Chapter Ten
Mr. Danbury addressed his hostess. “Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet’s uncle has given me permission to speak with her alone. Might I beg your indulgence?”
Mrs. Gardiner slid a glance at her niece, and then rose, her sewing in hand. “I will give you ten minutes; the door will remain open.”
“Of course,” Mr. Danbury replied.
Mr. Danbury was a good-looking gentleman, with excellent manners.
He had a good position at the bank that Mr. Gardiner used, which is how the two had met.
Two weeks ago, he had informed Mr. Gardiner that he was ready to take a wife.
Mrs. Gardiner had promptly issued a dinner invitation.
He had called several times since, his interest in Jane evident.
Jane sat demurely, ankles crossed and hands in her lap as her aunt left the room. She knew what to expect, as this was the third time a gentleman had chosen to address her privately since her arrival in London.
He sat beside her on the sofa. “Miss Bennet, we have not known one another long, but I sincerely hope that our interactions have led you to form a good opinion of me.”
“Yes, indeed,” Jane replied. “But, Mr. Danbury –“
“No, no, please let me finish.”
Jane had learnt by now that it was best to do just that.
“Your beauty has touched my heart, Miss Bennet. Your gentle spirit warms my soul. I am on my way to becoming a wealthy man. I can easily support a wife and, if God is good, children. I beg you, Miss Bennet, to make me the happiest man in all of England and agree to be my wife.”
Jane waited a moment to make certain that he was, indeed, finished. When it was evident that he was, she said, kindly, “Mr. Danbury, you have paid me the greatest compliment that a man may pay a young lady; but I do not feel for you the special regard that I must have for the man I marry.”
Mr. Danbury’s brows drew together. “I do not quite understand you, Miss Bennet.”
Jane took a deep breath. “Mr. Danbury, I have sworn a solemn vow to only marry for love, and – I must be frank – while I like you, I do not love you.”
“I see,” Mr. Danbury said, stonily. “Then I bid you good day.” With that, he all but ran out the door.
Mrs. Gardiner watched him march past her in the entryway and joined Jane in the drawing room. “Another proposal?” she said, mildly.
“Yes. I just wish they would not get so angry when I say no!” Jane complained. “I have known the man all of – what, a week? And he is ready to marry me? How absurd!”
“Sometimes it happens that quickly, you know,” Mrs. Gardiner replied.
“I am certain that it does,” said Jane. “But it did not with Mr. Danbury.”
“Nor Mr. Oates, nor – what was that first one’s name?”
“Jenkins,” Jane said, sighing.
“Yes, Mr. Jenkins. Well, it is clear that you make an impression on gentlemen, Jane. You have been in London all of six weeks, and you have already had three proposals.”
“But none from the right man,” Jane sighed. “May we have more tea, Aunt? I find I am quite parched.”
“Certainly.” Mrs. Gardiner tugged on the bell cord. “And there is still Mr. Stanford to consider!”