Page 46 of The Scarred Duchess
Bennet and Lambrook stood at the study window and watched the couple amble arm-in-arm, heads nearly touching. It had been only three days since the assembly, and the attachment between their children was clear.
“John is resolved in his course.”
“As is Jane.” Bennet glanced at Lambrook. “Have you warned him?”
“No.” Lambrook paused.
“He is unaware of what follows him? Of the threats...?” asked Bennet.
“He has not been told.”
“I would beg to ask why not, as he has nearly reached his majority.”
Lambrook shook his head. “It seems easier to forget the danger.”
Bennet scowled. “Our children’s safety—Jane’s safety—is my primary concern.”
“You have my full attention,” replied Lambrook, his eyes following the young couple.
“Who but Franny and I know of your true standing?”
“The magistrate.”
“Sir William? And this has remained a secret?” asked Bennet with incredulity.
“It has. It appears that in matters of import, Sir William is as trustworthy as you.”
Bennet smiled at the barb. “Your son is aware of his consequence, but not of the threat from your cousin?” He glanced at Lambrook, who nodded. “Jane has no knowledge of any of it. You take the danger too lightly.”
“By your description, we maintain a defensive posture.” Lambrook turned to him. “Would you have me engage the enemy as you did in India?”
“The villagers were not the enemy,” replied Bennet. “They were pawns in a broader game of greed.”
“You confirm my point.”
“You debate like you fence. You thrust at everything butthe true target!” Bennet lowered his voice. “You cannot feint when your son’s life is on the line.”
Lambrook huffed. “What do you advise?”
“Mitigate the threat. Send an emissary to Somerset.”
“I have done so twice.”
“Your proffers were not enough?”
Lambrook shook his head. “Somerset rebutted every monetary offer with a distasteful counter.”
Bennet recalled their earlier conversations of the duke’s insults towards Lady Lambrook. “An irrational man cannot entertain a rational solution.”
They both turned back to the window. John held both of Jane’s hands in his. She was nodding her head. They embraced for a moment, then resumed walking.
“When will Jane learn of her soon-to-be elevation?” asked Bennet.
“My wife and I will speak with John once he has informed us formally of his betrothal.”
“The fictional détente you live in is untenable. This threat must be dealt with prior to a wedding.”
“Threat or no, they are bound to one another.”
