Bella shook her head. “I couldn’t do that, Bethy.”
“But why not?” Beth asked.
“He may not be able to get away, or to afford such an expense.”
If Glyn were to approach their papa now, might he have a better chance? Jenny wondered. “No, he may not,” she said. “But you’ll never know unless you ask him.”
Bella shook her head. “We leave London at the end of the week, and it’s pointless when Papa won’t budge an inch.”
“Then why don’t you elope?” Beth said. “Once you are married, Papa cannot object.”
Jenny laughed. “You are a minx, Beth.”
“I know,” Beth said with a grin. “But life is for taking chances. Look at Jenny. If she hadn’t taken a position as a governess she would be married to Mr. Judd.”
Jenny went cold at the thought. She hadn’t asked Andrew what he and her father had discussed, but he’d told her she would never hear from Judd again. She was profoundly relieved, but still did not want her sisters to return to Yorkshire and was glad that Andrew had invited them to live with her at Castlebridge.
A rap on the knocker made them rush to the door. It opened to reveal the smiling face of their eldest brother, Jarred.
They all squealed and hugged him and dragged him into the parlor for tea.
Jenny thought he looked lanky and thin, and his hair needed cutting. He sat beside her on the sofa while the others crowded about him. “I couldn’t believe it when I got your letter. I can’t wait to hear how it came to pass, but not today, I cannot stay long. I must return to the Inns of Court.”
Jenny told him of Andrew’s promise to guarantee Jarred a place at university, beginning in the next semester, should he wish to, and that he would also ensure some time off for him to come to Castlebridge for the wedding.
Her brother was speechless for several minutes. He cleared his throat. “I should like it above anything, Jenny.”
“Then you will come to the wedding?”
Jarred grinned. “Just try to stop me.”
*
Andrew sat inWhite’s library with Castlereagh. He wasn’t completely confident when he’d decided to ask him to stand up as his best man. But when Andrew saw him, he decided against it. Castlereagh seemed forgetful and distracted. He was severely overworked and suffering great criticism, which seemed to have impaired his fine mind.
“The congress system is teetering on the edge of collapse,” Castlereagh said, tapping a finger on the leather arm of his chair. “There’s sure to be more trouble, the dissidents might be better organized next time. I give it another year.”
Andrew nodded, filled with compassion for his friend. “I am in agreement with you. What shall you do, Robert? You need to rest.”
Castlereagh nodded. “My doctor has advised it. I am about to retire to Cray for a time, perhaps Loring Hall will perform its magic and heal me.”
“I’m sure it will,” Andrew said forcing enthusiasm into his voice.
Castlereagh rubbed his forehead. “You had something to tell me.”
Andrew smiled. “I am about to be married.”
“Then I must congratulate you, my friend,” Castlereagh said. “I hope you have chosen wisely. The Baroness, isn’t it?”
“No, the lady’s name is Jenny Harrismith. She is the daughter of Baron Wetherby from York.”
Castlereagh stared at him. Then a grin flittered across his face. “By Jupiter, that is good news, Harrow!” He reached across to thump Andrew on the arm. “I thought it would be the German lady.”
Andrew wondered how he would think it possible after the business with Ivo, but he merely nodded.
“Rather quick, I must say. Fallen head over heels, one might hope.”
“You will like her, Robert, she is a wonderful young lady, brave, resourceful, kind, compassionate…”
