Page 42 of The Scarred Duchess
“He will. He is not much for flitting around the country as his peers do. He is quite attached to his family.”
“How nice,” replied Franny. “Once he completes his studies, you are depending upon him to return to the county?”
“Yes. He is not desirous of participating in the London Season just yet.” She leant in. “He has, however, expressed his intention to attend the quarterly assemblies in Meryton.”
Franny nodded, hiding a smile at the pleasure she knewthat news would give Jane. “He is coming of an age where a young man will seek out a wife, is he not?”
“John tends to deflect the subject should I approach it,” replied Lady Lambrook. She paused, eyeing Franny in a considering sort of manner. “What of your daughter? Do you find the same with Jane?”
Franny inclined her head a fraction of an inch. “We hope to have her ready for the next Season.”
“Well, she certainly is blooming. She will be a treasure.”
“Thank you. Jane is particularly admired wherever she goes but I am proud of all of our girls, naturally.”
“As you should be.” Lady Lambrook paused. “Has Jane begun with a dance master?”
“Lessons with Mr Sweet commence this week.”
“Oh, he is lovely. Jane will do very well under his instruction.”
“That is good to know. What prompts your opinion?”
“He was John’s dance master as well.”
Bennet and Lord Lambrook handed off their reins to the Longbourn stable boy. Bennet guided his friend for a short walk about the manor to stretch his legs. Lambrook raised an eyebrow.
“I find a few minutes of walking after a brisk ride eases the tight feelings in my back.”
“Do you?” asked Lambrook.
“I do. Indulge me.”
Lambrook nodded. The two men walked in silence. Lambrook seemed deep in thought.
“What has put that look upon your face?” asked Bennet.
Not answering directly, Lambrook asked, “Is Legget at hand?”
“I shall send for him, if you would like.” The two men entered the manse and Bennet gestured to Hill, who nodded. Once in his study, they settled into the chairs and partook of the warmth emanating from the hearth.
“Out with it, old friend.”
Lambrook sighed. “John shall come home for a month or more.”
Bennet knew Lambrook loved his son, so his reticence had to be related to the young man’s safety. “I see why you have asked of Legget. What measures have you taken? Hertfordshire is not Cambridge.”
“No, it is not. May I speak to your man? I would like to employ the same number of footmen as I have done in previous engagements.”
“Of course. I am happy to be of service.” Bennet thought Lambrook to be too passive in his protections, but when Legget entered in response to their summons, he pushed his concerns aside.
Franny, attentive in her favourite chair, was excited for Jane. Her dance lessons were moving along swimmingly. She was so elegant, so graceful.A swan. A veritable swan.
Elizabeth sat at the pianoforte, Mary beside her. “You may begin, Miss Elizabeth,” announced Mr Sweet.
Mr Bennet stood across from Jane. At the end of the introductory notes, they began to dance. Mr Sweet guided Jane’s steps through the patterns and whispered to her any needed encouragement or correction. Jane’s pleasant expressionremained unchanged. At the ending octet, Mr Sweet clapped his hands. “Lovely, lovely. Once more.”
Mary and Elizabeth changed seats. Mary played; Elizabeth turned the pages. The dancing recommenced.
