Page 70 of The Scarred Duchess
“That is certainly not my intention!”
“If it were, my lord, we would not be sitting here,” replied Mr Gardiner.
“Of course. I spoke in haste.” John placed his empty glass down.Is the world conspiring against me? How will I ever regain Jane’s regard if I cannot even see her? Remind her of my love for her?“My father protected me and my mother, and I will protect Jane. I receive reports on the activities of Somerset and his son, and will never allow Jane to feel any threat.”
Mr Gardiner nodded. “I shall inform Lord Matlock of your visit.”
A knock on the door alerted them that dinner was ready. They stood and Mr Gardiner turned to him. “Did Bennet speak to you of your own personal safety?”
“He did,” replied John.Would that Mr Gardiner will support my suit and speak with Lord Matlock. I would then find a way to remain at Jane’s side.
“Then I suggest you conform to his instructions.” Gardiner opened the door and gestured. “To the letter.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Lady Matlock was pleased Jane had accepted the invitation to stay at Matlock House. Her plans to promote her would now come to fruition. Her pleasure dimmed, however, when her lady’s maid described the reasons behind the change. As she absorbed the details of the encounter, Lord Matlock entered her sitting room holding a note.
“Dearest, I have been informed of the happenings at Kew.”
Lady Matlock stood and wrung her hands. “This insufferable town …. Oh!” She raised fists and shook them once, then resumed her seat. “I am thrilled Miss Bennet—Jane—has finally consented to join us but the circumstances are entirely unsavoury.”
He brandished the note in his hand. “Gardiner did warn us of the growing attention she receives in public. I daresay she shall require some additional men about her at all times.”
“Will that be effective?”
The earl took her hand in his. “We shall forestall trouble before the seeds may be planted. Perhaps Lambrook sensedtrouble, for he arrived on Gardiner’s doorstep this evening. Whether he ends up her choice of husband, the young man wishes to protect her as well. He cannot remain in town at this time, of course.”
“I worry how this will affect her opinion of the Season.” She knew the young woman had dealt with far too many slights—if not cuts direct—already in her brief time in town. “She will need her sister with her.”
Lord Matlock nodded. “I doubt Miss Elizabeth will choose to remain at Gracechurch Street without her. We shall send an invitation asking her to join her sister here.”
“I believe Georgiana would benefit from the company of friends near to her age. Especially Jane, whose experience with stares and pointed fingers could have a calming influence on her.”
Her husband nodded. “Let us invite her to spend time here and get to know the Bennets. Perhaps as you grow busier with Jane’s presentation, her sister could join Georgiana at Darcy House.”
Lady Matlock held out both hands as Georgiana hurried past her father into her welcoming embrace. After delivering a kiss to either cheek, the countess settled everyone in before ringing the bell. “Clarke, please summon the Bennet sisters to join us for tea.”
Georgiana gasped. “Oh, no!” She quickly clapped a hand over her mouth.
Lady Matlock gave her a look meant to be reproving.
“This was to be family only. I cannot bear to—” She covered her face withboth hands.
“Do not fret, dear. We would never expose you to the malice of others,” assured her uncle, laying one hand on Georgiana’s shoulder.
There was no time to discuss it further as just then, the sisters arrived. Elizabeth wore a green gown that matched her eyes; she smiled warmly, her interest clearly caught by Georgiana. Jane looked divine in her full-brim black hat and beaded veil; her cream day gown complemented her figure very well. Although she was not the girl’s mother, Lady Matlock savoured the pride that filled her breast.
“Miss Jane and Miss Elizabeth Bennet, allow me to introduce Mr George Darcy,” Lady Matlock said, “and my niece, Miss Georgiana Darcy.”
Georgiana appeared to be frozen in place. Lady Matlock frowned, knowing how Georgiana grew terrified, certain people thought she was a monster.If only her niece could know that she and Jane were more similar than not in that regard!
She nudged Georgiana gently and it prompted her to at least curtsey.
Jane studied Georgiana a moment and said, “Of all our feelings, shame is the most wrongly attributed.” Then she removed her hat and veil. “You see, our flaws and scars do not define us, but only underline our character and the beauty within us.”
Georgiana took a quick breath and visibly relaxed.
Much to Lady Matlock’s joy, the comfort and relief that came with their shared connexion led to a fast friendship between Jane and Georgiana. Elizabeth, too, with her naturalopenness and cheerful demeanour, became close to the younger lady. The three quickly fell into a routine of having tea and discussing the matters of the day together. One afternoon, Lady Matlock overheard their laughter and stilled in the corridor outside the small yellow parlour where they sat together.
