Chapter 7
Chapter 7
2nd of April 1814
Jane set her needlework beside her on the couch and stared into the flames of the fire as they curved and tapered into fine points, their ends fading into the smoke that disappeared up the chimney. The past fortnight had been a whirlwind of sorts. How was she to comprehend what had and had not occurred? They had not attended much in the way of events; however, the Duke of Albemarle had been a frequent caller at Richmond House. At least twice a week, he had come and either walked with her or offered his carriage to return them to his own home so she could spend time with his daughters—with Sutton accompanying her, of course.
Most would surely consider her attention towards the children odd, but she treasured her time with them. They were sweet and inquisitive, and their ramblings were delightful. She had once expected to be married with a baby by now, but that had not happened. Spending time with the duke’s daughters helped alleviate some of the sting. They were so dear.
Sutton, meanwhile, had continued to insist the duke held a tendre for her, but what would he see in the daughter of a country gentleman? Even if her grandfather was the Earl of Richmond, her grandfather’s rank did not erase her father’s lack of fortune or connexion. Why would a duke seek to align himself with the master of Longbourn?
“You appear deep in thought,” said Fiona.
Jane’s gaze turned to her cousin’s wife, who stood by a nearby chair, one of her eyebrows lifted. “I suppose I am not certain what to make of what has happened of late.”
Fiona moved to sit in a nearby chair. “Would you like to speak of it? Perhaps saying it aloud may provide some clarity for your muddled thoughts.”
“I do not know.”
“Are you not pleased with the duke’s attentions? I am sure if you do not desire them, your grandfather would put a stop to the courtship.”
With a gasp, Jane clutched her hands together. “Sutton insists the duke is courting me, but I cannot agree. He is all that is amiable, but I have seen naught that convinces me he holds me in any particular regard.”
Her friend smiled and leaned against the armrest. “Do you not? Do all gentlemen bring nosegays to a lady for no reason? I am not certain he has any flowers left in his hothouse. Since the opera, he brings you a cluster of roses every couple of days.”
“Did Nicholas court your favour with nosegays?”
After chuckling softly, Fiona shook her head. “I have told you little of my courtship with your cousin, but ours was quite unusual. He brings me roses here and there from the hothouses at Richmond Castle, but when we were in Ireland, we were too busy denying we held feelings for the other. We were as stubborn as two people could be.”
Jane frowned. She would never have imagined that of them. They certainly did not hide their affection for each other now. “I do not understand how you ended up wed.”
“After an accident when my father fell from his horse, he became worried for my future. While I shall have his title and all that accompanies it when he dies, he had concerns of the fortune hunters who might try to wed me for my wealth. He wished to betroth me to the son of a friend. Instead, I asked for time to find my own husband.”
“And Nicholas asked you to marry him?”
“No, I asked him.”
Jane could hardly keep her jaw from dropping at the revelation. Ladies did not propose to gentlemen, yet Fiona had done so to control her own destiny. She was a brave lady to have done so! Would she have displayed the same courage in Fiona’s position?
“I did,” said Fiona. “Here and now, I know I had already begun to love him at the time, but we were at Richmond Castle before we ever confessed our feelings for each other.”
Jane startled and pointed at Fiona. “When I found you crying…” Fiona would not speak to Jane of what was amiss, so she had fetched Lizzy since she was a married lady.
“I believed I loved Nicholas, but he did not love me.” Fiona took Jane’s hands in hers and squeezed. “Nicholas has told me of Mr. Bingley. Is it because of his pursuit that you do not see what is so clear to the rest of us?”
“I do not know.” Mr. Bingley had been all that was amiable in Meryton but had not found her worthy of pursuing until he learnt of her grandfather’s title and her fortune. His heart had been filled with greed and avarice, and it had led to a duel with the father of his mistress—the daughter of a duke. His death had come as a shock indeed.
“If you are afraid, I must say that as the Duke of Albemarle, he would be unlikely to single you out for wealth alone. You must also realise your grandfather has already spoken to him of his intentions.”
