“At least you know that you like his sister.It seems a small factor, but an important one if you are to get on with his closest family.”
Jane agreed.It was one more thing that supported her decision.
“A pity his aunt, Lady Lucinda, can be a martinet.”
Jane chuckled.“Yes, she warned me off him some time ago.She will not be pleased.”
Mrs.Courtice asked more questions, which Jane answered as honestly as she could over the ensuing afternoon tea.The weather kept other visitors away and they were able to have a long, uninterrupted conversation.By the time Mrs.Courtice ordered her coach to take Jane home she looked rather more at peace with Jane’s decision but still contemplative.Jane had done the best she could to reassure Mrs.Courtice and make her reasoning clear to her.There was nothing more to be said.Jane hugged the dear old lady again and left.
Upon arriving home, Jane went straight to the sitting room where the morning’s extraordinary happenings had taken place.She opened her writing case and penned a letter to the Marquess for Joe to deliver immediately.
***
JONATHAN TOOK THE LETTERfrom the tray offered by his butler.He didn’t recognize the writing or the seal.He hoped it was from Jane.“The manservant is waiting for your answer, m’lord.”
He read:I would be grateful if you would call upon me again tomorrow morning at the same time to discuss your proposal further.Jane Brody.
Disappointment tasted bitter in his mouth.Hah!Well, she’s not giving anything away with that response.He had a restless night ahead of him.To the butler, he said, “Tell the man that I would be honored to call upon his mistress tomorrow at ten o’clock.”
Next morning, Jonathan dressed with especial care.He wanted nothing, including his appearance, to deter Jane from agreeing to marry him.He hoped he would be making a formal proposal after she told him her decision.
Once again Jonathan was shown into Jane’s sitting room with its pale blue walls and white ceiling.She was dressed in unremitting black again, but today she was standing, facing the door with her hands clasped together at her waist.She greeted him gravely, as if about to give her condolences after a death in the family.
Her demeanor did not bode well for his chances.However, he must proceed as he had planned.He bowed briefly and took her proffered hand.It was cool in his grip, and he thought it trembled.So, she was not as calm about this meeting as she appeared.
“Lord Dalton, thank you for agreeing to come back so soon.”
“It is my pleasure, as always, Miss Brody.Won’t you please call me Jonathan?”
“Do you think we are at that level of familiarity, Lord Dalton?”
Not a good sign.“I certainly hope we shall be after this meeting, Miss Brody,” he responded with a half smile.
“Perhaps.”Jane was noncommittal in her answer even now.
“Well, will you do me the honor of marrying me, Miss Brody?”
“Before I answer that question, Lord Dalton, I have a few more of my own.Let us sit down first.”
They sat on the same worn sofa.
“I will gladly answer your questions, Jane.”
She ignored his use of her name and launched into what was obviously a rehearsed speech.“Lord Dalton, I need to know that you will provide dowries for my sisters or settle money on them should they not marry.I am most concerned that they benefit from this marriage, should it go ahead.”
“Of course, Jane.I have every intention of treating them as I do my own sister.They would have a dowry of five thousand pounds settled on them, and if they don’t marry, they will have this money provided to them at age thirty.I hope that is satisfactory.”
“Yes, it certainly sounds fair to me.You will have this legally drawn up before our marriage?”
“Yes, of course, at the same time as your own marriage portion is drawn up, before our nuptials.”
“I also want to know that you will exert your influence to help my brothers gain suitable employment in their chosen careers.Can you help them?”
“I am most willing to assist your brothers.However, I would like to meet all of them beforehand, so that I personally know the men for whom I am providing a reference.That would be a matter of honor for me.”
She inclined her head in agreement.“You are most kind.”
“What else can I tell you that will reassure you that I will look after your family and you as much as it is possible?”
