‘I know this is a shocking turn of events, Fliss. But the fewer people who know, the better.’
‘I want to tell Jane,’ I said bluntly. ‘It is unthinkable for me to keep such a thing from her. She will be objective and is discretion itself. I would have written to her immediately but for you saying that we shouldn’t tell anyone.’
Max stared at me thoughtfully for what felt like a decade.
‘Very well,’ he said at last. ‘But please impress upon her that the information is being given in thestrictestconfidence. And do not, for the love of God, mention it to Seraphina.’
I nodded in relief and kissed his hand emphatically. ‘Thank you! I will write to her this instant to catch the morning post!’
‘Very well.’
Decision made, Max rolled over, intending to get another hour’s shut-eye before breakfast, while I donned my wrap and flew down the stairs to the parlour.
Now that I had permission to tell Jane, I had to compose a good letter. But where to begin? And what to say?
I dipped my quill inthe ink and began.
Dear Jane,
Thank you for your latest letter. I am glad to hear your new novel is progressing well and that our trip to the castle inspired you so greatly despite the unfortunate circumstances we found ourselves in. But my life has taken an even stranger turn of late.
I paused and took a deep breath.
Oh, Jane! Something sobadterribleunusual has happened. Max initially told me I couldn’t say anything. But I simply cannot keep this from you, my dearest friend, and he has relented. What I am about to tell you must be kept in thestrictest confidence. You must tell no one, not even Cassie. Here it is. Oh, I can hardly write it for tearing up. Our dear Lucy is in a delicate condition, and Dorian Hart is the father!
I informed her how it had happened (but not as in much detail as Lucinda had given me) and that her mother blamed me heartily.
Now after some discussion with Seraphina I wasnot privy to, Max has decided it is best if we raise the child as our own as he wants an heir! He has written to his lawyer, and the man is on his way to Derbyshire to draw up a formal guardianship contract for us to sign, which will make it all official.
Jane, I am quaking and wretched about it all and have hardly slept a wink. I keep having nightmares about a crying baby that has Dorian’s face! Tell me in your calm, collected manner that we are doing the right thing and this is not the disaster it appears to be. You know my feelings about motherhood, but Max fears that if we do not raise the child, it will face the derision of society and endure a miserable life!
There now, you know it all and will no doubt be immensely shocked—for that I am very sorry. But please, please do not delay in writing back and giving me your sound and soothing counsel. I need it as I have never done before.
Love your friend
(and soon to be a mama?),
Flissy
Chapter 3
Steventon Rectory
19 August 1799
Dear Flissy,
Oh, this is most distressing news indeed!!! I have hardly been able to think straight since I received your letter. But I know you are eagerly awaiting my response, so I have drunk amedicinalcup of tea and will endeavour to write something coherent.
Our poor dear Lucy! I feel almost to blame myself for encouraging her to write a novel. I did not dream the subject would be her own seduction! AND for her mama to read it, oh, how awkward! But I suppose she would have found out eventually when Lucy started to show. AND at least there is now time to plan for the best thing to do.
I think, even though it may be difficult for you to hear, that Max is right—that the future interests of the childmustbe put first.
The fact that he is willing to raise another man’schild is testament to his strength of character and his goodness. This is a true test of your courage as well, and you will rise to face it with grace and dignity; you are the bravest person I know—
Here, the letter cut off and started again farther down the page, as if she had been interrupted midflow.
Flissy, I have received a letter from Elizabeth asking after you and Lucy, and I had a thought. I do not know if anything has been arranged in terms of the baby being considered yours, but what if you and Lucy were to go to Godmersham for a secret confinement? My brother’s house is large and in the remote Kent countryside, and it is removed from any society that could interfere in your plan. Obviously, Elizabeth and Edward would need to be privy to it, but I am sure they would not hesitate to offer their help. They are as fond of Lucy and yourself as if you were part of our own family. And Edward has first-hand knowledge of growing up with relations. He can provide valuable insight as to how the situation can be managed ...
