Jane fought the weight of dread and replied with as much positivity as she could.“I am satisfied.I think we will make a good partnership after we get used to each other.”
Elizabeth looked troubled.“That’s not a very romantic answer, Jane.”
Jane sighed.“It’s not a very romantic marriage.It is most definitely a marriage of convenience.”
“For now.”Elizabeth looked at Jane speculatively.“I have hopes that your marriage will surprise you by becoming a love match.”
Jane laughed at the thought.“You are the eternal optimist, Elizabeth.Be satisfied with your own love match.Others cannot hope to equal it.But thank you anyway.We need to find a solution to your problem with Dr.Logan’s honorable behavior and, I presume, your brother’s attitude to Dr.Logan’s suit.”
“I think convincing Marcus...Dr.Logan...that we should marry is the first step.How do I convince him that the difference in status, wealth, and age can be overcome?”
Jane counted off the positives.“He is a gentleman by birth...just not a titled one.There should be no real impediment there.He must be comfortably well off.He has a large practice and assists a number of charities through time and money.Your marriage portion would mean that you and your children would never want for anything, surely?”
“Yes, you are right.”Elizabeth nodded.
Jane continued.“Maybe that is part of the problem.Although well off, he cannot provide you and your offspring with the style of life to which you are accustomed.”
“He should not concern himself with that!”
“Hmm, perhaps, but gentlemen have a habit of doing just such a thing.A little matter of pride.”Jane smiled at her friend’s naivety.
“And then there is the age difference.Nothing is going to change that.”Elizabeth sounded despairing.
“No, but it is quite acceptable in society for older men to marry very young women.It is only Dr.Logan’s prejudice that is working there.Does he distrust the durability of your affections because you are young, or does he see himself as a future burden that you will regret later?”
“I suspect both concern him, from what he has told me.”
“Well, the lasting nature of your affections can only be determined by time, but the longer you wait to find out that answer, the older he becomes.”
“You can see it is a conundrum that cannot be solved.”
“It appears the only answer is to plunge into the future together, or abandon the dream and separate yourselves completely.Only you can decide what to do.If it is to be together despite the issues, you still have to convince Jonathan to give his permission, since you are underage.I will do all that I can to support your cause if you can convince Dr.Logan you have a future together.”
Elizabeth looked resolved.“It seems clearer now.I will try to persuade Marcus.If I fail, we must never see each other again.”She looked close to tears at the thought.
Jane hugged her just as the drawing room door opened.Separating, they turned to see Jonathan.
Today, he still looked handsome, tall, slim, and athletic to her.His presence still inexplicably made her stomach flutter.Whatever it was about him that excited her, it hadn’t gone away.Relief washed through her.There was a chance that she could love him to some degree eventually.
He smiled and strode into the room.“My dears, I expect you are savoring the good news.I don’t think you will have any problems getting along as sisters.”He took Jane’s hands and drew her close to kiss her cheek.“My betrothed.How are you this morning?No regrets, I hope?”He searched her face for evidence.
“Lord Dalton ...Jonathan, of course, I am quite reconciled to our marriage.”She paused.
“Only reconciled to it, Jane?I hope to have you change your attitude.”His voice was gentle and teasing, but his mouth had formed a moue of disappointment.
In the same teasing vein Jane replied, “I’m certain I’ll be far happier soon, when you have our contract for me to sign.”
His face became shuttered.“Of course, within a few days.”
Elizabeth interjected.“I’m sure you wish to discuss things and be alone for a while.I have some letters to write, if you will excuse me.”She left the room without waiting for their acquiescence.
Jonathan squeezed her hands.“Well, Jane.It is good to see you in my house again.This time I would like to show you around so you are familiar with your future home.”
“Yes, where shall we start?”she said, happy to encourage his change of conversation.Anything to overcome their awkwardness with each other.
“I think the picture gallery would be a good place, and we can work our way downward.”He opened the door for her and ushered her up the next flight of stairs to a mezzanine floor, where portraits of his ancestors were hung.
“These are only the title holders.Fathers and heirs, separately and together.The family paintings are at Everslie Park in Hampshire.You will see them at Christmas.”He halted and turned to her.“You and your family will stay with us for Christmas, won’t you?You don’t have another engagement?I’ll send you in my carriage.”
