Chapter 13
Thirteen
The food was plentiful and tasty. Yet with each bite, the lump in Jane’s stomach intensified.
Whether from Rose’s comment about nearly getting lost, or Phil asking if she had chosen a lady’s maid.
Every passing moment intensified the feeling that a mistake of the grandest proportions had been made in elevating her to the status of a duchess.
Even the most luxurious bath of Jane’s life had done little to calm her nerves.
If only Michael and the Duke would arrive.
Perhaps the Duke changed his mind and realized that Jane was not fashionable enough to host the balls and events demanded by his position. Or he found some rare beauty, like the former duchess, who would fill the role better.
Why had they not arrived? Michael’s schedule had the men arriving first.
There was the possibility of a carriage accident.
Jane pushed the idea out of her mind quickly.
The Duke kept his carriages in pristine condition.
Despite the accident that changed her family forever, it was rare for such deadly incidents to occur even in heavy rain.
The likelihood of such a tragedy occurring again in her life was close to impossible.
Their plates were cleared, and the final course was served. Baked apples. One of her favorites. She had not eaten the dish often this year, as the crop had been poor due to the extremely wet and cold summer.
The door to the dining room opened, and Michael strode in.
Ignoring all decorum, Phil jumped from her seat and ran to her husband.
Giving him an enthusiastic greeting that brought giggles from Rose and a blush to Jane’s face.
What would such a passionate kiss feel like?
In an arrangement such as hers, such love as her sister’s was rare. Jane was hardly likely to know.
After the greeting was over, Lady Anne made a small noise, drawing attention to herself. “I assume you found the dower house in readiness?”
“I did not go in, but Richard did not grumble, so I believe all is as he wished.”
Jane looked from Michael to her future mother-in-law in confusion.
Michael continued. “I have been sent to have a private conversation with Jane as soon as possible.”
“Did you dine?” asked the dowager.
“Not yet.”
“Use the green sitting room. I will send in a tray.”
A footman assisted Jane from her seat and, to her surprise, followed her and Michael to a cozy room with her unfinished apple.
Servants rushed to light candles, revealing a room decorated in greens and jade.
Michael led her to a sofa near the fireplace.
A tray of all the dinner delicacies was produced for Michael, and Jane’s unfinished apple was set out.
The servants finished and left the room, closing the tall doors behind them.
What is wrong? Where is the Duke? Had he called off the wedding? Jane suppressed her questions, waiting for Michael to speak.
“Philippa would tell me I need to observe niceties. However, I am famished and travel worn and Richard has set me with an enormous task.” Michael pulled his ever-present notebook from his pocket along with a sealed letter.
He consulted the notebook. “We have arrived safely. Richard is staying in the dower house tonight. He regrets that he was not here to greet you. He asked that you and your sisters not hesitate to request anything you need.”
Michael paused and took a bite of his food. More questions filled Jane’s head, but she knew better than to interrupt Michael when he read from a list.
“Next, explain your wedding contract.” Michael flipped back several pages.
“Richard has granted you sole control of your dowry, as well as a generous allowance, and a handsome jointure if he is to pass first. All that you would expect. The contract stipulates that you are never to give your father any money. He is forbidden from even asking.”
With her memory of that terrible night when Father sought Mother’s jewelry still fresh in her mind. Jane had no desire to give her father anything. He’d been willing to steal Mother’s pearls with no feeling for her. Yet she knew the Bible told her to honor her father. What if he were destitute?
Michael turned the page. “Your father has agreed to take up residence in Yorkshire at Lightwood Manor, only coming to Town when Parliament is in session, where he must attend each meeting and act as Richard’s secretary.
In turn, Richard has granted him a stipend to be paid annually after your father’s debts have been settled. ”
Jane set the fork down, no longer wishing to eat. The Duke was going to pay her father to behave as he should? She had never heard of such a thing in a wedding contract. Granted, she only read a few pages on the subject in a pamphlet touting advice for the marriage-minded bluestocking.
“There is more, of course, to the document. But those are the things Richard felt you needed to know about the contract tonight. He—” Michael consulted his book. “—wanted to assure you that if you so choose, you need never worry about your father again.”
“That is a very handsome settlement. It is not usual to pay a bride’s father that way, is it?”
“Many settlements include money for the bride’s family.
However, there is more.” Michael turned the page.
“When your father found out you were to be married by special license and his permission was needed, he made some demands. Give J letter.” Michael’s eyebrows scrunched.
“Oh yes, I am supposed to give you this to explain.”
Jane took the letter and broke the seal.
Miss Jane-
I hope you are well and settled in. Though I trust Michael to explain, I wanted to add some in my own words. I had hoped to speak with you personally. However, I do not dare allow your father out of my sight.
If I told you that your wedding contract negotiations went smoothly, I hope you would assume that I lie.
One of the few things I can give you is my honesty.
Your father would not sign the papers he needed to for the Archbishop unless I promised he could see you before the wedding.
That is exactly what I promised “to see you,” no more and no less.
I never said you would see or talk with him.
This can be accomplished through one of the many windows of Redbridge, perhaps as you play a game of cards with your sisters or talk.
Of course your father wishes to speak with you, however this is your choice.
And only your choice. Know it is within my power to prevent any contact with him.
Your comfort is paramount, not your father’s.
If I could, I would not have brought him with me from Town, but I am a man of my word. I have made no promises about his presence at our wedding. I suggest either your grandfather or Michael walk you down the aisle if you have not already taken care of that detail.
Please consider these three things carefully and send your answer with Michael as soon as you can.
With my sincere apologies for putting you in such an untenable position.
Your devoted,
Richard
1. Do you wish your father at our wedding?
2. Do you wish to speak to your father before the wedding?
3. Do you wish to see your father, or shall he only see you through the window?
Jane reread the letter. Pausing at the word “devoted” unsure exactly what that meant. He had entered into the venture sparing no expense, which was a devotion of sorts. Though not in the ways she read in books.
She read over the questions again and again.
Could she really choose not to see her father?
George had gotten married without Father there, or anyone else for that matter.
She did not know the Duke well enough to know how he felt.
His writing seemed to indicate that the choice of seeing her father was up to her.
A choice she had never had. Dare she refuse to see her father? Refuse to speak with him?
Jane stood and crossed to the fireplace and read the words again, unable to tell what the Duke wished her to do.
Michael stood as well, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “Do not be uneasy about your choice. Richard wishes it was not necessary to bring your father along. Only with great restraint neither of us left him by the side of the road.”
“Truly?” Realizing her brother-in-law could not eat while standing. Jane walked back to her seat and sat so he could. “The Duke would not mind if I made father stay outside in the cold?”
Michael grinned. “That is the only thing that would make him happier, other than if he could be speaking to you now, but your father has been difficult, and he is not afraid of… Sorry where was I? Yes, the only thing that would make Richard happier is if you could produce a blizzard as your father sees you through a window.”
Jane looked about the room. “It seems I should call for a pen.”