Claiming the Chaperon's Heart (15 page)

‘I have invited some friends to an evening party of my own,’ he continued as if she had not spoken. ‘Perhaps you and your brother and your guests would be gracious enough to accept my invitation?’

‘It is not usual for a single gentleman to host such a party?’

‘Oh, my aunt, Mrs Sargent, is to host it for me. You may be acquainted with the lady. I believe she is an acquaintance of the duchess.’

‘Yes, I do know Mrs Sargent,’ Jane said and inclined her head. ‘You must send me a card, sir, and we shall see if we have a free evening—and now you must excuse me...’

Jane walked away, not bothering to turn her head though she knew his gaze followed her. Mrs Sargent was indeed an acquaintance of her mother’s but not a lady she liked. Mama did not much like her either; she was received everywhere and to snub her would be extremely rude, but she was never invited to one of the duchess’s more intimate affairs.

‘Did I see you speaking with Captain Hershaw?’ Melia said as Jane went to sit down with the others, who were waiting for the music to begin. ‘He is such a charming man, is he not? I believe he means to invite us to his party...’

‘Yes, but I do not care to accept an invitation from that gentleman,’ Jane said. ‘I do not care for him and it might be best if you did not welcome his company too freely.’

Melia shot her a resentful look. ‘It seems that you do not care for any gentlemen I like,’ she muttered beneath her breath.

Jane frowned but did not chide her. She had no wish to fall out with her charge in public, nor was it her business to prevent Melia forming a friendship with the captain. If he made her a proposal of marriage it would be for Lord Frant to decide whether or not to accept it.

Jane had begun to think recently that it would have been better had she not asked the pretty young woman to accompany them to town. She had done so because her brother wished it, believing there was an understanding between them, but it seemed that Melia bestowed her affections easily on a handsome face. First it had been Viscount Hargreaves and now Captain Hershaw. Neither was suitable, in Jane’s opinion, and had the girl been her sister or ward she thought she might have immediately removed her from town. In fact, the only suitor Melia had encouraged that Jane thought suitable was Captain Smythe.

It was, in any case, almost time that she began to think of going home. They had been in town several weeks and Jane had purchased all the new gowns she needed for a while. Will had mentioned leaving towards the end of the following week and Jane thought she would go with him, though had either Sarah or Melia been courted by suitable gentlemen she might have remained longer.

No, she would tell them in the morning that they must make any last purchases they needed and return books to the lending library. She herself intended to purchase a parcel of the latest books to take home to the country. It would seem quiet after so many balls and parties, though if she removed to Bath she and Sarah would have a good deal of company there. Will entertained his close friends at home, and Jane asked their neighbours to dine once or twice a month, but it was mostly just the two of them—three with Sarah, for Melia would return to her aunt’s home, unless an engagement should be announced between her and Will. Jane did not think it likely now.

Would she see Lord Frant before she returned home? Jane hoped he would call on her before then, but if not...perhaps he might one day chance to call on them in the country...

Her heart ached when she realised she might not see him for months on end, if at all. He had hinted that he cared for her, and surely she’d seen it in his eyes—but if he truly cared for her would he not have spoken of his feelings and asked her to be his wife? The fact that he had not done so had raised doubts in her mind and she wondered if perhaps it was his habit to flirt with ladies who came his way. If that were the case Jane would be very disappointed... No, she would be hurt for unwisely she had begun to care for him rather too much for her own comfort.

Chapter Twelve

J
ane sat opening her letters and cards when Will walked into the parlour. He was dressed for riding, the smell of the stables still on him. He smiled at the pile of letters before her.

‘Even in town you have so much correspondence,’ he said. ‘I wanted to tell you that I intend to go home on Friday next, Jane—but if you wish to stay in town a few weeks longer one of my friends will be pleased to escort you home. George Brandt is coming to stay for the shooting in September. He likes you, Jane, and I know he would gladly put aside all other pursuits to be of service.’

‘Lieutenant Brandt is a pleasant and attractive man,’ Jane said. ‘I enjoy his company and so does Sarah, I believe.’

