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“But why? You know how they are going to be. It isn’t fair for him to make you deal with them on such a special night!”

“It would probably make us look poorly if we were to leave them out of our first time entertaining as a married couple.”

“I suppose I can understand that, but I still think its a bad idea. What if they try to cause a scene?”

“I’m sure it will be fine, and if they do try, then they will be the ones who lose face in that situation. Not us. Like I said, I want to insure I do a good job and make the Danton family look good.”

Penelope crossed her arms. “I suppose part of me can understand that at least a little, but you should have to have them here at all if you ask me. It’s just asking for trouble.”

She huffed out a half laugh. “Perhaps you I would agree with you, but this isn’t just about what I want. I need to do what is best for the Danton family name.”

She grunted. “It just doesn’t seem like a fair position to put you in.”

“I’m a duchess. I can’t let myself forget that.”

“You are handling it far better than I ever could.”

“I’m sure if you were in a situation like this, you would handle it far better than you would expect.”

“I still hope I never have to find out. All I want is to settle down as a spinster and be left to my own devices.”

“So you have said, but are you sure you really want that?”

“Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Just- I can remember when we were younger. We both wanted to find love. I just don’t want you to rob yourself of the ability to have something you would rather have.”

“But I won’t regret it. I know this is better for me. Look around. How many people do we know who got married?”

“Quite a few.”

“And how many of them were able to marry for love?”

“Fair point, but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t.”

“It means it isn’t worth trying for. I’d rather just enjoy what I have and be content.”

“I suppose I can understand that, but do think about it?”

“I think about it plenty. You should think more about yourself. You have got a dinner party to plan after all.”

“I know. I have been putting a lot of time and effort into it. I just hope it goes well.”

Penelope smiled. “I’m sure it will. After all, anyone will be able to see how much work you put into it.”

“I hope you’re right,” she said, chewing her lip.

“I know I am. You don’t have anything to worry about. It’s going to go great.”

“Thanks. I’m glad you have faith in me. It means a lot.”

“Of course I do. I’ve known you long enough to know that you’re going to do great.”

CHAPTER 16

Rebecca sat in her parlor, putting the finishing touches on the plans for the dinner party. Earlier that very morning, William had set out for a business meeting, the invitations heading out with him.

Any moment now, the guests would be arriving at the doors. It was starting to seem like everything was really coming together and she couldn’t be happier.