Page 5 of The Truth about the Marquess
Emma smoothed out an invisible crease, her lips curving gently.
“I thank you, Jane. I do wish that you would join us this evening.”
“I was not included in the invitation,” Jane reminded her, quietly. “That is not to say that I am in the least bit upset by itor that I think that Lord and Lady Franks ought to have done so, but to remind you that my presence is not expected.”
“Oh, but there was that note which came thereafter, do you not remember?” Sounding eager, Emma put a hand on Jane’s arm. “They wished you to know that you would be welcome to join them also, though they knew that your preparations for London were of great importance.”
Nodding, Jane smiled at her sister but then gestured to the flowers.
“I am quite contented doing this, I assure you. Collecting spring flowers and then putting them into arrangements will offer me a great deal of pleasure, I assure you. I do not need to go to any soiree. Besides which,” she continued, a little softer now, “Iamsoon to go to London. It is not as though I shall be present here any longer.”
“But that does not mean–”
“Please, Emma, do not worry!” Taking her sister’s hand, she pressed it gently. “You need not be upset. I am more than contented, I assure you. Besides, who will look after your two children this evening if I do not stay?”
“The maids? The governess? The nursemaid?” Emma rolled her eyes, though she did smile when Jane laughed quietly. “You know that I am concerned for you, my dear sister.”
“You need not be. Besides, you will not be able to see all that I do once I am in London!”
Her sister’s smile grew a little sad.
“I will miss you.”
“As I will you.”
Emma sniffed, took in a deep breath and then lifted her chin, looking at Jane straight in the eye.
“I must tell you that I have made some arrangements for you, once you are in London.”
Jane’s smile shattered.
“Arrangements?”
With a nod, Jane gestured to the bench a short distance away and together, the two sisters walked to it and sat down together. A little nervous, Jane looked at her sister steadily, her stomach lurching as Emma smiled. She caught the slight glint in Emma’s eye, wondering just what it was that her sister had planned. She hoped that it was not some new scheme to keep her here rather than permitting her to go to London!
“I know that you have spoken of finding yourself financial security,” Emma began, as Jane set her basket of flowers to one side. “I also know that you believe you will have to marry to find such a thing.”
“It is the only thing that a young lady can do, is it not?” Jane replied, a slight frown brushing across her forehead. “I do not have the opportunity to pursue else, anything other than perhaps becoming a governess, which is not something I wish to do. The thought of becoming a spinster and fearing for my future every day of my life, even whilst caring for someone else’s children, is not a pleasing one, though you know very well that I care deeply foryourchildren.”
Emma laughed softly and put her hand on Jane’s for a moment.
“Of course I do. They dote upon you! Though I quite understand what it is you mean when you speak of being fearful of your future – and it isthatfear that I wish to address.”
“What do you mean?”
Emma took a deep breath and then set her shoulders.
“My husband and I are to give you the townhouse.”
It felt as though something had wrapped around Jane’s chest, constricting her breathing. She stared at her sister, a slight hissing in her ears as Emma searched her face in return, clearly looking for Jane’s response.
“You… you aregivingme the townhouse?”
“Yes.” Emma beamed though Jane could feel nothing but astonishment. “We want you never to be concerned about where you shall live and, truth be told, my husband has been seeking a new townhouse in London. He does not much like the present townhouse, stating that it is too small for our requirements, though I disagree with him! However, he has suggested – and it washewho suggested it – that we give you the townhouse as your permanent abode and, therefore, you will have no concerns over where you shall live.”
“I... I do not know what to say.” Jane put one hand to her throat, rubbing there gently in an attempt to encourage herself to breathe a little more easily. “I do not think that you need to do such a thing for me, Emma, though I am overwhelmed with gratitude. You must tell Lord Armitage the same.”
Emma shook her head.