‘Oh...?’ Will’s brow darkened and Jane laughed, her suspicions confirmed. ‘I had not realised she was interested in him.’

‘I meant only what I said. Sarah finds him pleasant company, as I do—but neither of us has romantic inclinations towards him.’

Will’s expression did not lighten. ‘Is it that fellow Frant, Jane? I thought he cared for you, but he went off to Ireland and then to the country—I am sorry if the rogue has hurt you, sister.’

‘Lord Frant is not a rogue,’ Jane said and made herself smile at him, even though his words echoed thoughts that continued to haunt her despite her efforts to ignore them. ‘Nor has he hurt me. I knew he had business in the country that would take some time. I hope he will return to town before we leave, but I intend to return with you, Will—no matter what...’

‘I’m glad, for the house seems empty without you, love. You will not take yourself and Sarah off to Bath too soon?’

‘Perhaps next spring,’ Jane said and her eyes quizzed him. ‘Will that be long enough for you to decide, dearest one?’

‘Yes, I dare say it will,’ he replied and shook his head at her. ‘I had hoped you might marry...for I would not spoil your plans, Jane.’

‘You must think of your happiness,’ she told him. ‘I can find a dozen companions if I choose...’

‘But I want you to be happy. Have you met no one else you would wish to marry...or is your heart given to Frant?’

‘I believe it may be,’ Jane confessed. ‘For a long time I did not think I could love again—not as I loved my dearest Harry. Now I think perhaps I have met someone I can respect and love. It may be in a different way, for it was a wild sweet joy I knew with Harry, but I think this time it would be just as sweet, but not the same.’

‘What does Mama say?’ her brother asked. ‘She hinted to me weeks back that she thought you would make a match of it—but then Frant went off to Ireland and I know she is anxious for you again.’

‘Mama would have me marry; any decent and wealthy man would do, as long as she thought he would make me happy. Was it her suggestion that you should invite Lieutenant Brandt to stay?’

‘She might have mentioned it,’ Will said, ‘but George is a good fellow, Jane. I like him—and he likes you very much.’

‘Major Harding likes me too,’ Jane said. ‘Shall you invite him to stay for the shooting?’

‘If you wish it. I shall also ask Frant...if he can spare the time from his business...’

‘Invite all three,’ Jane said impulsively, because perhaps if he thought she had suitors Paul would make up his mind to speak plainly, ‘and do not let your fears for my happiness stand in the way of your own, my dearest one. I shall consider each of the gentlemen and if I can find it in my heart to marry, you shall be the first to know.’

Will laughed and made a wry face, for she’d given him his own words back again. Jane laughed too, because they were so very close and she knew that her brother would wish her to be settled before he proposed to the lady he now hoped to make his wife.

Jane could not help but be pleased that he no longer wished to marry Melia Bellingham, for she had proved herself spoiled and flighty. Once they went home, she would return to her aunt’s house—unless she accepted a proposal of marriage from someone before then.

* * *

‘Go home next week?’ Melia looked at her in sullen disappointment. ‘I thought we should stay until the end of the season at least.’

‘It is almost over,’ Jane said. ‘Most of the important balls have been held—apart from Lady Marshall’s ball next week. We shall attend that on the Wednesday evening and then prepare ourselves to leave, by visiting friends to say our farewells and any last minute errands you may have—but you have several days before that...’

‘We shall miss Captain Hershaw’s affair...’

‘As I told you, I did not mean to accept it,’ Jane said and was glad to have a valid excuse for refusing it. ‘Surely it is not so important to you? You have made so many friends and been invited everywhere. You must have known it could not go on for ever?’

‘Yes, but...’ Melia stared at her sulkily. ‘I have not yet received an offer of marriage. I hoped...’ She broke off and her cheeks heated.

‘I do not think either your aunt or Lord Frant would agree to a marriage between you and that gentleman,’ Jane said gently. ‘I thought there was someone else... Miss Smythe’s brother likes you very much. Perhaps if you smiled on him...’

