A Lesson in Forgiveness by Jennifer Connors Read Free Book Online Page A

his ledger.

Chapter 5
     
     
    After returning to her room, Ginny found Tabby examining all her gowns for just the perfect one. Smiling, she asked, “Well, Tabby. What's it going to be?”
    “I thought to bring out your hair this evening, miss. I thought the white gown, with burgundy accents would do well.”
    “Sounds good.” Ginny went about removing the clothes she'd worn today. Then, using the leftover water in the basin, she began to wash herself, removing the sweat of the day.
    “Some of the servants were talking today, miss.”
    “Really. And what was their topic?” Ginny dragged out each word for dramatic effect.
“It seems that one of the young ladies had both the attention of Lord Whitmore and Lord Clarendon.”
    “And this was gossip because...” Ginny asked, knowing that many of the young women in attendance were already talking about her behind her back. First of all, she didn't play silly games with them. They were all eighteen or nineteen years old, Ginny was thirty and had little tolerance for immaturity. Second, none of them could corner the two most eligible bachelors by themselves. The group moved together en masse, excluding Ginny of course. When Lord Clarendon escorted her privately through the garden today, it caused quite a stir.
    “Well, the way I heard it, this lady did nothing to cause such attention. It seems both gentlemen asked for her company, without her needing to flirt at all.” As it was turning out, Tabby had a quick wit and a sarcastic sense of humor. Ginny was thrilled. She and Tabby were truly well matched.
    “How scandalous! Now, the question is... which man should she choose? The stable, but perhaps somewhat dull, earl. Or the future duke who has a reputation for seeking out as much female company as possible. Mostly female company that already has husbands.”
    “That is a good question. I would not want to be the lady to make such a decision.”
    “Well, it seems that the stable earl has decided to put off marriage in lieu of a trip to the Continent. So that only leaves the future duke. Have your sources determined if any of the other eligible gentlemen are worth this particular lady's attention?”
    “The gossip is quite interesting concerning the other gentlemen. Mr. Frederick's likes to gamble and drink. Lord Huntington frequents loose women. And I haven't heard anything about the others, but I will keep my ears open for you.”
    “Thank you, Tabby. You are proving quite resourceful.” Tabby beamed with pride. Apparently acknowledging someone's contribution can make all the difference to that person's self-esteem.
     
     
    “So, Bethany, you divide your time between a man known by his bad reputation and the one who has no interest in getting married. How do you plan to make a good match when you will not speak to any of the other delightful gentlemen here?” After only thirty seconds in her parent's company and she was being raked across the coals.
    “That young Mr. Thompson seems quite nice. I am told he is in trade, being only a cousin to an earl and having to make his own way in the world, but he has done quite well in doing so. I shall request to Lord Whitmore that he be your dinner partner this evening.”
    Nothing amazed Ginny more than the fact that she said absolutely nothing and yet everything was decided for her. In her great wisdom, she choose to remain quiet. If everything was decided, she couldn't be blamed for the outcome. If only real life were so simple.
    Her mother did get her wish. That young Mr. Thompson did escort her to dinner. He was handsome, but short, only barely the same height as Bethany. Not that it mattered, as it was obvious nothing would come of it. If Ginny wasn't sure of that before dinner, his incessant talk of the beautiful and talented Miss Jennings certainly eliminated any doubts. When not speaking of her many attributes, he would stare quietly across the table at her. Ginny turned to her other dinner partner, Mr. Bradbury,