Page 54 of The Defiant Governess
With that, she spurred her mount towards her old nurse’s cottage, leaving her brother to canter back to the manor house on his own, a pensive look on his face.
The duke regardedhis two children over a glass of vintage port. The two of them were sitting side by side on one of the drawing room couches, laughing over the latest fashions in theLondon Gazette.
“Pray, do not tell me that Althea Westcott appeared at Almack’s inthat!” laughed Jane. “Why, Lady Jersey must have had a fit of vapors.”
It did him good to see his daughter in such a lighthearted mood. She had seemed much more serious since her return, so much so that he was concerned. She still would not tell him anything of her time away.
Whatever had happened to make her change so, it remained a mystery to him.
He took a swallow of his drink. “Jane, you must look to having some new dresses made for yourself. Especially a ballgown.”
“A ballgown!” exclaimed both of them in unison. “Why, whatever for,” added Jane. “Surely you cannot be thinking of going to Town during hunting season?”
“Your aunt has been pestering me to throw a ball to announce Annabelle’s engagement. With you away, I wouldn’t consider it, but now, well, I think it might enliven the place, don’t you agree?” Though it would certainly please his sister, it was his daughter who concerned the duke. A grand party of young people might be just the thing to bring back her former high spirits.
“How nice,” answered Jane without enthusiasm.
“A splendid idea!” added Thomas, with considerably more élan than his sister. “It can be dashed dull here in the country.”
“Especially if Miss Livesey and her Mamma spend all their time in Town,” said Jane with a flicker of a smile.
Thomas rolled his eyes. “Lud, that was last spring! He cleared his throat. “Though I admit I would not be adverse to having Miss Weston and her family included in the invitations.”
Jane laughed aloud. “Why Thomas, I seem to remember that you thought her a shrinking violet and put a frog in her sewing basket to give her a fright when we visited Overleigh some years ago.”
Her brother stiffened. “I should appreciate it if you would not remind her of such childish pranks,” he muttered.
The teasing interplay suddenly reminded her of other recent evenings. She rose. “I think I shall leave you two to your port and retire. I’m feeling a bit fatigued.”
Her father got up. Motioning at Thomas to remain, he followed his daughter to the door. “I shall see you up, my dear. I, too, am feeling a bit fagged.”
As they climbed the broad staircase, the duke studied his daughter’s profile in the flickering candlelight. “Missy,” he began hesitantly. “Is everything alright? I have not wanted to press you, but I cannot help but notice that you seem blue-deviled. You haven’t been your old self since coming home.”
He put a hand on her arm. “And I fear that you may feel you can’t talk to me anymore since—dash it, since that damnable aunt of yours meddled in our family affairs. I never should have listened to her! I promise you that I shall never try to force you into a match you don’t wish. I … I was wrong.”
Jane paused in front of her door and squeezed his hand. “And so was I, Papa. I know you meant well. If I had more of Mamma’s temperament, all would have quickly blown over. Butunfortunately, I am too much like you.” She planted a kiss on his cheek. “You mustn’t worry about me. You see, I’mnotmy old self. I think, perhaps, I have grown up.” With that she entered her, leaving her father to stare after her thoughtfully.
“MayI remind you I’m not up for sale at Tattersall’s,” hissed Saybrook through gritted teeth.
Dr. Hastings finished his proddings and looked up with a slightly reproachful look “Milord, I’m sorry for causing you any discomfort, but one can’t be too careful. Especially,” he added pointedly, “when one’s patient refuses to rest properly.”
“Hellishly boring to lie abed,” muttered Saybrook as he buttoned up his shirt.
“Well, despite your efforts to the contrary, you seem to have healed quite nicely.”
“Due in no small measure to your skills, Hastings, for which I thank you. As well as for all your ministrations to Peter.”
The doctor forbore to add that much of the real credit should go to Miss Langley. He was aware that she had departed, and though surprised and curious as to why, he had too much sense to bring up her name. Instead, he merely gave a brief nod of acknowledgement. “The lad is right as rain. The bone has mended nicely and there appears to be no lasting damage. Of course, he should still keep it in a sling and stay quiet for the next few days.”
Saybrook gave a short laugh. “That will be a miracle to manage. Bed rest suits him even less than it does me. And Mary doesn’t have the influence of ….” He stopped and Dr. Hastings thought he detected a shadow of sadness cross the marquess’s face.
Saybrook changed the subject abruptly. “Am I permitted to travel?”
The doctor’s brow furrowed in concern. “Is it necessary, sir? It concerns me that you seem intent on jeopardizing your health.”
“I have a very pressing matter.”
“Well, I would strongly urge against riding. Perhaps with a well-sprung carriage, with the trip done in slow stages.” He shook his head. “It will be very fatiguing at this point, which I don’t like. But I suppose it can be done without ill effect.”