Melia pouted. ‘I do like John and his sister Anne, but there are others I like better. You’ve told me neither of them is suitable and I think that is unfair of you. What right have you to tell me who I may marry?’

‘I have none, of course,’ Jane said. ‘You mistake me if you think I mean to forbid you, Melia. I hoped to advise you, because I would wish you to be happy and I do not think you would be happy with Captain Hershaw. I think him a gambler and perhaps not a man to be trusted with the care of a young girl’s heart.’

‘And Adam?’ she demanded. ‘Is he also not to be trusted?’

‘If he had asked you, I would have been happy for you,’ Jane said softly. ‘I think his reasons for not doing so were honourable—he cannot afford to give you the life you deserve. Yet it was unkind of him to raise your hopes in vain.’

‘I should be happy living in a cottage with him,’ Melia cried and promptly burst into tears, running from the room and slamming the door behind her.

Jane watched her leave sadly. She did not wish to cause the girl pain, even though she’d given Will some heartache when he’d first realised her promises were lightly given and not to be trusted. Yet she’d spoken only the truth. Viscount Hargreaves was a man who many young girls might break their hearts over, but he needed to marry a fortune and could not afford a young lady with only seven thousand pounds to her name.

* * *

Melia apologised later that day and a wary truce was called between them. Jane did her best to mend the breach, but could not think it was so easily done. Melia wanted to live in London and to continue the round of parties and dances that would go on all year, but that would mean accepting a man who wished for the same kind of life and Jane did not think that Adam Hargreaves or Captain Smythe was interested in living permanently in town. However, there was nothing more she could say and it was up to Melia to decide what she wanted from life now.

At the card party they attended that evening, Jane was happy to see that Melia joined her friends, Miss Smythe and her brother, and appeared to spend a noisy happy time with them. She seemed in better spirits than earlier and told Jane that Captain Smythe was taking her riding the next morning. Jane nodded and smiled and they parted on good terms.

Sarah had taken the news that they were leaving for the country in much better heart. She looked pleased and made a list of everything she’d seen that she wished to purchase and went shopping with Jane that morning. They bought material, books, sewing items for embroidery, sweet bon-bons, soaps and perfumes and many small luxuries that were not available in the country.

‘We shall have so many trunks that we shall need another coach to carry them all,’ Sarah said and laughed. ‘Oh, I have enjoyed my stay, Jane. I cannot thank you enough for all you have done and given me.’

‘It gave me so much pleasure,’ Jane said and then her heart caught as she saw the gentleman walking along the street towards them. It was clear that he had seen her and immediately came up with them, a smile on his face. ‘Lord Frant, I am glad to see you return. I was afraid we should miss you, for we go home next week.’

‘Ah, that is unfortunate,’ Paul said and looked regretful. ‘Business has kept me from your side too long—but perhaps I may call on you in the near future? I hope that things will be settled soon enough.’

‘You are very mysterious,’ Jane said and gave him her hand. He held it to his lips briefly and her heart fluttered as she saw the fire burning deep in his eyes. He did care for her—he must! If not, he was a heartless flirt to look at her so. ‘You have been sorely missed, sir.’

‘As have you,’ he said. He smiled as he saw all their packages. ‘I see you have been busy. May I walk with you and assist in the carrying of all these trifles?’

‘This is only a part of the whole,’ Sarah told him. ‘Many of our purchases are to be delivered. We were just about to seek an ice or some coffee, were we not, Lady March?’

‘Then allow me to treat you both to an ice at Gunter’s.’ Paul smiled at them both, though his gaze lingered longer on Jane’s face. ‘Perhaps we may go to the theatre together, all of us, before you leave town?’

‘We are free this evening,’ Sarah told him, a hint of mischief in her voice.

‘Then I shall arrange it,’ Paul murmured. ‘Thank you, Miss Sarah, you are very good to aid me so—theatre and supper later it shall be.’

