Page 98 of The Scarred Duchess
“How are you this fine morning, my dear?” he asked.
“Very well, thank you. It is quite early to have travelled from Longbourn. Is all well?”
“I arrived earlier in the week and stayed with Gardiner.”
He had not answered her question, but she set that aside and urged him to take a cup of tea. A few moments later, she pressed him. “What brought you to town? My mother and sisters are well?”
“They are,” he said as he finished his cup. “There were unfortunate circumstances that required Gardiner’s and my immediate attention. An insult—a threat—to your reputation.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I must thank you, Papa, although I cannot countenance your putting yourself in danger for me.” She pursed her lips. “Was the duel conducted with pistols or swords?”
Her father’s shock was delicious. “Wha... where did you...?”
“Oh, Papa,” she interrupted. “We are not silly females, as other fathers would tease. Mama made us aware of yourtalents. Other than the instance Lizzy allowed her overconfidence free rein, we have always respected you as our protector.”
“And I always shall be, until you change your name to Lady Lambrook.” He kissed her hand.
“Unfortunately, that is no longer possible,” announced John as he entered the drawing room with Lord and Lady Matlock. He handed Bennet the patents and sat next to Jane, taking her hands in his.
“Have you something to tell me?” asked Jane.
“I do. It may distress you, but as Marquess Beauford is at the centre of it, you must be told.” He explained how eight noblemen had targeted her in a wagering conspiracy. She closed her eyes as he spoke of the money they had wagered. All she heard were their disgusting desires. She had never been so offended, so angry.
Jane was swallowing her nausea when she realised John was still speaking. “Who is dead? Please repeat yourself, sir.”
John’s next words shocked her. Not only was Marquess Beauford dead, but so was the Duke of Somerset. She turned to her father.Did he know?
He looked unperturbed. “That is quite a surprise,” he said as he examined the patents. “I assume we are now in the presence of the new Duke of Somerset. Is that not true, your Grace?”
John nodded and brought her hands to his lips. “I beg you not to reject me.”
Am I the only one who heard the unspoken word ‘again’?“Why ever would I do that?” She looked to Lady Matlock, who smiled pallidly.
“You had desired to avoid pageantry and the demands of society, my dear,” she explained.
Jane breathed in sharply. She looked at John, his eyesintent on hers.You have been my bright light all these years. I shall never renounce that which I love!
“Jane?” asked John.
“This revelation changes nothing. I shall stand by you, as you have me.” She looked directly into his eyes. “For eternity.”
He kissed her hand. “You are my saint.”
She cupped his face with her free hand. “As you are mine.”
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
Elizabeth had agreed to wed at Matlock House after its mistress had enumerated the requirements of accommodations for the families and servants, and the number of carriages laden with provisions for the celebration that would be needed to travel to Meryton; it was all far too much for the small town, advised Lady Matlock. Elizabeth was amenable, for she also wanted to treat her sisters to a fortnight in London. She missed Mary, Kitty, and Lydia.Letters do not provide satisfactory embraces!
Her betrothed, eager to be wed, was happy to do as she wished. As was their custom, Darcy broke his fast with Elizabeth, both being early risers.
“I am surprised Georgiana does not join us,” said Elizabeth.
“She may be a daughter of Pemberley, but she has always been a creature of town when greeting the morning,” he said fondly.
“With that being the case, how shall you entertain your intended for the next set of hours?” Elizabeth lifted aneyebrow, hoping to tease him into a kiss. Instead, she earned a serious reply.
“This morning, you shall accompany me to Doctor’s Commons.”
