Dare to Dream by Jayne M. Simon

Author:Jayne M. Simon [Simon, Jayne M]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical romance; arranged marriage; freedom; women's rights
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2022-08-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

As the young ladies descended the staircase, four gentlemen awaited their arrival outside the dining room. As if rehearsed, each young lady slipped their arm through the gentleman of her choice and proceeded into dinner. Clemmie led the way, escorted by Jeremy; Martha followed on the arm of Kit; Anitra smiled at Timothy Atchley, who had graciously offered to accompany her to dinner, even though she had pelted his head with snowballs earlier in the day. Jenna entered last, on the arm of Jeffrey Thornhill.

All eyes turned as the small group entered the room. The scene was nostalgic; memories flashed in the minds of the older guests as they remembered similar moments in their youth when they were the center of attention at gatherings such as this one. Beatrice and Arthur were especially affected because both their children were, in all likelihood, with the people they would wed someday. India Thornhill grasped her husband’s hand as she caught sight of their son and Jenna.

After they were seated, Jenna scanned the guests, expecting to see the face she longed to see. She struggled to hide her disappointment—to keep her mask in place. Had he been taken ill? Called away? Where was Tal?

“Jenna?”

“Hmm? Oh, Jeffrey, I’m sorry. What did you say?”

“I was asking if you were prepared to have another lively conversation tonight, like the one we had last spring.”

“Goodness, Jeffrey,” Jenna whispered. “I wouldn’t presume to take over the conversation tonight. I’m embarrassed when I think of how I prattled on last spring. I prefer to forget it.”

Jeffrey cocked his head in confusion. “You didn’t prattle. I thought you were brilliant…truly, Jenna. I, for one, will never forget it.” His voice dropped to a husky whisper. “I think you’re absolutely wonderful.”

Jenna was touched by Jeffrey’s heartfelt words and gently touched his hand in gratitude. She smiled brightly as she sipped her wine, forcing herself to keep up light dinner conversation.

****

Beatrice watched Jenna’s interaction with Jeffrey. She saw the young woman touch his hand with genuine tenderness. But the smile on Jenna Newell’s face didn’t reach her eyes—and her eyes were, indeed, windows to her soul. Beatrice noticed Jenna take note of all the guests at the table. She saw the evident disappointment on the young woman’s face when she didn’t find the person for whom she was searching.

Bea felt a profound sadness for this girl, for whom she was beginning to have genuine affection. Unfortunately, there was no advice she could offer Jenna. She would never, never betray Tal. And from her own experience all those years ago, Bea knew that it was all up to Jenna—even if she wasn’t aware of it. If it were meant to be, Jenna would realize her feelings for Tal and his for her. If it were meant to be, somehow, they would find each other.

****

After a rather raucous after-dinner game of Charades in the den, the group broke up, opting for a relatively early night, except for Anitra, who joined Timothy in the billiards room for a quick game of snooker.

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