The Shipping Heiress by Lisa Higgins

Author:Lisa Higgins
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2020-08-02T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 37: A Tête-à-Tête

As the last of the guests left, Jade had never felt more relieved. I cannot wait to put this wretched night behind me. Her thoughts brought her closer to her chambers and her bed. Fatigue washed over her, and she prayed sleep would engulf her. Tomorrow was a new day, and she'd face it with optimism. She hoped. Her heart ached at the thought of William, but with it, anger bubbled at the surface.

"Jade," Bella called out to her daughter.

Jade turned at the sound of her mother's voice and softly said, "oh, hello, Mother." Reaching both hands out, Bella closed the distance and joined her daughter's hands.

"Did you enjoy yourself tonight? I saw you danced quite a bit, and I'm sure your feet must be in agony!" Bella said in her concerned motherly way.

"Yes, I had a splendid time," Jade lied. "But my feet despise me for it," she laughed. "Now, I'm bone weary and tired," Jade replied as she lifted her hand to cover an escaping yawn.

"My poor sweet girl. I won't keep you, but I've needed to speak with you and Abagail about something. I mentioned it the day we received the final papers of her adoption..."

"Yes, I remember now. I'm sorry, Mother, there's been a lot going on and—"

"Hush now,” Bella smiled, cutting her off. “It is entirely my fault. I have been waiting for the perfect moment. Actually, I've been putting it off," Bella intoned with a frown.

"Is there something amiss, Mother?" Jade asked with trepidation.

"No. Nothing at all, I assure you. Please do not worry. I want you to sleep well tonight. I think tomorrow will be perfect, but it can wait until before dinner. Everyone will want to sleep in, and I'm sure the drawing-room will be busy with potential suitors during calling hours," she replied.

Jade groaned. "How lovely.”

Laughing, Bella kissed her cheek. "Off to bed you go, we are all retiring very soon."

"Good night, I love you."

"And I love you," Bella said and blew Jade a kiss.

Once in her chamber, Jade leaned back against the wood. Finally, I'm alone, completely alone. Making her way to the dressing table, she kicked off her wretched slippers. Wiggling her sore toes, Jade moaned in delight. "That feels simply fantastic and long overdue," she said to herself.

While it would be nice to have Suzanna's help getting undressed, Jade thought it selfish and downright cruel. Why should Suzanna stay up until the wee hours of the morning to help someone out of a ballgown? Jade found the very idea, preposterous. She knew Suzanna was an early riser and would want to be awake, prepared, and available whenever Jade required her. It had taken a lot to convince Suzanna that her services were not necessary tonight.

Taking the pins and adornments out of her hair, she vigorously ran her fingers through and massaged her scalp. It felt good to let her hair down, and she giggled at herself in the looking glass. Picking up her brush, she began the impossible task.

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