Glory’s guilt deepened. Instead of blaming her for being a social failure, her parents were worried about her happiness.
Swallowing, she said, “I wish I could…”
Contribute to Papa’s important work. Be more of an asset to this family. Like the Earl of Darlingford’s daughter, who helped her father achieve his political ambitions.
“Yes, dear?”
“I wish I could do more,” she mumbled. “For Papa’s cause.”
“Why, you have been one of his staunchest supporters,” Mama said brightly. “He is proud of your knowledge of the opium trade and your willingness to speak up about the injustice.”
But is he proud of the way I bore people at balls? My empty dance card? The way I cannot seem to do anything right in society?
“As a matter of fact, I will be planning a luncheon for Papa’s supporters. Perhaps you would care to help?”
I’ll try my best.
“Of course, Mama.”
“I appreciate it, dearest. Until Papa introduces the bill, he will be under a lot of scrutiny and pressure. We must do our best to support him.”
Unease slithered through Glory as she thought of Wei. If word got out that she was romantically involved with a man who treated opium users in the East End, the scandal would be colossal. Enough to compromise her father’s aspirations. While she wasn’t ashamed that she was falling in love with Wei, she couldn’t allow her desires to damage the progress Papa had made toward stopping the despicable commerce.
I have nothing to worry about yet. Beyond the Angels, no one knows about Wei and me. Uncertainty gripped her heart. Truthfully, I don’t even know what his intentions are…whether he would want to marry me.
“Papa is worried about you, you know.”
Glory forced herself to focus. “About me? Why?”
“You know Papa: he cares so much about your happiness. He wants to give you the best of everything and make up for the years when he wasn’t in your life.”
“It wasn’t his fault,” she protested. “He did not even know of my existence.”
“I’ve told him that so many times.” Mama’s gaze clouded over. “If anyone was to blame, it was me.”
“You are not to blame either,” Glory said firmly. “Anyway, this is all water under the bridge. Why concern yourself over it now?”
Mama took a breath. “Papa and I were talking last night.”
Uh oh. Parental talks seldom led to favorable outcomes.
“What about?” Glory asked warily.
“Your future.” Mama hesitated. “Papa and I have noticed that you haven’t taken a particular interest in any suitors.”
“That is because I haven’t had any. The fortune hunters don’t count.”
“You are a lovely girl, and I think it is fair to say that if you had encouraged the attentions of any eligible gentlemen, you would have your pick.”
“Because you are not at all biased.” Glory snorted.
“I am serious,” Mama insisted. “Since your debut, Papa and I have never seen you have that, for lack of a better word, spark with any gentleman. We didn’t worry because you are young, and we don’t wish to rush you into anything, let alone something as important as marriage. Going into your third Season, however, we began to worry that perhaps you were avoiding forming attachments because…because of us.”
Glory stared at her mother in confusion. “Because of you and Papa?”
Mama nodded. “Our relationship was not conventional, and you suffered for it. We did not set the finest example of how a relationship should be—”
“Mama.” Glory took her mother’s hand and looked into the other’s fretful eyes. “I would consider myself the luckiest woman on earth to one day have a marriage like the one you and Papa have.”
