Page 6 of The Truth about the Marquess
“It is not because Ineedto, but because I want to, Jane. I have found what you have not; a kind, compassionate, considerate gentleman for a husband and, though I want you to find the very same thing, I am aware – as is Armitage – that there is an uncertainty within you when it comes to even considering that possibility. Therefore, we wanted to do what we could to support you, seeing your selflessness when you consider returning to London to return the estate to our family entirely. Though I still do not think there is a need for you to do so.”
Jane laughed, though it came out as a broken sound, shaking her head.
“Even if I could simply reside there until such a time as my circumstances change, then I would be content with that. You do not need to make it my property.”
Her sister shrugged.
“I shall leave that up to Armitage and his solicitors. But you will accept?”
A part of Jane wanted to thank her sister, but refuse to accept it, as a sense of determination to live alone and care for herself as best she could rose to the fore. But after a moment, she smiled, pressed her sister’s hand, and nodded. There was no need for pride here, not at this moment.
“Thank you, I shall.” Taking in a deep breath, she let it out slowly, relief beginning to fill her. “I will be able to have a good deal more security now, though I shall still have to be careful with my finances.” Seeing the way that Emma opened her mouth, Jane shook her head quickly. “No, Emma, you and Armitage have done enough. I shall not take more from you.”
Her sister chuckled.
“I told my dear husband that you would say that! But be assured, I have no intention of offering you coin, for I knew that you would not accept. However, I have found you some employment.”
Another ripple of shock ran through Jane’s frame.
“Employment?”
Emma nodded, her face wreathed with smiles though Jane herself did not smile, wondering what it was that Emma had come up with.
“It is an excellent position, one which will support you with a little more coin but, at the same time, private enough that thetonwill not know of it!”
All the more confused, Jane frowned heavily.
“I do not understand.”
“It is an anonymous position!” Emma exclaimed, as though this explained everything. “There will be letters sent to you seeking advice on various situations and all you have to do is reply!”
Rubbing one hand lightly over her forehead, Jane took a few moments of quiet to calm her confusion and growing frustration.
“Emma, you are not making any sense to me. Please, explain what you mean. What employment is this?”
Her sister bit her lip, then looked away.
“My apologies. I am, mayhap, being a little overexcited.” The smile quickly returned, however, her eyes bright. “There is a newspaper in London, do you recall it? ‘The London Chronicle’?”
Jane nodded slowly, still struggling to understand what her sister was talking about.
“Yes, I know the paper. I do not often read it.”
“It has become rather popular, I believe, and I am well acquainted with the lady who, at the first, began it all. Knowing your dilemma and how well the paper servedher, I wrote to ask if there was any way she might be able to consider supporting you in the same way. She replied to me and told me that there was a requirement for someone to take up a position with The London Chronicle.”
Something that felt like excitement caught Jane’s heart, though she quietened it quickly, still not fully understanding what it was that Emma had found for her.
“I would be writing for a paper?”
“For ‘The London Chronicle’, yes.” Emma spoke a little more slowly now, as though she were explaining something to a small child. “They have started a section within the newspaper where those in thetoncan write anonymously to the editor, seeking advice on some situation or the next. It has proven very popular indeed and now, they seek someone to employ to respond to those letters regularly. I have looked into the pay offered and I think it would suit you very well!”
Jane considered this, tilting her head just a little.
“I am not certain that I would always know what to say.”
“I think that you would – and if you did not, then I am sure that there would be others you could speak to,beforeyou responded publicly,” came the reply, Emma’s enthusiasmundampened by Jane’s hesitation. “Think of it, Jane! It means that you would be able to reside in London, be a part of society, enjoy the company of thetonbut have no requirement to marry – while, at the same time, making certain that your finances were well supported with this little employment! It would not take up a good deal of your time, I am sure, and you would also be able to remain entirely anonymous if you wished.”
“So my reputation would not be spoken of,” Jane murmured, “though I do not think that there can be any great criticism of someone who writes for a newspaper!” Her sister smiled but said nothing, her eyes still filled with a brightness that Jane could not help but respond to. “You are very kind to have done so much for me, Emma,” she said, leaning forward so that she could embrace her sister. “To have you so considered and concerned has touched my heart.”
