Page 69 of The Scarred Duchess
John found that odd. It was hours after most outings would end and well before evening activities would begin. “I assume there is more to this than you have offered?”
“There was an incident. At Kew Gardens,” replied Mr Gardiner.
John nearly spilled his cup. “With Jane? What…what happened?”
“Peace, all is well,” said Mr Gardiner. “Jane is unhurt and is now under Lord Matlock’s protection.”
“Her sponsor?”
“That would be Lady Matlock. My cousin,” said Mrs Gardiner.
John exhaled, though his heart still raced. “Thank goodness.” Unhurt, they had said. “She is well?” He was grateful for Mrs Gardiner’s reassuring nod. “I-I am so relieved.”
“As is everyone who cares for Jane,” replied Mrs Gardiner. “Truly, she is well. She was a bit shaken, butreceived more than adequate protection before any harm was rendered.”
“By whom, if you will entertain my asking?”
“Our footmen,” replied Mrs Gardiner, which she followed with a smile. “And Bill.”
John could not help but chuckle in relief. “Yes, I agree. Bill is more than adequate for any occasion.” He relaxed back into his chair and lifted his teacup to his lips.
“As to Jane’s whereabouts, she has chosen to remain at Matlock House, most likely until the Season ends,” Mr Gardiner said.
“I see.” John set his cup on the table. How he wished to console her, to see how she fared after today’s events.
Mrs Gardiner stood. “Would you dine with us? We would enjoy hearing more of your history with Jane.”
He stood. “I accept with gratitude. And with one binding request.”
“An acceptance of an invitation under conditions. How singular,” said Mrs Gardiner with a chuckle. “I shall allow you men to speak while I see to our evening.”
John followed Mr Gardiner to his study and accepted a small glass of brandy.
The older man looked at him curiously. “My lord, am I remiss in understanding Bennet’s instructions regarding Jane having a Season, which requires your absence from her company?”
A few weeks remain in the Season. A few more weeks of waiting to see Jane.“You are not.”
“I then repeat myself. How may we be of service?” asked Mr Gardiner.
Biting back his frustration, John looked down into his drink.I cannot approach Jane? Why must Bennet be so unmovable regarding my suit?“Should you learn of any futuredanger to Miss Bennet, will you inform me so that I may act?”
For a long moment, Mr Gardiner stared at him without speaking. Finally, he said, “So that you may act, sir?”
John sat forward, uncomfortable at the cool tone in Mr Gardiner’s reply.What did he mean? Was not protecting those you loved the actions of a gentleman?
“May I speak frankly, Lord Lambrook?” asked Mr Gardiner.
“Of course. I would appreciate entertaining your experience.”
“Jane’s appearance draws unwanted notice, but it is your attentions to her that put her at considerable risk.”
“Sir?”
“Are you not the last obstacle to the Duke of Somerset taking control of your family’s standing?”
“My father had made me aware of that fact and the empty boasts and threats made by the duke. It was his licentious manner of living that led my father to leave town—not any danger to our family,” replied John.
Mr Gardiner tapped his lips with a forefinger a few times and stared. He then sat back. “Bennet will not allow Jane or Elizabeth to be exposed to risk. Of any kind.”
