Page 62 of The Scarred Duchess
“I will sit by the door. Good luck,” whispered Mrs Bennet as she patted his arm.
John looked across the large parlour to see Jane standing beside the hearth. She stared out the window, her left side towards the door. Jane looked to him over her shoulder; as handsome as she was in his memories of three years ago, this more mature version—more sculpted and defined, despite diminished facial scars—was achingly beautiful.
“Miss Bennet... Jane, may we sit?” He held out his hand. She placed hers in his and joined him upon the settee.
“Your father has informed me you will go to town for the Season.”
Jane stared at him, her face a mask of neutrality.
“Much as I wish to, I cannot join you. Family matters require me to stay in the locality.”
“Your mother needs you, but what family do you refer to, Mr Smyth? Or must I address you as Lord Lambrook?”
John knew not what to say.
“Is this a lark you play? Have you been laughing at me?”
“No, of course not!”
“I wonder if I ever knew you at all.” She turned her head away.
“Jane. Please.”
“I am Miss Bennet to you, your lordship.” She bit her lip. “I regret if I sound cold while your mourning is so fresh, but I cannot understand you.”
John waited for Jane to return his gaze. He then explained his family’s history and the hurdle he represented to the Somerset dukedom line of succession.
“I am second in line for those patents, but the current duke and his son, the marquess, still live.” He retook her hand. “We do not spend time with those Seymours, as their lifestyle disgusts us.”
It heartened him to see her lips lift into a grin.
“You thus refer to Somerset Place as a less than upstanding estate?”
He chuckled. “I cannot confirm whether the structure exudes the same noxiousness as my cousins.” He basked in Jane’s giggling.
“Oh, John.” She looked down at her clasped hands. He reached over and took them into his.
“Jane, please. We have been friends for years. Almost more than friends.”
“We have. That is why your subterfuge is so hurtful.”
“Unknowingly, I assure you. My father revealed it to me the day of his death.” He squeezed her hands. “How can I make amends?”
Jane tilted her head. “Vow to me this one thing.”
“Anything. I am yours to command.”
“Commandyou,my lord?”
“Yes,” he smiled. “I will do anything in my power to restore your faith in me.”
“This is your vow?”
“It is.”
Jane stared directly at him. “If you value our friendship, you will never keep a secret from me again.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
