A Good Debutante's Guide to Ruin by Sophie Jordan Read Free Book Online

chased away the mild amusement lurking in his eyes. Now he just looked annoyed. His square jaw locked tight. Good, she thought with some satisfaction. Because that is precisely how she felt. Let him be annoyed. “ You have forgotten yourself. At least when it comes to your role in relation to me. You’re not my guardian, but it seems you have taken it upon yourself to act as such.”
    He crossed his arms. “I take it you heard the news.”
    â€œThat I’m to be married.” She nodded once. Hard. “Not that I was consulted, but that’s the news I woke to this morning.”
    â€œAnd you’re not happy about this?” He snorted. “Well, that’s foolish.”
    She released a breath in a hiss. “How’s that?”
    â€œI’m offering you a Season, a future free from the unreliability of your mother. Unless you prefer to live with uncertainty, one step from the gutter. Begging for favors from ­people you hold only loose connections to.”
    Meaning him. He was right. The truth stung.
    They studied each other for a moment. Her initial anger began to fade as she considered that what he was offering her was so much more than anything she had hoped for. So much more than many women ever received. A Season as a debutante. The thrill of parties and balls. Excitement, adventure. Suitors . The possibility of finding someone. A chance at love. To put a life of loneliness behind her.
    â€œI see,” she finally said, lacing her fingers together in front of her and now feeling a little foolish for barging in here after all.
    He angled his head. “Do you now?”
    She did. “I suppose I owe you my gratitude.”
    He let loose a bark of laughter. “Doesn’t sound too heartfelt.”
    Heat scored her cheeks. “My apologies,” she mumbled, flexing her toes in the carpet. “You’re very generous. You don’t have to do this.”
    He smiled thinly. “I’ll tell you what I told your mother the last time I saw her. My generosity has its limits. Don’t squander this opportunity.”
    She nodded once. “Understood. Now understand this. I’m not my mother.”
    He looked her up and down and his smile turned faintly smirking, as if amused. As if he didn’t believe that. Indeed, he didn’t believe that at all.
    â€œNoted. Now. If you’ll excuse me. I’m late for an appointment.” He stepped past her and exited the room, leaving her alone and staring after him.

 
    Chapter 6
    T he modiste arrived promptly the next morning after breakfast with four assistants in tow. Rosalie felt her eyes widen as they entered her chamber carrying fabrics and boxes that soon outnumbered the number of articles she had ever possessed. Ever. In her entire life ever.
    â€œOh, very nice, very nice!” The modiste, Mrs. Ashby, clapped approvingly as she surveyed Rosalie’s body. “We have much to work with here.”
    Rosalie smiled uncertainly as she eyed the modiste and four assistants. It was difficult to process that they were working class. They were all attired better than she was in elegant dresses and perfectly coiffed hair.
    â€œDid I not say so?” Lady Peregrine nodded eagerly, her turbaned head bobbing.
    And still the boxes and baskets continued to arrive, more maids arriving now to help carry them into the room.
    Rosalie leaned down to where Aurelia sat on the chaise, tormenting Lady Snuggles with a scrap of ribbon. The cat appeared in no mood to play, but that did not stop Aurelia from repeatedly flipping the blue ribbon at the growling animal.
    â€œWould it not have been easier to go to their shop?” Rosalie whispered. “Rather than forcing them to come here?”
    Smiling, Aurelia shook her head. “Mama does not visit Mrs. Ashby’s shop. Madame Ashby brings the shop to her. To any other highborn lady, for that matter.” Aurelia’s lips twisted wryly.