‘It is not presumptuous at all, but being a duchess is not so dreadful as all that. My mother will vouch for that.’ His lips quirked into an encouraging smile. ‘She often told me that what she enjoys as a duchess is that there are very few people who may give her orders.’
That quip achieved its aim in raising a tiny smile on Jane’s lips even as she said, ‘But I know nothing about being a member of the nobility.’
‘They are people just like everyone else. Some are good while others are bad, and most are somewhere in between. Some care for their people and estates and others let them go to wrack and ruin. Some are intelligent and pleasant company, others not so much. Many are wealthy and others have squandered their fortunes.’
He shrugged. ‘As I said, they are just people. Admittedly, many are arrogant and full of… their own importance. Although some of them can learn,’ he added after a small pause with an amused glance at Darcy.
As Deveril spoke, Jane gradually relaxed and sat down on the window seat. Since she now faced the room, she noticed her aunt and sisters sitting at the edge of their seats, looking as if they were ready to spring to her rescue. She managed a small smile and shook her head, whereupon her family settled back into their chairs.
Deveril watched the exchange with relief. He indicated the spot beside Jane and asked, ‘May I?’
When she nodded permission, he sat down and said, ‘You know, my mother would very much like to meet you. She also would be delighted to help in any way she can.’
They then sat quietly for several minutes while Jane processed the information. Deveril waited patiently until Jane said carefully, ‘Forgive me for saying so, but you speak as if you had already made up your mind.’
‘I have. You are everything that I had hoped for in a lady and I pray that in time you will feel the same.’
Jane was tempted to say,I had not hoped to find a lady, but knew that such levity was inappropriate at present. She recognised that she was using humour to ease her nervousness.
While she was ruminating on the deception which Lord James had perpetrated, it occurred to her that she was guilty of a subterfuge of her own.
‘Lord James, as we are clearing up misconceptions, I have a confession of my own to make. I am not the poor country Miss I have pretended to be.’
‘Are you not the daughter of a gentleman?’
‘That part is the truth, but I am not poor. As a matter of fact, thanks to my great aunt Mrs Mary Carleton I have a considerable fortune of my own,’ Jane said and carefully watched for Deveril’s reaction.
His brows rose briefly in surprise, but his smile remained pleasant and unconcerned. ‘Although I have no need for a bride with a large dowry, it will make life easier for you once it becomes known that you have no need for my fortune.’
Deveril spoke nothing but the truth when he claimed not to care that Jane was an heiress, but he was relieved on her behalf that she was wealthy since it would make her much more acceptable to a society who valued such material matters.
‘You do not care to know how much it is?’
‘I suppose I should know the amount since it will have to be mentioned as belonging to you in the marriage articles… if you decide that you like me well enough.’
His answer surprised Jane yet again as it had not occurred to her that a potential husband would not wish to have control of her fortune. This attitude strengthened her feelings for him and also reassured her that this match might be possible on equal terms.
‘I have an inheritance of property and cash which come to a total of about a hundred thousand pounds,’ she said.
Jane had the pleasure of seeing his surprise as he exclaimed, ‘A hundred…’ He broke off and regained control of his voice and expression. He said quietly, ‘It is no wonder that you have kept quiet about the size of your fortune. You would be hounded by every man in town.’
‘You can see that like you, I am exceedingly glad to have met someone who was interested in me rather than the size of my fortune.’
‘Indeed.’ He glanced at Darcy and Fitzwilliam. ‘I gather they do not know?’
‘I believe that the Colonel suspects that we are well off, but not the full extent of it.’
‘You may count on my discretion.’ Deveril gave her a speculative look. ‘You could always pretend that if word were to get out, that as the oldest sister, you inherited the lion’s share of the fortune to spare your sisters undue attention.’
‘I shall certainly consider it, although I hope it will not be necessary.’
~T~
The sisters and Mrs Gardiner had been concerned about Jane’s reaction to Lord James’ revelations.
They wanted to follow as he rushed to Jane’s side but decided to wait as he seemed to be able to calm her. When Jane relaxed and smiled at them, the ladies returned their attention to the other visitors.
Darcy was amazed to see that Miss Bennet appeared distraught at discovering Deveril’s position rather than to be jumping for joy. It upset his view of the world. No wonder that his aunt had taken a liking to the sisters if they were all like that. Now his chagrin at having refused an introduction to Miss Elizabeth back at Meryton was even greater.
