Chapter 1 #2
“I wish you wouldn’t be stubborn, Jane,” Harriet sighed as she came to stand next to her. “Your father... he worked quite hard to get that gentleman to show some sort of interest in you. And he is quite cross that you tossed aside his efforts without a moment of consideration.”
“Perhaps if he had considered what I wanted for a moment, he would not have expended his efforts needlessly,” Jane grumbled lowly.
“Jane, do not say that,” her mother scolded, timidly looking over her shoulder. “He simply wants you to have a good life –”
“Do you know what you have done?”
The sound of her father’s voice sent a chill down her spine and Jane barely had time to turn around before Arthur marched towards her. His expression was filled with wrath, and she knew that she had likely gone beyond the limit this time.
“I have had enough of your stubbornness! You are inherently selfish and foolish, refusing to recognize the importance of what I am trying to do for you! First, you rejected the duke of Westerdale, based on your ridiculous fantasy for love. Then, you shamefully allowed your acquaintance to be swept by him, because unlike you, she knew being a duchess was the highest honour any woman could hope to achieve – ideals I wish you understood and valued. And later, you rejected Lord Bellcourt’s attempt to court you as well!
You have continued this pitiful streak of dismissing suitors as you see fit, ignoring the fact that your decisions affect us as well.
“I will no longer stand for this. Henceforth, I will take matters into my hands as I should have done long ago. As a matter of fact, I have already handled this bothersome issue and soon, this problem shall be a thing of the past.” Arthur told her, his eyes not losing the stern glare within them.
Something about his words filled her with unease and she couldn’t help but ask.
“What – what do you mean you have handled it? What have you –”
“It would seem the decision to allow you to participate in season events and hunt for your husband was a poor choice on my part, so I have done what I should have and found the perfect suitor for you. You will be wed in a week.” Arthur informed her coldly, as if he were speaking of something as common and as simple as the weather.
Jane could not believe her ears. Without thinking, she stepped forward, barely able to hear much past the loud echo of own heavily beating heart as she tried to dissuade her father.
“Father... father, please. Please tell me that is not true. Tell me that you did not do this.” She begged.
“You left me no other choice, Jane. You have no exceptional talent and your looks are greatly unremarkable! You have watched the other ladies you deem as friends become duchesses and yet, not an ounce of ambition was reflected in you. You have no desire to make yourself useful, even after everything I have done for you!”
Arthur’s loud voice was attracting onlookers and people were beginning to linger around the entrance of the balcony, staring as he continued to scold Jane.
“Father,” she tried, reaching to hold his hand in hopes of calming him. “Father, please, we can continue this conversation at home –”
The words were barely out of her mouth before his hand smacked hers away from him. It did not hurt so much, but the suddenness of the action made her gasp. When she looked up, he was pointing at her, his face dark with disdain.
“I have entertained your nonsense long enough. I feed you, clothe you and all the while, I am meant to sit back as you live an obsolete life within my home? You useless brat! I will no longer pander to your misbehaviour – a character trait you must learn to curb if you are to appeal to your husband in any way. And you must, because he is no ordinary man.” Arthur said dismissively, without looking at her.
Harriet seemed just as surprise as Jane was, and so she thought that perhaps her mother might object to this foolishness.
“Mother,” Jane gasped, turning towards Harriet. “Do not let father do this. I’ll try harder. It wasn’t my fault –”
“Y-You have been trying for so long, Jane. But it seems that you are the only lady in the ton whose interest is not captured by anyone. You... you have a tendency to avoid events and reject gentlemen – and the ones you have not rejected refuse to approach you now. You have left your father with no other choice and he – we will not have a spinster for a daughter. This is the only way.” Harriet told her, voice somber.
Jane nearly laughed cruelly, because she could not believe in her desperation, she expected something more. Her mother had never given her any hope that she would ever stand for something apart from whatever Arthur thought or decided.
It had always been like that, with Jane alone as she fought against the overbearing nature of her parents.
She had tried not to let it bring her dismay, but over the years, as Harriet continued to choose Arthur over and over, in the face of every matter, Jane could not help but feel resentful over the clear neglect.
Not to mention their expectations for her marriage hunt was far too overzealous. She had only been in society for two years, so she had not yet run out of time to find a suitor. And she was in no immediate danger of being a spinster.
But at the end of the day, she was not an important factor in their decisions and wants. Only a mere catalyst.
“Father,” Jane tried one last time. “I beg you to reconsider. I will do better at entertaining suitors. Do not give me away –”
“Do not tell me what to do, girl,” Arthur snarled. “I have given you more chances than you deserve. And no longer shall I pander to your wants. The contract has been signed. You will be wed next week. And that is the end of this matter.”
Without another word, the earl turned around and left, followed closely by his wife. And Jane remained on the balcony, cold and alone, feeling more lost and devastated than she had ever been.