Chapter Twenty-Four
Mr. Gardiner had just finished his luncheon at his office when his assistant knocked on the door and then poked his head in. “Mr. Gardiner, Lord Stanford is here.”
“Indeed? Show him in at once. And bring tea, please.”
“Of course.” Mr. Gardiner’s assistant bowed and left.
A minute later, he returned with Lord Stanford.
Mr. Gardiner rose; the two men shook hands. “To what do I owe this honour, Lord Stanford?”
“It is rather awkward, Mr. Gardiner, and I hardly know how to begin.”
Mr. Gardiner gestured to a chair, and the two men waited in silence for a tea tray to be brought in.
“Let me help you,” Mr. Gardiner said. “I suspect this has to do with my niece, does it not?”
“It does. Mr. Gardiner, she is a lovely young lady, both in appearance and in manner.”
“She is, indeed. I have known her all her life, and have never seen her lose her temper or behave in any way unseemly.”
“This is what my son tells me as well. I am here to ask about her situation.”
“Her dowry, you mean.” Mr. Gardiner sighed.
“Yes. I know she has no connections, and I mean you no insult when I say that, but she must bring something to the marriage.”
“I will be blunt, sir. She has almost nothing. Her mother, my sister, brought four thousand pounds to the marriage, and that will be divided up amongst five daughters upon her death.”
“Her father has put away nothing?” Lord Stanford was astonished.
“No; and his estate is entailed away from the family, as my sister did not produce a living son.”
Lord Stanford bowed his head. “This will be very hard for my son to hear. He is quite fond of the young lady.”
“I understand; frankly, I am astonished you have allowed the relationship to go on as long as it has. I was tempted to end it myself, but did not wish to give insult to your family.”
“Which is exactly why it has taken me so long to come here and have this discussion with you, Mr. Gardiner. I value our relationship and do not want anything to interfere with it; but as a father, I must protect my son’s interests.
Particularly as he is the eldest! If it were one of the younger boys, perhaps…
.” Lord Stanford let his sentence trail off and then shook his head.
“I will tell my niece,” Mr. Gardiner said. “Let us allow her to do her grieving in private.”
***
That night, after dinner, Mr. Gardiner took his wife aside and told her that Jane’s relationship with Mr. Stanford was at an end. She wept a little, but said that she would prefer to be the one who gave Jane the news. Mr. Gardiner was relieved to be free of that responsibility.
Mrs. Gardiner went at once to Jane’s room and sat beside her on the bed. “Jane, dear, I have some hard news to give you.”
Jane looked her aunt in the eye. “It is Mr. Stanford, is it not? He is not to be allowed to court me, I suppose.”
“Quite right, my dear. I am so very sorry. We had such hopes!”
Jane looked away for a moment and then shrugged. “In truth, Aunt, I knew it would be a good match, but he had not touched my heart, as I have told you. I liked him well enough, but that was all. So I am disappointed, but I am not injured. Does that make sense?”
“It does, yes. I am so very relieved!’
“I hope for more in marriage, as you and I have discussed.”