Chapter 2 #2
“What? That is – I do not think that will work. Not while my father has his heart set on this. He would state that he had staked a claim on the duke first and he might force me to the altar with the duke himself.” Jane shook her head quickly.
“Right, then,” Penelope paused thoughtfully. “What if we sent some armed bandits to abduct the duke before he arrives at the church?”
“Where would we even find such men who would go along with such a plan?”
Penelope paused, then she shook her head in annoyance. “I knew I should have brought Cecil with him. He is usually useful in times like these.”
Jane did not know what her friend meant but she barely had the time to question it, because Penelope was already suggesting yet another extreme course of action.
“What if we set the church on fire?”
“Penelope!”
At this point, Jane was sobbing quietly, barely keeping herself from falling into a state of hysterics. Penelope looked devastated by the sight of her and she quickly wiped Jane’s tears away, shushing her gently.
“All right, all right. We will think of some way. Do not despair, Jane. It is not too late,” Penelope encouraged, her voice soft and her touch warm.
When Jane had calmed down, Penelope paced back and forth for a moment, her expression twisted in deep thought. Jane watched her friend, feeling thankful to have someone who was willing to help her in the midst of this very concerning time.
After a minute or two, Penelope faced her.
“From what you have said, the only way to put a stop to this is by ensuring that you are nowhere near the altar. And as such, you need to leave as soon as possible. But your mother is right outside and she will catch on if you disappeared right this moment. Our best chance is to pretend everything is as it should be and leave for the church, and then you slip away before you need to walk in. I can create some sort of distraction once we arrive and when everyone’s attention is on me, you can make your escape.
” Penelope paused for a moment, as though sensing a flaw in her plan.
Then she snapped her fingers and pointed at Jane.
“A horse!” she exclaimed.
Jane frowned in confusion. “A horse?”
“If you leave with the carriage, they will notice your disappearance much sooner. So, you should take one of the horses instead. We can go with my carriage – that way if one of my horses are missing later, no one other than my coachman will notice. And your parents will not be alerted – hopefully not until you are far away from that place.”
For the first time in days, Jane felt a rush of relief flood her veins. Finally, there was s sliver of hope that she could change this cruel hand fate had dealt her.
“You are right. Thank you, Penelope.”
Penelope sighed, saying with a fond look as she gingerly adjusted the daffodil in Jane’s hair.
“Do not thank me yet. We still need to be able to do the needful.”
Jane shook her head gently, telling her friend earnestly.
“I am thankful for your presence. It means the world to me that you are here.”
Penelope’s expression softened and she nodded.
“Of course, Jane. I always do my best to support you, as long as I can. Nora would be here too, if she weren’t otherwise occupied. But know that you are forever in our hearts, just as we know that we dwell are in yours.”
Jane managed to muster a small smile, which fell as they heard a knock on the door, and moments later, her mother walked in.
“Are you ready, Jane? You know we cannot keep your father and husband-to-be waiting,” Harriet said as she walked around to stand before Jane.
If she noticed the despair and signs of crying, Jane would never know because she did not acknowledge it, lowering her gaze from Jane’s face to her dress.
“I-I am ready. But... I have a request to make.”
Harriet eyed her sceptically. “Well, I do not know, Jane. If it is about –”
“I would like to travel to the church in Penelope’s carriage, mother. That is all I would like.”
The older woman glanced between the both of them, her expression uncertain.
“I do not know if that is a good idea, Jane. Your father expected that we would be there to advise you before you are wed –”
“There is nothing you both will say now that will be different from what you have said to me in the last few days. I have heard it all and you know that as well. If I have no say in every other aspect of this affair, then the least you can do is oblige me in having my friend by my side in my final moments as an unmarried woman. Please.” Jane begged weakly.
Penelope stepped closer and chimed in delicately.
“We would be so grateful for the chance to say goodbye properly. I would also like to give her my own encouragement and support, as a duchess. I feel there is much we have to discuss and so little time, so the journey to the church will be one well spent.”
Harriet looked reluctant still, but perhaps Penelope’s urging convinced her, because after what felt like an eternal moment, she sighed deeply.
“All right,” she said softly. “I will speak to your father about it, though I am sure he will not object, since Her Grace insists.”
Penelope took Jane’s hand and squeezed it in encouragement, smiling at Harriet innocently.
“Thank you, Lady Highclere. We will be sure to use the time you have provided wisely.”