“He has?” Her voice came out almost as a squeak. That meant all of her relations knew the duke’s intentions, while all she had done was deny what was so obvious to everyone but her.
“Nicholas has said as much.”
She pressed a hand to her stomach, which was filled with flutters. How utterly stupid of her! “I did not know. I have felt so adrift since Amelia married. Gentlemen have called, but they rarely come for long. I am not certain how I am lacking, but it has made me believe I shall never marry.”
Fiona shifted closer and wrapped her arm around Jane’s shoulders. “Do not give up hope just yet. You must consider that the duke has been married before and has two daughters. I would be willing to wager he would prefer a lady more settled than one of seventeen or eighteen. He would want her to be a mother to his girls. Most of the ladies I have met since arriving in London would leave his children to the nursemaids and governesses, or worse, ship them off to school. After all, the girls cannot inherit the dukedom and would not control a widow’s purse strings.”
“I could never be so unfeeling,” said Jane. She covered her chest with her hand and rubbed. The idea of those little girls not being with their father made her heart ache. The duke appeared a doting father. Their place was with him.
“No, neither could I, but you have, no doubt, heard ladies speak during calls. This family values their children differently than most, do we not?”
“I have considered the differences before, though I never dwelt upon them.” She despised the manner in which most spoke of their children. They had little notion of who their sons and daughters were—their hopes and dreams. The lack of care and feeling was dreadful.
Fiona placed a palm to Jane’s back for a moment before she stood. “I should see if Grandmamma requires any aid this morning, and I believe you have need of some time to sort through your thoughts. Are you well?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“If you need to talk, I shall be happy to listen.”
When Fiona departed, Jane’s gaze returned to the fire. Her grandfather had spoken to the duke, and the man was still calling. How long would he do so, or would he abandon his suit as the other gentlemen had? Why did the notion bring a sting to her eyes?
“Miss Montford?”
Her attention snapped to Mr. Gideon who stood to one side of the entrance. “Yes?”
“The duke has called. He is awaiting you in the blue drawing room.”
She nodded and stood. “Thank you.”
When she entered and the duke’s steady gaze landed on her, her insides flipped. He was handsome, but often seemed so serious. Was his staid demeanour due to what happened with his daughters not so long ago? However, he had laughed at the tales of the Montford family pranks at dinner, and he relaxed and smiled when in company with his daughters. Perhaps he was not as staid as she would have first thought.
“Good afternoon,” he said with a slight bow. “The weather is quite fine for April. I thought you would enjoy a ride in my curricle.”
She glanced out the window to the sunshine that gleamed from the fresh leaves upon the trees. An escape from the house would be agreeable indeed. “Yes, I shall fetch my bonnet and spencer.”
As she hastened up the stairs, she attempted to swallow, but her tongue was too dry. Why had Fiona sought to enlighten her this morning of all times? Jane had been somewhat anxious in his presence before, but now, she was tied up in knots. Perhaps a courtship without her knowledge would be preferable to this. A proposal would be a shock, of course, but no less welcome than one that was anticipated.
Sutton looked up from pressing a gown when Jane entered. “Miss?”
“The duke is downstairs and wishes to take me for a ride in his curricle. I require gloves, a spencer, and my bonnet.”
“Oh, Miss, you will need your redingote. The weather is still so cool.” Her maid sorted through her clothing and withdrew her gold redingote. As soon as Sutton helped her slip it over her shoulders, she passed Jane her buff kid gloves and her matching bonnet. “Your grandmother selected such a rich fabric; you will look very well sitting beside the duke.”
After thanking Sutton, Jane made her way back to the drawing room where he awaited her. He then led her out to the rig at the kerb where he handed her up, so she was seated upon the tall vehicle. Once he took his place beside her, he gathered up the reins and urged the horses forward. Other than leaning closer once to enquire if she was comfortable, they spoke very little as he drove them through the crowded London streets. The silence was not awkward, however, and allowed her to take in the buildings as they passed with some speed. The cool wind upon her face was wonderful. How lovely that she would be able to partake of a drive on such a beautiful day!
