's jaw dropped; she'd never heard her mother utter such words before. "IknewI would come to regret all that novel reading I permitted." Mama set Fitzwell aside, causing the pug to glare accusingly at Percy. Leaning forward, her parent said, "Listen to me: the reformation of rakes is the stuff offiction. In real life, a pretty girl can no more change a man's heart than a leopard can its own spots."
"Does that mean there is no hope for Paul?" Percy shot back.
Mama frowned. "Your brother may act like a rake, but he isn't one by nature. After this disaster, I am sure he will find his way. He merely needs to grow up and take his responsibilities more seriously."
"And what if Gavin isn't a villain by nature either? What if circumstances have prevented him from showing his true, noble character? What if he is at heart a kind and decent man?"
Mama's brows shot up. "Who lied to you about his true intentions? Who threw you over in favor of his retribution?"
A direct hit to her bruised heart. "I didn't say he was perfect," she muttered.
"Lord above, I'm not going to argue with you about this. You stay away from that man, do you hear me? If necessary, I will keep you locked in your room for your own safety."
Trembling, Percy rose. "I understand you will not hear me on this, Mama. And I'm sorry I've never been the proper, sensible daughter you wanted. I'm sorry I'm such a disappointment." She blinked back the tears that threatened to spill over. "But I will not yield on this: I love Mr. Hunt."
"Blasted novels." Shaking her head, Mama sighed and went on, "You're misguided, but I never said you were a disappointment."
"You don't have to. IknowI am. I'm prone to disaster and free of accomplishments." The crack in Percy's heart widened. "And you went on vacation to get away from me."
Mama's brow furrowed. "I wanted to have a break from my routine. Not from you."
"You're ashamed of me."
"That's not true, Persephone."
"Don't deny it," Percy said, her throat swelling. "We've been locking horns for ages, and I don't blame you for it one bit. Nor Papa for being too busy for me."
"What has your father to do with this?"
The dam within Percy burst open, releasing a flood of words that seemed to come from nowhere. "I'm not the daughter the two of you wanted. If I was, Papa would have wanted to spend time with me. And you would not be upset with me all the time."
Sudden, racking sobs took over. Arms enfolded her, holding her tight. She clung to her mother's embrace as the storm raged through her.
"How could think such nonsense, Percy?" Mama's voice chided her gently. "You know I love you, you silly girl."
"Because you have to," Percy wailed. "You haven't any choice in the matter. You're saddled with me."