Jane had planned to spend the evening at home because it was a rare thing in London to have no engagements, but she accepted the invitation with pleasure and her heart lifted at the thought.

Perhaps there would be a moment or two for them to speak alone...

* * *

Jane was surprised to find that Melia had brought guests to take luncheon with them for she had not mentioned her intention earlier. However, she smiled and welcomed Miss Smythe and then her brother.

‘I feared we might impose on you,’ Captain Smythe said, ‘but Melia insisted that you should be the first to hear her news—she has done me the very great honour to say that she will become my wife...’

Jane was stunned for she could never have expected it. Surely Melia had given no indication of her intention to accept the young man’s proposal? However, she recovered quickly and congratulated them both and then called the butler, sending him for champagne to celebrate.

‘I know I must speak with Lord Frant,’ the young man said, looking very happy and a little bemused, as if he had not quite expected this himself. ‘I hope that he will think me worthy...’

Since Captain Smythe was of good family, not fabulously wealthy but rich enough to not care about his wife’s dowry, Jane could not think that her guardian would have any objections. He would, no doubt, be grateful to see her well settled and happy.

‘I am happy for you both,’ Jane said and kissed Melia’s cheek. ‘I think it a good match for Melia—and I am certain her family will think the same. Lord Frant is in town, I know, for we spoke no more than twenty minutes since.’

‘Then I shall take my leave and call on him,’ Captain Smythe said and inclined his head.

‘Will you not stay to luncheon?’ Melia begged, dimpling at him.

‘No, for I would have this settled. I shall return later, if I may, Lady March—and we shall settle details of our visit to my parents and your aunt. Come, sister. We must leave these good people to their luncheon and return later...’

After they had gone, Jane looked at Melia. ‘It is a good match for you, Melia—but are you happy with it?’

‘Yes, of course I am,’ the girl replied but her eyes did not meet Jane’s.

Jane said no more on the subject, but told her and then her brother when he came in a few minutes later of their arrangements for the evening.

‘I shall not accompany you,’ Will said, ‘but you have no need of me if you are with Frant.’ His eyes dwelled for a moment on Melia’s flushed face. ‘I must wish you happy, Melia. I am sure you will be... Captain Smythe is a decent man.’

‘Will, I...’ She hung her head and could not continue, but Will took her hand and smiled.

‘We are still friends, Melia. You never promised to wed me, merely to consider the idea. You have broken no promise to me—and I hold no grudge against you.’

Melia laughed in relief and said, ‘We should not suit, Will. I like the town too much and you prefer the country—Captain Smythe is an officer and I shall enjoy living in married quarters, for there are parties and regimental balls. For now, he is based in town, but his regiment may soon remove to Bath for some months.’

‘You will enjoy a military life,’ Will agreed and turned away.

After that the conversation was general. After lunch Will left them to keep an appointment with some friends and the ladies went up to their rooms to rest or write letters. Jane had changed into an afternoon gown of coral silk when Captain Smythe and his sister returned. It was clear that the news was good and they had made plans to visit their parents in the country almost immediately.

‘We shall leave before the last ball of the season,’ he informed them. ‘I cannot wait to introduce Melia to my family, and my sister will accompany us—and we shall invite Mrs Bellingham to stay if she so wishes...’

‘I am very glad everything has worked out well for you both,’ Jane said. Melia’s sulks had disappeared completely and she seemed perfectly happy to leave town, knowing that after her wedding she would return as the captain’s wife.

‘Lord Frant invited us to accompany you to the theatre this evening,’ Captain Smythe went on, his enthusiasm carrying all before him. ‘However, I want to take Melia to meet my grandmother and so we shall go to her house this evening...’

Jane could only smile and agree and feel relieved when sister and brother had taken their leave so that she could prepare for the evening. Her own thoughts were only for the pleasure that lay ahead and the hope she would have a little time alone with Paul Frant...

* * *

‘You look beautiful this evening,’ Paul said when he greeted her, presenting her with a small nosegay of red roses. ‘I have missed seeing you, Jane. I hope that one day soon I shall see much more of you.’