Instead of ruining the reputation of Miss Bennet, people, including Miss Grantly, sniggered about Miss Bingley’s delusions, and waited with delicious anticipation for the two ladies to meet… hopefully in public.
~T~
24Mothers
As foreshadowed, Her Grace Isabella Deveril, the Duchess of Barrington arrived in London and joined her son at the family’s residence on Park Lane.
Her first action after greeting her son and refreshing herself was to send a note to Jane Bennet arranging to visit Gardiner House the following day. She sent a second note requesting her cousin Henrietta to accompany her.
Deveril became suspicious at the inclusion of the cousin, but his mother refused to enlighten him.
~T~
The following day, Jane was relieved to see the friendly, not to say impish, smile on the duchess’s face when Deveril introduced her to the ladies of Gardiner House.
The duchess herself introduced her cousin, Lady Henrietta Chester, saying, ‘I hope you do not mind my bringing my cousin. I wanted to speak to you without my son’s presence and by having Henrietta with me to accompany me home, I can dispense with his company now that he has introduced us.’
Deveril smiled apologetically as he bowed to the ladies. ‘I believe I have been given my marching orders. I think that I will call on Fitzwilliam while I leave you ladies to get acquainted.’
The ladies had a moment to study their visitors while Deveril made his departure. They knew that Deveril was thirty years old, therefore his mother had to be at least close to fifty years, but she appeared much younger, particularly since her auburn hair was virtually untouched by grey, she still had a trim figure and she moved with ease.
Lady Henrietta appeared to be about sixty and while she was tall like her cousin, she was more rounded and there was a significant amountof grey in her once auburn locks. She appeared more sedate but still friendly.
Once Deveril was gone, the duchess addressed Mrs Gardiner, ‘If you will allow, I would like a chance to get to know Miss Bennet privately.’
Madeline Gardiner had half expected such a request and suggested, ‘You might like to use the small parlour. It is particularly pleasant at this time of day.’
The duchess gave a grateful smile to her hostess. ‘You are most gracious.’
~T~
Jane led the duchess and Lady Henrietta to the small parlour into which they were followed by a maid carrying a tea tray.
Once they were seated, Jane served the tea to her guests. Despite her nervousness she managed to maintain her poise, which the ladies noticed with appreciation.
‘I hope that you are not too upset with my highhanded presumption of arranging things to my liking in your home.’
‘It is only natural that you wished to take my measure. After all, I am a complete unknown in society, and you wish to ensure that I can be a credit to your family.’
‘Well said, my dear. But I am more interested in how you feel about my son and if you have it in you to make him happy.’
Taken aback by the change in direction in the conversation, Jane took a moment to compose herself before she replied. ‘I do not know if I can make Lord James happy. All I can tell you is how I feel and how he makes me feel.’
Jane focused her gaze on the duchess and ignored the cousin who sat back in her chair and was content to fade into the background while she observed.
‘Despite not having known him for very long, I have come to care deeply about your son. I enjoy my conversations with him and how he respects my opinions.’ She stopped for a moment to find the right words while a soft smile played about her lips. ‘I suppose what stands out in my mind is that I trust him implicitly, despite his initial duplicity.’
‘Ah, yes. He did mention that he did not enlighten you about his status. I gather you do not hold it against him.’
‘I did at first but have come to understand his motivation.’
‘You truly did not wish to be a duchess?’
‘I still do not care for the idea, but if that is the price, I have to pay… I will deal with it for Lord James is worth the discomfort.’ Jane paused a moment again before she hesitantly said, ‘He said that you would help me learn to be a credit to the role.’
The more Jane spoke, the more the duchess understood her son’s interest in the lady and the more pleased she was that he had found such a worthy woman who cared about him rather than his rank.
Paying close attention not only to Jane’s words but her expressions and demeanour, she became convinced that the young woman was head over ears in love with her son.
