Hope inhaled slowly. She hated when Jacob spoke to her like a child. She counted to five again.
“I have eaten,” she said slowly. “And if I seem out of sorts, I apologize, but it’s only because my grandmother has taken ill, as I’ve explained in my letters, which have gone unanswered, and I’m somewhat worried—”
“My dear, we cannot act all excited simply because a family member is dealing with indigestion.”
“It’s not indigestion.”
“Lady Alice is a healthy woman, my dear. I’m sure she will be fine.”
Hope scowled at him.
“As you have not been by to see her—or me, for that matter—in nearly four weeks, I don’t see how you can assume to know how she is faring.”
A smug, knowing expression came over Jacob’s face.
“Is that why you’re so miffed? Because I haven’t been by to see you? I told you I was working on a substantial case these past few months. If I’m successful in litigation, we might be able to bring our five-year plan forward six months.”
“That is not why I’m upset,” she said earnestly. “My grandmother is ill, and I’m worried about her.”
He frowned.
“Didn’t you hear me? Our plans may be happening sooner than later. I can propose to you next May instead of October next year. Isn’t that wonderful?”
It was like having a conversation with a parrot. To an outsider, it mightlooklike a conversation in that both participants were speaking, but one seemed totally incapable of listening to or understanding the other.
“Yes, that is good news. But I’m very concerned right now about my grandmother. Not to mention my sisters—”
“My dear, if you’re more interested in going over the symptoms of some sniffles than in celebrating this good news, I think I’d much prefer to let you stew by yourself for some time until you get over whatever is bothering you.”
Hope’s. Resolve. Snapped.
“Sometimes I think you have all the empathy of a bee, Jacob. Except when a bee stings, it at least has the curtesy to die of shame or embarrassment. You, I fear, will never be so aware.”
She knew she would regret her outburst, but in that moment, she couldn’t help but take great satisfaction in his slack jawed face. Her grandmother always assured her that men of position chose to focus on themselves in order to allow them provide as best they could for those who depended on them. Hope was set to marry Jacob, so she was expected to put his needs first. But really, how could he be so blind regarding his future fiancée's worries? Was he truly that indifferent to her distress?
Surely he could see she was upset. And yet all he had to offer were chiding remarks about her behavior and callous dismissal of her concerns. He seemed to expect her to fawn allover him, but heaven forbid they touch. It made Hope so angry at that moment that she couldn’t stop herself.
Trudging through the grand house, hoping to find the powder room so she could take a moment to herself to settle her bubbling anger towards Jacob, Hope saw two ladies exit a brightly lit room. Though she barely recognized the two young ladies, she distinctly heard one of them say as they walked by, “That must be the one who was spotted kissing Lord Bartley.”
“I guessHold-on Hopefinally let go,” the other laughed.
Hope’s feet stalled as she glanced at the young ladies who practically ran away down the hall when they saw her stop. Kissing Lord Bartley? Why would anyone assume that she had kissed him? She knew that gossip could spread quickly, and that something as simple as a lady tripping and a gentlemen catching her arm to keep her from falling could be misconstrued as an embrace. But she didn’t recall having laid eyes on Lord Bartley all evening. How on earth could such a rumor have started?
Frowning, she entered the powder room. Much to her surprise, she found Faith and Grace standing before her with pinched faces and strained mouths. Hope felt the inkling of dread.
“Faith? Grace?” Hope said, coming forward. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
Both sisters twisted to face Hope. Grace’s face was pale as a sheet, while Faith’s eyes were red as poppies.
“Oh, Hope,” Faith said, sniffling. “We’re finished.”
“Finished?” she said, her hands going to either of her sisters. “What do you mean?”
“I, well, I may have caused a situation,” Grace began quietly. “But I swear, I had innocent intentions. Or…well, perhaps notentirelyinnocent, but I certainly meant no harm.”
“I cannot believe this,” Faith said, looking up at the ceiling.
“What’s happened?” Hope insisted.
