15 #2
His gaze caught and held her own and she reached down to grip the edge of the piano as the room spun around her.
How easy it would be to tell him how she felt, that Digby had been a passing nonsense, that she had been flattered at coming before Anne in someone’s affections, then realising that she would always be second.
That half of her heartbreak had been because she had not fully believed her twin’s explanation of her behaviour; consequently, she had felt betrayed by the two people she held most dear in life.
But that was impossible to say, just as she couldn’t tell him that she could hardly bring Digby’s face to mind, whilst Archer’s, lived in her imagination every waking moment and came to her in her dreams as well.
Behind him, across the room, she could see Anne, smiling at something Lady Goddard had said.
Her sister looked particularly elegant tonight in her new red dress.
As Jane watched, she threw back her head and laughed.
She was so happy. There was not a suspicion of doubt or worry in her manner.
Throughout her entire life, Anne had always got what she wanted and her sister had no doubt that Archer must find her irresistible.
Why Lady Goddard felt that Jane could possibly be a threat to this happiness, she had no idea. Surely she hadn’t shown by word or deed how she felt for Archer? She had taken such care to control her face and her voice whenever she was in his company.
Pushing back the pain that threatened to overwhelm her, she realised that, if she could find the courage, this was her chance to make it clear to Archer that she had no feelings for him, except those of a would be sister.
“I find excitement greatly over-rated, Sir. If I am offered a quiet country life, I will accept it.”
“I see.” Archer’s voice was harsh, his black brows drawn in a fierce line across his face. “I am surprised. You have given me the impression, especially of late, that you and I—despite our differences and arguments, that you might—”
Jane felt a flare of panic. She had given herself away that night by returning his embrace.
This would not do. She took a deep breath.
“I suppose you are referring to my behaviour the night of the fire. I think that is not the action of a gentleman, Sir. I was extremely tired and emotionally distraught, as well as being very scared. I had hoped that you had put it out of your mind.”
Aware that Lady Goddard was still watching them, she sat down at the piano and pretended to arrange some music on the stand in front of her.
“It is a difficult thing to forget. ”
Jane played a few soft chords. This was dreadful. “You must, Sir. Forget that it happened. I have.”
Archer turned over a sheet of music, although she had played not a note shown. “Can you forget things so easily, Jane. I have no doubt that Frobisher is anxious to resume his friendship with you. Are you able to forget that he asked your sister to marry him only a few months ago?”
Jane played a gentle tune entirely from memory, the tears in her eyes blinding her from reading the score in front of her.
The pieces of the puzzle were falling into place.
It was now obvious to her that Archer was deeply jealous of Digby!
And no wonder. He must think that Anne had led him on, given him reason to propose to her.
And if he had seen the way she had flirted and danced with him at Pemberley, then he would have had all his suspicions confirmed.
Was it possible that gossip of such a nature had reached him in London? Mrs Caroline Tremaine had been at the ball and Jane had often heard her mother mention that she was the biggest gossip she had ever known.
Was this why he had not yet proposed to Anne?
Was he seriously worried about her behaviour, that his wife had to be above reproach?
Although it broke her heart to think of Archer marrying her sister, she realised she suddenly felt very sorry for her—something that had never happened before.
Anne was so oblivious to Archer’s concerns, so supremely confident in her appeal.
She had Lady Goddard’s approval and that, apparently, was all she felt she needed.
“I have no knowledge of Digby’s forthcoming actions, Sir, and if you do not think me presumptuous, I would say that if you wish to marry a certain young lady, then you should propose to her, regardless of the circumstances surrounding her past actions.
” And before she could stop herself, her fingers came down hard on the keys and a loud, discordant note rang round the room.
She was aware of every head turning in their direction and felt tears burn her eyes. She cast a look of entreaty at her mother, who immediately rose from the sofa and crossed the room to her side as Archer muttered, “Thank you, Jane, for your advice. I shall do exactly as you wish.”
“You look pale, Jane dear. I hope you have not over-exerted yourself.” Elizabeth was all concern.
“I think it is time we said our goodbyes. Lady Goddard has kindly offered us supper if we wish to stay for the evening. Anne and Celeste have accepted, but I have explained that your papa is expecting you and Bennetta at home and so the carriage has been called for.”
Jane nodded, thankful for the chance to escape.
She made her goodbyes to a frosty faced Lady Goddard and didn’t once look back until they reached the door.
Then she was unable to resist. But there was nothing to see to heal her pain—Celeste and Andrew were whispering together on the sofa and Archer was standing next to Anne, his face grave as he listened to her, seemingly intent on her beautiful, vivacious face.
Lady Goddard glanced her way, nodded her head, just the once and Jane was quite sure that she could see the gleam of triumph in her eyes.