Page 10 of The Truth about the Marquess
“I did not write to you.” Jane closed her eyes, recalling how her husband had torn up her letters in front of her eyes, refusing to let her send even the smallest greeting to anyone. “I tried but–”
“I understand. Please, you need not be upset. I understand the difficulties you faced.”
Confused as to how her friend could know such a thing, Jane frowned.
“I do not… oh. Emma.”
Her friend nodded.
“Yes, Emma told me all. When I did not hear from you, I wrote to her directly, begging to know if all was well. She told me that your marriage to Lord Harsham was not a happy one, that you found yourself in a great deal of difficulty, and that she had not received a letter from you in some time, despite writing very often.” A small, sad smile touched her friend’s lips. “I understood it then to be that Lord Harsham must have been preventing your letters.”
“That and a good deal more,” Jane answered, heavily. “I am so very glad to see you again, Louisa. And I am all the more relieved that you are not angry and upset with me! I know that I could have written to you once I returned to my sister’s estate, but the truth is, I was not certain what you would say or do, should I have done so. I felt so much guilt and shame and… in truth, all manner of emotions, I often felt my heart torn by confusion and doubt. How glad I am that you have not turned aside from me.”
“I could never do so,” her friend promised. “How glad I am to see you in London! Are you come for the Season?”
Jane nodded, tilting her head.
“Just so that I might be back in society again and, I suppose, to think about my future and what I must do. Though you are here again for a match, I suppose?”
“Not I!” A warm smile spread across the lady’s face. “I was a truly dreadful daughter and eloped with Lord Guilford last Season!”
Jane’s mouth fell open in astonishment as Lady Guilford giggled, her cheeks pinking.
“You… you eloped?”
“I had no choice! My father was insistent that I consider Lord Soutar, a gentleman from the very farthest town in Scotland, and I had no interest in him whatsoever! Particularly after there was a scandal with a young lady by the name of Miss Dutton, though Lord Soutar insists it wasshewho encouraged him, rather than the other way around.” Her smile grew. “I wanted to be in the arms of Lord Guilford and, thus, since my father would have refused his request to court me, we chose to drive to Scotland and marry there.” She shrugged. “He does not have as high a title as Lord Soutar, for he is a Viscount whereas Lord Soutar an Earl, but I do not care for such things. I am very happy indeed and I am certain I always shall be, now that I am wed to the gentleman I love.”
“Goodness.” Jane put one hand to her stomach, her breath hitching. “That is astonishing, though I am glad to hear of your happiness!”
Her friend smiled and the softness in her eyes made Jane’s lips curve also. It was clear that Louisa was very happy indeed, and Jane was truly delighted to see it.
“Are you now in London simply to enjoy the Season?”
“Yes, that is so.” Taking Jane’s arm, Louisa turned and the two began to walk together. “Though how wonderful it shall be, now thatyouare here!”
“I confess that I am very glad to see you. I was filled with anxiety about walking through the park alone, hopeful that someone – anyone – would remember me! I did not think that to have no one to speak with would make for a very pleasant afternoon.”
Louisa smiled gently.
“My dear friend, you are altered, though not so much thatIwould not recognize you. I must say, I am glad that you are free of Lord Harsham.” She winced as she spoke, sending a sidelong glance toward Jane. “I do not mean to say that I am glad that he has passed away, that is not what I mean in the least.”
“I understand what you mean, for I confess that I feel it myself.” Jane let out a slow breath, then shook her head. “I should tell you that the new Lord Harsham had me removed from the estate just as soon as he was able, which is why I sought refuge with my sister and her husband. My late husband did not leave me any sort of income either, for I was barely mentioned in the will!”
“Goodness! Then he was even more of a cruel sort than I thought him!”
Jane nodded, her gaze now on the path before them, rather than looking at her friend.
“I have enough to pay for my food, and mayhap a maid and one footman but nothing more – and that would be difficult enough! I did not have a place to live aside from my sister’s estate and thus, I came to London with the initial intention of finding a husband, though I confess I was loath to do so.”
“I quite understand.”
Jane took in another breath, a little surprised at just how overwhelmed she was in telling Lousia all of this.
“I told my sister all of this and, much to my surprise, her husband insisted that their townhouse in London be given to me – and so it has been! I was most astonished and tried to tell them that I would not take it from their possession, but it seems that Lord Armitage desires to purchase a new property here in London and he was determined to assist me.” A small sense of relief washed over her again as she recognized the freedom she now had. “The footmen and maids come with it – paid for by Lord Armitage, though I have told him thatIwill pay their wagesonce I am able to – and he has also given me a carriage and horses. All in all, he is the most generous of gentlemen I think I have ever come across, and I am truly grateful for all he has done.”
Lady Guilford leaned a little closer to her, her eyes now glistening.
“I am glad that you have been given such kindness after what you have endured.”
