Page 6 of The Gentleman's Confession
Jemma had been one of the few made aware of Mr. Bentley and his plans. “It was all very hush-hush until everything was in order.”
“I have to respect a man who prefers his privacy,” Miles said.
Jemma smiled, pleased that Miles thought so. She wanted him to like Mr. Bentley.
Lady Kellen took up the conversation again. “If all continues to fall into place and there is a union between them, Miss Fielding will remain amongst us. It’s rather perfect. I dare say, none of us could bear to part with her.”
Did it sound too perfect? A compliment from the esteemed Lady Kellen was no small thing. Jemmashouldbe thrilled with her situation. After all, she prided herself on being quite brave and forward thinking. So, why had her anxiety given birth to a horde of angry bees storming her insides and humming in her ears? She found she’d rather walk on nails or leap through a ring of fire at the circus than meet Mr. Bentley.
They settled into their seats, she in a chair and Miles on a sofa opposite Lady Kellen.
Miles’s calm voice broke through Jemma’s troubling, consuming thoughts. “Miss Fielding has not made me fully aware of the situation here. Is Mr. Bentley a full participant of this intended match?” Jemma caught a strain in the fine smile lines by his eyes. He needn’t be so worried for her. If she were sick on Mr. Bentley’s boots, she’d surely live through the embarrassment. She hoped.
“Mr. Bentley is a full andeagerparticipant,” Lady Kellen answered. “After three years spent in the West Indiessupervising his holdings, he has returned to England for good and is intent on finding someone to share his future with.”
Miles leaned forward, propping his forearms on his thighs and clasping his hands together. “Did he make his fortune? Or does he desire Miss Fielding’s?”
“Mr. Jackson,” Jemma chided.
Lady Kellen held up her hand. “A perfectly respectable question, considering the situation. Mr. Bentley has five thousand pounds per annum. He has no need of Miss Fielding’s money.”
Five thousand pounds was a staggering amount. Miles did not so much as blink at it, not one to have ever cared much for money. It was clear, he did not want her taken advantage of.
Miles pressed for more. “I assume his character is upstanding?”
Lady Kellen gave a single nod. “I was thorough in my assessment. Besides providing well for Miss Fielding, his family name is well known. He also shares Miss Fielding’s desire for serving the less fortunate.”
The last part had eased some of Jemma’s concerns. She loved the work she and the Rebels did, and she wanted a man who would support her in her efforts. However, being charitable meant different things to different people. Some men did not care to have their wives involved in any matter outside their front door. Time would tell if Mr. Bentley measured up to her own expectations.
“Excellent,” Miles added, though there was no enthusiasm in his voice. “And if Miss Fielding has a change of heart and desires to remove herself from this arrangement, what contingencies are in place to allow this?”
Lady Kellen flicked a glance at Jemma, who had not even thought to ask such a thing. She hadn’t wanted an out. The sooner they were married, the better. Otherwise, Jemmafeared she would change her mind and disappoint herself and Grandmother. This way, her promise would be kept, and she could dive into her new life.
“Mr. Bentley requested a month to acquaint himself with Miss Fielding first. I had hoped the two of them could sort out the particulars together.”
“Six weeks, at the very least,” Miles said rather decisively. “Don’t you agree, Miss Fielding?”
Jemma studied his raised brow as he waited for her response. He did know more about people than she did. And they would need time for their lessons together ... “Six weeks might be best.”
“We will let Mr. Bentley know your preference.” Lady Kellen grinned, completely in her element. Matchmaking brought her far too much pleasure. Until her own unique situation, Jemma hadn’t been very happy about the Matchmaking Mama Society. Seeing two of her best friends happily married because of their mothers’ machinations had softened her a little, but she still thought the Society’s arrangements somewhat unusual. Unlike her friends, everything had been perfectly transparent from the moment she had contracted with Lady Kellen. It was a small but needed comfort.
The housekeeper brought in the tea things before removing herself from the room again.
Jemma glanced at the clock on the mantel. Mr. Bentley was a quarter of an hour late. Was it a bad omen or a good one?
Miles caught her eye. “Miss Fielding, are you certain this is what—”
There was a rustle in the corridor. Miles had left the door open. All their gazes swung toward it now, leaving Miles’s unfinished sentence hanging in the air.
This was it. Jemma had to pull herself together. She could not make a poor first impression if she hoped to win Mr. Bentleyover and fall in love with him in a mere six weeks. Facing the door, she couldn’t muster any excitement. Every limb of her body became heavy with dread. Did she really want this? No ... no, not completely. But Grandmother did. And a promise was a promise.
CHAPTER 4
Miles stared at the dooras Mr. Bentley’s tall form filled the span of the doorway. There was no doubt Jemma would think the man handsome. His tanned skin contrasted with his lighter hair, and his expensive clothes gave him a sort of foreign-prince aura. Not to mention his expressive eyes and much-too-happy smile. Apparently, with one glance at Jemma in all her loveliness, Mr. Bentley was certain he’d made a conquest.
Miles stood to greet the newcomer, determined to be nice. Jemma deserved to have the best, and if Mr. Bentley was the best ...
He let his thoughts fade, not ready to address them. He’d pour them out onto paper later, as he always did, and try to make sense of them before he attempted to forget them completely.
