Page 58 of The Scarred Duchess
“It is,” Franny’s expression grew angry. “Women can be vicious with their words. Jane’s scars are no longer flaws that society would reject.”
“No, and is that not a good thing?” When his wife’s countenance only darkened, he explained, “I can speak only as a man. No man disparages a beautiful woman.”
“No. But a man may see a flawed diamond and seek to procure it… by any means.”
Bennet stood. “Any man that makes Jane a dishonourable offer shall rue that day,” he replied, his anger a cold undertone. Franny grasped his hand.
“Peace, Thomas. I am sharing my fears.”
He patted her hand. “As you should. Allow me to think on this.”
“I shall. Until then?”
“Legget still accompanies them. Everywhere.”
The five Bennet ladies walked arm-in-arm, painting a pretty picture in the perfect weather. Legget, who had reconnoitredthe road earlier that morning, followed. Colonel Bennet would collect them with the carriage in an hour’s time.
A horse cantered by and stopped, the rider pulling hard on his reins. Both were now facing them—the horse calm, its rider anything but as he stared with his mouth open.
“Move on!” warned Legget.
The rider continued to gape.
“Hie off, you bloody feck!” Legget pulled a belaying pin from his belt. The rider turned his mount around and rode off.
“I begs your pardon ladies.” He softened his voice. “Tis better to yell them off, you see.”
“Was that because of me, Mr Legget?” asked Miss Bennet softly.
“A grouping of pretty ladies always grabs a man’s attention.”
Miss Bennet nodded and the ladies continued walking towards the town. Once there, they stopped to admire the gowns in Mrs Taylor’s window. Mrs Harrington stopped upon seeing them. Her eyes narrowed; she offered no greeting. Miss Mary sniffed. Miss Elizabeth smiled at her younger sister, then raised her chin and turned her back. “Come, sisters,” Miss Elizabeth announced loudly.
The group walked off to audible gasps. Legget saw observers from across the street pointing and whispering behind gloved hands. The girls continued towards their destination before suddenly Miss Lydia squealed and dashed into the milliner’s shop, followed quickly by Miss Catherine.
“Lydia and Kitty ordered ribbons,” Miss Mary said.
Legget was not happy. “Ladies, please wait ‘ere.”
Miss Elizabeth took her elder sister’s arm; Miss Mary stood aside them. Legget stepped into the shop. The two younger sisters tapped their feet as they waited at a table.
“Ladies, you oughtn’t run off.”
“It is but a moment, Mr Legget,” Miss Catherine assured him.
His gut told him otherwise.
Jane, Mary, and Elizabeth waited outside the shop for their sisters. As Jane stared at her shoes, Elizabeth watched three militia men walk directly towards them. She grasped Jane’s hand and reached for Mary’s to pull her closer.
“Well, now, who knew such beauties existed in this speck of a village?” the first man said.
“Who secreted you two away?” asked the second, his mocking tone evident.
Elizabeth stepped in front of Jane. “I suggest you be on your way,” she warned.
“We only seek an introduction to the one behind you,” offered the first man. His compatriot sneered, “Unless you think you are above us.”
At his taunt, Jane looked up. All three stepped back, awe on their faces.
