Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta

retained Mama’s emeralds—the heart of a priceless collection, or so Sarah said. Each piece—hair circlet, necklace, bracelet, brooch, and varying other pieces—was matched with peerless diamonds. The value of the set was so great, Mama never dared to even wear so much as one ring.
    “A verbal agreement, child. Do not leave our witnesses, John and Elizabeth, in doubt. Do you agree to my first term?”
    I felt like a girl in a fairy tale making a bargain with a witch. “Yes.”
    Elizabeth made a choking noise while Mr. Greenham turned his attention to his cup.
    “Good. Now for my next term. Nothing would induce me to present you to a person of consequence looking as such. Your garb is positively ghastly. You must start wearing color again.”
    “Oh, honestly,” Elizabeth burst into our conversation. “You cannot expect her to defy society on your orders. Besides, this entire conversation is irrelevant. Julia is under her guardian’s protection, and he’d never allow any of this.”
    “Guardian?” Lady Foxmore arched her eyebrows. “Who, child? I shall write this person.”
    After glaring at Elizabeth, I shook my head. “I know not. He wishes to remain anonymous.”
    “Rubbish.” Lady Foxmore swept the air with her hand. “Anyone who refuses to reveal himself is hiding something and will not dare interfere with our plans. Had he been worthy in the first place, he never would have even allowed a visit to the Windhams. The next time I lay eyes on you, child, I expect you out of those ridiculous rags.” She held up a hand, though I’d made no attempt to interrupt her. “I gather you have no funds, but you’ll have to find a way to manage. I’m offering you a husband beyond the compass of your imagination. I expect to see a bit of fortitude on your part. Sell that locket if necessary. Just find a way.”
    My finger sought out the heavy, gold locket around my neck. Inside was a painted ivory of Mama and my father.
    “She’s not selling her locket.” Elizabeth rose alongside her voice. “Nor is she going to allow you to choose her a husband! Do you honestly think she’ll risk her reputation? We all know the rumors surrounding you, how more than one young lady in your charge has disappeared only to reappear after a questionable length of time, her middle thicker, never to marry.”
    Instead of appearing offended, Lady Foxmore looked rather amused. Her head trembled as she tried to hold still. “Am I to blame when young girls mishandle the freedom I give them?”
    Elizabeth turned and gathered her shawl from her chair. “Come, Julia. We’re leaving this conversation right now.”
    I fastened my gaze on a crackled ivory vase holding waxed roses.
    “Julia?” Elizabeth sounded panicked this time.
    When I sat unmoving, she picked up her skirts and hied to the door, her petticoats rustling. I envisioned her finding Henry. Doubtless by nightfall, Edward would learn what had transpired this afternoon, but I no longer cared.
    “Do you accept my second condition?” Lady Foxmore asked.
    My throat felt strained, so I nodded but then remembered it had to be verbal. “Yes.”
    “But she’s not selling her locket,” Mr. Greenham said in a firm voice.
    “So, you are capable of speech.” Lady Foxmore shifted to view him. “Good heavens, John, if you must make noise, wait and test your conversational skills on someone else. I do not like interruptions, especially from men who normally refuse to speak.”
    He set his untouched cup of tea aside and sat forward. After divesting his waistcoat of a pocketbook, he pulled out several pound notes. “I believe this should suffice for a new wardrobe, yes?”
    “You know I cannot accept that,” I said, staring at the notes. “No lady can acce—”
    “Make no mistake, Miss Elliston,” Lady Foxmore said. “We are no longer working within society’s confines. If you wish to marry a husband on the top rung, you may find yourself compromising in many