Jenny couldn’t see the woman behind her, but she could imagine the insincerity of the smile that would be frozen on her face. Some women assume a false congeniality as their tempers rise. If they start to add terms of endearment, it’s time to duck. Jenny wanted more than ever to curl up into a ball and hide in a corner.
“With that whip, a dozen ought to be plenty,” Sarah said evenly.
Do I hear six? Thought Jenny. The party most concerned in this negotiation wasn’t allowed to bid. She held her tongue and waited.
“Very well then,” Lady G was being magnanimous. “Just a dozen with this then, and I will give her the rest with something lighter.”
Sarah didn’t seem pleased by this idea either, but clearly felt that she had done all she could to protect Jenny. Her impotent frustration was appa
