Page 42 of The Heir
“I just thought . . . she might need help.”
“Why on earth do you care?”
“Because Ned’s not going to,” said Jane flatly.
“But it’s not yourbusiness,” Liza insisted. “And not something Father . . .”
“Do you know or don’t you?” She met Liza’s gaze, aware that she was showing an unusual amount of stubbornness. She’d always thought Liza was the brave one, the worldly one. Had she ever paid attention to how much Liza referenced what Father would or would not want?
Liza opened her bottom drawer and took out the rouge pot she kept hidden there. With her little finger, she dabbed a minute amount on her cheeks and her lips, then took plenty of time to blend it in.
Jane handed her sister her powder box. Liza powdered her cheeks as carefully as she had rouged them.
“As it happens,” she said at last, “Susan has not even left Kensington.”
“You’re sure?”
“I saw her just yesterday, walking past while we were out in the carriage. It was a great surprise, I can tell you. I asked little Thomas to follow her, to see where she went.”
Jane must have looked surprised or confused, because Liza gave her a sharp sigh. “You’re not the only one worried about Ned producing a by-blow, you know. I don’t need my chances at getting out of this house ruined because Mama was too lazy to hush things up properly and Susan decides to take him to court for breach of promise or some such.
“Anyway,” Liza went on, “Thomas said she went to a house at the end of Lower Market Street. He thought it was her house rather than just one she was working in, as she went in through the front door.”
“Thank you, Liza.”
Liza did not turn from contemplating her own face in the mirror. “I’ve some money in my writing desk. Take that for Susan, and tell her there will be more, provided she keeps quiet, all right? And make sure she knows it comes fromme, not from Father or Mother. Now, help me find my slippers and my reticule. Icannotbe late.”
“Is there something I should know, Liza? Or someone I should . . .”
“Save your breath,” said Liza. “There’s nothing and no one, yet. But I am not about to leave matters up to Mother or Father.” She paused. “And you shouldn’t, either.”
They stood there in silence for a long moment, each watching the other and letting the space between them fill up with all the things they were not saying.
Jane took a deep breath. “You know if I can help you, I will.”
“No, I didn’t. But I do now. Thank you, Jane.”
Jane nodded.
The first slipper was under the bed. The second was under the washstand. Liza’s reticule, at least, was in the wardrobe where it should be, along with her gloves and her fan. Liza took one more look at herself in the mirror and then gathered up her hems and hurried out the door with careful, mincing steps, so as not to disturb her sleeves or her skirts or her hair.
Jane closed the door behind her sister. She stood in the middle of the empty room for a long time, just breathing. Just listening.
Just trying to understand what she was turning herself into.
Chapter 19
When the weather allowed, the Kensington System called for Victoria to spend from half ten to eleven o’clock in the morning walking about the gardens. It was very decorous and very dull, which made it her least favorite form of exercise.
This morning, however, she was grateful for it, because it meant she had time to talk to Jane without being overheard.
There was always a crowd at the gates, eagerly craning their necks to get a look at her and cheering when they did. Victoria was very used to them by now. As she passed, she smiled and raised her hand, and they cheered all the harder.
That small duty done, Victoria linked her arm with Jane’s and drew her farther along the path. Lehzen, who followed behind with shawls and parasols and other such accoutrements, promptly began to engage Lady Flora in conversation.
I will thank her later.
“Tell me quickly,” murmured Victoria to Jane. “Were you able to learn anything?”