Soon, the busy thoroughfares of London began to fade into rolling green fields and pastures. When he turned into a stone gate and eventually before the great house of an estate, she turned to him as the tiger hopped off the back and ran around to take control of the horses. Where were they?
“What is this?”
“I thought we could take a walk. This is Hemel Hill, a smaller home owned by the dukedom. One of the maids and a footman will accompany us for propriety’s sake, but we shall be subject to less scrutiny than if we promenaded through Hyde Park. If it puts you at ease, I assure you, I sought your grandfather’s permission for the trip.” When he handed her down, he offered her his arm. “Should we go inside to request the maid and footman?”
She took in the fa?ade of the Palladian structure. He claimed it small, yet the house was larger than Longbourn. “I believe we shall be well enough on our own.” Had she truly said that? She had never been without some form of chaperon before. The thought would have never occurred to her until today. Her grandfather trusted him to bring her here without Sutton and Matthew to ride with them—not that there was room for either on the curricle—and she trusted him due to his willingness to provide a maid and a footman to walk with them. Yet, would he think her impetuous for refusing an accompaniment?
He gave her a small smile and held out his arm. He did not appear shocked or offended by her words. She breathed a bit easier. Despite her ignorance of his intentions, she did long to know him better.
When she joined him at his side, he took her down a path that led to a sizeable lake. They crossed a stone footbridge and continued on a well-tended route that ran along the water’s edge. “The walk will take us around the lake, but if you become tired, we can turn back any time you like.”
“At one time, I was not a great walker, but of late, I have taken to the diversion. I should not require rest.”
“What do you think brought such a change?”
Jane let her gaze wander from the path ahead to the prospect over the lake and a folly on the opposite bank. “I have found the diversion settles me. So much has changed—my sister Lizzy is wed and expecting her second child, my cousin Amelia is married as well and has a child, and Nicholas returned from Ireland with Fiona. I suppose…”
“You feel left out? Those around you are marrying and starting their lives, and you remain waiting. Your feelings would not be out of place, even if they included a certain amount of envy.”
She hesitated and opened her mouth several times to speak. Yes, she had been jealous they had found their happiness while she was still alone and searching, and the guilt for feeling so had eaten at her. Her long walks had begun in an effort to divert her mind from her disappointment. “I have tried not to feel so. My sister and cousins mean a great deal to me. They deserve all the felicity in the world. You must understand that after the death of my mother, my father married a lady who praised my appearance. She declared I was not so beautiful for nothing and insisted I would make an excellent match. I was often singled out at assemblies for dances by the local gentlemen. At the risk of sounding vain, I never imagined I would still be unwed.” In the end, no one had wanted her—truly wanted her.
“If you were to enquire of others, I am sure you would meet many who have experienced similar—gentleman and lady alike. We are all raised with an expectation to wed before a certain age, ladies more so than gentlemen, but whether that happens as we are told is another matter. Your grandfather also mentioned a gentleman attempted to pursue you for your fortune; such an experience would certainly affect your behaviour and view of your subsequent courtships.”
“I have had no courtships—well, what I would call true courtships, Your Grace.”
A rare chuckle caused a tremble low in her belly. “Then I must be woefully inept.”
She stopped and turned to face him. “You must forgive me. I seem to be wilfully blind. Until I was informed of it, I had convinced myself you meant no more than friendship by the flowers and calls—an obligation of sorts after I came to the aid of your daughters.” Her hands fidgeted in front of her, and she could not look him in the eye. Why must his gaze be so unsettling? “My maid has attempted to convince me otherwise, and today, Fiona claimed you were paying me court as well. I do not know…” She threw up her hands and let them fall. “I have been too forward.”
His step closer drew her eye. “Pray, do not fear speaking your mind. I would prefer us be honest with each other.” He clasped his hands behind his back. “For what it is worth, I initially invited you to the opera in appreciation for your selfless deed. After telling Charles the happenings of the day in the park, my brother enquired of you and whether I could consider you as a match. He was impressed by your exemplary character. My father chose my late wife for naught but fortune and her connexion to her father, an earl. Marina and I held no affection for each other, and since her death, I have made no pains towards courting any lady. My consideration of you is for several reasons: your poise at the theatre, and your gentle way with my daughters has made me wish to know you better. I also confess I find you very beautiful.”
