The enormity of yesterday’s decision hit like a blow to her chest.Any feeling of normalcy evaporated.Despite knowing at some level of consciousness that she was to marry him, it was only now she really comprehended that reality.
She was to marry the Marquess of Dalton.No, he was now Jonathan to her.He had told her so.And she was “My Jane,” as he had said, many times, as he kissed her yesterday morning.
It was really happening.She was to marry him—in February, after the House of Lords resumed for the new year.A quiet wedding, as Jane and her family were still in mourning.
What had she done?
Her heart raced.Chest constricted, she gasped for breath.She closed her eyes to blank the newspaper evidence of her fate, to gain control of her emotions.
You made a decision.The right one for your family.It will be all right.Think of the advantages.Don’t let your fears get the upper hand.Count off the good points.One—he kisses divinely.No!One—he is willing to assist my siblings.Two—he is a good man who will treat me kindly.Three—his sister is a dear friend, so surely his family must be likeable also.Four—he is very wealthy and has influence, so I will be able to help others.Five—he is very attractive.
Katherine’s voice cut through her thoughts.“Jane, are you listening?Shall I commence the next translation from Homer after breakfast?”
Jane blinked her eyes open and sucked in a deep breath.“Yes, yes of course, Katie, please do, and then the next set of mathematical problems in the book.I’ll check them after speaking with Mrs.Creevy.”
“Whatever are you reading?”Katherine asked.“You look like you have seen a ghost.”
“Just my engagement notice.”
Katherine put out her hand for the paper.“Let me see then.”Katherine tookThe Gazetteand read the few lines.“Oh, Jane, Lord Dalton is such a handsome, well-dressed gentleman.You are so lucky.I hope I shall have a husband like him one day.”
“Yes, I’m sure you will—that is, if you are sure that you do not wish to continue to study, then perhaps teach afterwards.You are very bright, you know.”
“Can’t one do both, Jane?”
“Only with a very wealthy, supportive husband, otherwise it’s all babies and household duties.”
Katherine’s face fell before a new thought came to her.“Oh, well, then I must choose very wisely, like you.”
Surprised by her sister’s insight, Jane hesitated before answering.“Yes, indeed.Off you go now to your studies.”
Jane’s first destination after completing all her household duties with Mrs.Creevy was to visit Lady Elizabeth at Dalton House in Grosvenor Square.As the weather was fine and frosty, she decided to walk the considerable distance, with Joe acting as her footman.
Upon their arrival, the butler led Jane up the wide staircase, as on previous occasions.He knocked on the drawing room door and opened it to admit her without announcement.Word of the engagement had obviously reached below stairs.
Jane entered the now-familiar room.The scene before her was not the one she expected.Lady Elizabeth had quite obviously just resumed her seat at the end of the chaise longue, having been sitting much closer to her guest...her only guest, as Jane’s swift glance around the room revealed.
Lady Elizabeth was flushed, whether by embarrassment or arousal or both, Jane couldn’t be sure.Jane’s gaze locked on Elizabeth’s visitor.She raised an eyebrow in question.He quickly straightened his cravat and coat while rising to his feet to bow to her.Jane tried not to smirk as she calmly greeted her dear friend and family doctor.It was perfectly obvious to Jane that Lady Elizabeth had been doing the kissing while Dr.Logan was the recipient.Things were moving along at a smart pace in this relationship.
After greeting her, Dr.Logan rapidly took his leave, citing his patients.He shot a swift apologetic look toward Lady Elizabeth.
Jane thought at first that Elizabeth would brazen it out and say nothing about what Jane had stumbled upon, but with a closer look, she saw that tears were welling in Elizabeth’s eyes.“Oh, Elizabeth, whatever is the matter?Are you embarrassed by what I have seen?If you are, you needn’t be.I know Dr.Logan to be an honorable and worthy man.You make a good couple.”
At these words, Elizabeth dissolved into tears.Jane hurried to sit beside her on the lounge.She wrapped an arm around Elizabeth’s shoulders.“Tell me what has happened.This can’t be caused by embarrassment.”
“Jane, he won’t marry me.I know that he loves me.He says our love is not enough reason for our marrying...that his rank is so far beneath mine, and his age so much greater ...that it would be like my committing social suicide...so he won’t propose.”
But did his actions accord with his words?“He sounds like he regards your welfare as his primary concern, but tell me, has he tried to seduce you?”
“No, no.He won’t lay a hand on me.I am the one pursuing him, as you saw!”She blushed at the admission.
“You are quite sure that he does not let you feel that you are the one doing the chasing, before becoming the leader in the seduction?”
“No, Jane, he is, at most, receptive of my kisses but never goes further.In fact, he tries never to be alone with me.”She blushed redder.“It was only through my aunt’s unexpected absence today that we found ourselves unchaperoned.He has taken to visiting once a week, and my aunt is always present and usually we have a roomful of guests.But now most people have left town for Christmas in the country.We leave ourselves in a week or so, as soon as Jonathan finishes his business in town.”
“I see.”Jane was satisfied with the answer but still concerned about her friend’s dilemma.“Well, just in case they aren’t all gone, let’s tidy you up a little in the event someone calls.”Jane started restoring Elizabeth’s hair to its tidy knot.
Elizabeth dried her eyes with her lace handkerchief.“I’m so sorry you are worrying about my problems.I should have congratulated you on your engagement to Jonathan.Are you happy?”
