Josephine murmured politely and withdrew. Emily deserved the limelight for once, at least for tonight. She decided to rest from the hustle and bustle of the ball, and swore she would spend no more than half an hour in the library. I do have a family to rescue from financial disaster, she thought. Emily is a sweet girl, but isn’t likely to make a good match on her own.

            She was astonished to hear Mr. Dominic and Cordelia speaking together behind the door to the library. She attempted to see what she could through the keyhole, and was even less pleased to view their heads so closely together.

            Jo was furious and returned directly to the ballroom. Her high color and sparkling eyes apparently made her attractive, even if caused by rage rather than some more tender emotion. She had no trouble filling her dance card, while still keeping an eye on Emily. In fact, her obvious care for her younger sister attracted the notice of an older man from the next county, who offered for her two days later.

            By that time, she had received the news her Edward had died in a duel. She was too numb to care whom she married. Lord Byerston’s grown children were a great annoyance to her, especially when her elderly husband died leaving her a small son to care for. However, Josephine still fulfilled her responsibilities to her mother and sisters. Once those were managed, she devoted the rest of her life to Good Works and women’s suffrage.

The end.

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