Jane smiled and her cheeks heated. “Lady Emmeline and Lady Juliana are dear, sweet children. How could anyone treat them with anything but kindness?” She was in earnest. As Fiona had mentioned earlier, the ladies in drawing rooms often debated the fate of children born to a previous wife, but Jane had preferred to dismiss the talk if she could. Children were blessings.
His head tilted ever-so-slightly. “I have never met anyone like you.”
She stilled. “What does that mean?”
“Forgive me for being so forward, but do you wish to ignore the bad in people altogether or do you not see it?”
“Oh!” She began to walk along the path again, but his fingers wrapped around her wrist, drawing her back.
“I have no desire to offend you. You ascribe the best motives to all and sundry, but you must know most are not as good as you wish.”
She exhaled with her eyes closed before reopening them. “I am oft times dismayed by the actions of people. There are instances where people are truly evil or their deeds cannot be disputed, but I do feel most are often misunderstood—I suppose I want to believe people do attempt to be good or they are willing to change for the better.” He could not blame her for such an opinion, could he?
His head dipped so he could catch her gaze. “Maybe if more held a similar view, people would be better than they truly are.”
“I believe they would.”
He did not waver while his gaze held hers for another moment. “So, Miss Montford, now that we have had our serious discussion for the day, what think you of laughing?”
Jane lifted her eyebrows. “Laughing, Your Grace?” Aside from the dinner at Albemarle House, he had not laughed much.
“Yes, do you frown upon those who laugh?”
She glanced over her shoulder at him as she began down the path once more. He could not be serious, could he? “My sister Lizzy loves to laugh, and the sound is one of my favourites. Your daughters’ laughter makes me smile. I believe everyone should allow themselves to be amused from time to time.” When he reached her side, the upward curve of his mouth and the crinkles at the edges of his eyes made him even more handsome if that was possible. Jane bit her lip and looked forward. What would it be like to earn his regard—to have him love her?
While she avoided meeting his eyes, she took in the entire scene before them until her gaze stopped. Across the water was a stone structure with arched windows that appeared more inside the ground than on it. “What is that?” She pointed so her meaning would be clear.
“Ah, that is the grotto. My father purchased this property for house parties during the Season. My mother redecorated the interior as she desired while my father spared no expense in arranging the grounds. He died before the project was finished. The original plans called for several follies and a great deal of statuary. I completed what had been started and halted further work as the expense was, in my opinion, too great. My father enjoyed spending his wealth more than he saved. He was not indebted, but the funds could have been used in more productive ways.”
Her gaze flitted along the edge of the water as they continued walking. “The prospect is lovely as it is. At times, too much only takes away from what is already there.”
“The house has been convenient for when I wish to remove the girls from the city, yet close enough that I can be with them and still attend to my duties in London. Of late, Miss Fletcher has brought them here to walk rather than Hyde Park. The grooms and footmen have all ensured their safety in the gardens and along this path.”
Jane attempted to steady her breathing. Since she was made aware of the duke’s intent, her stomach had not ceased the tumbling and fluttering within. Her nerves were no better than Mrs. Bennet’s! “I am certain this is a welcome respite from town.”
“I like to believe it is.”
For a time, they walked in silence, the only sounds around them the birds and the gentle lapping of the water against the edge of the lake. Yet, if she closed her eyes, she could not dismiss the presence of the gentleman beside her—the one who made her so disquieted.
When they came upon the grotto she had espied earlier, she peered at him before stepping inside. Rough, rounded stones were laid in a circular pattern upon the floor with a hole left in the ceiling for light to shine upon them from above. Open arched windows looked out over the lake and into the forest behind. Another arched door led into another room, home to a sizeable white marble statue. The structure was unusual to say the least.
“What do you think?” He wore a serious expression as she turned in a circle.
“I believe I have never seen the like.”