Page 91 of Rescued from Betrayal
“Are you all right? You look pale.”
“I could have been trapped in a marriage with that man.”
Javenia moved to sit by her and picked up her hand. “But you were not. You should thank God that Nathaniel came upon you when he did. His intervention saved you.”
“Nathaniel’s or God’s?”
“Both.” She chuckled.
“I am not a church-going person, Javenia.”
“I know, but Nathaniel is, as am I and John. Just a fair warning.”
That explained Nathaniel’s absence this morning when Melior had gone in search of him. She supposed it was for the best, since it seemed Javenia and Al were not together. Perhaps Al had accompanied Nathaniel to services.
“Was there anything else you were able to learn?” Melior asked, returning to their previous conversation.
“Yes, but I am not sure how true it is. There is a rumor going around Town that Lady Jane is involved in some sort of scandal.”
“Could it have been her that Mr. Fairchild took to Cheapside?”
Javenia hesitated. “I do not think so. Knowing that lady’s moral convictions, I do not think she would be seduced into a liaison.”
“I had not realized you were acquainted with Lady Jane.”
“I am not really, but while in Town we attend the same congregation.”
“Many people attend services and still do unsavory things.”
“Yes, but Lady Jane is far too pious and often decries infidelity among men. I am not saying she is a saint, but I cannot believe she would turn and do the same.”
Melior frowned. “I can, but perhaps my view is tainted by years of her cutting remarks.”
Javenia grinned. “I see your sense of competition is still healthy and strong.”
Competition? Was that really it? Melior reined in the irritation that always accompanied the mention of Lady Jane, trying to remember that her thoughts concerning the lady were probably shaped by her mother’s septic views.
“We have never got on well, but I suppose some of that is my fault. Our families have not been friends and my mother often compared me to her, reminding me I needed to be better than the likes of her.”
“That explains your disdain. No one likes to be compared to others. Look,” Javenia scooted closer in her chair. “I never thought that Lady Jane would stoop low enough to be so cruel to you. And after what we witnessed last night, I am certain she is not the one who enlisted Mr. Fairchild the night of the Durhams’ ball. In fact, Lady Braithwaite claims Lady Jane has as much or more of an aversion to Mr. Fairchild as you do, so there is little chance of her changing her mind now. With all that being said, I always thought the two of you would get on nicely as you have similar tastes in fashion and in the accomplishments you pursue.”
“You mean her family has forced her to become proficient ateverything,” Melior said wryly, bitterness creeping in at the thought. She had pushed herself to excel, sometimes past her own endurance, and for what? To be cast off without a second thought.
“Even your caustic remark sounds like her.” Javenia laughed. “I have overheard her complain of her father and stepmother’s expectations on more than one occasion.”
Melior relaxed into her chair, letting her proper posture slip. Were she and Lady Jane really so much alike?
“I know it is none of my nevermind, but you might think of taking a moment to really understand the lady. Especially if she is facing a scandal as you did. She might be in need of a friend.”
A pang tugged at Melior’s heart. She knew what it was like to lose the ones she had once thought would never desert her. Perhaps if she reached out, it would in some way appease her guilt. A good deed to help with all her bad ones. She could not fix the years of hurt between them, and perhaps Lady Jane would never accept her help, but she would never know if she did not try.
The front door opened and male voices were heard in the hall.
“I guess that answers where Algenon went off to.” Javenia rose from her seat and Melior did likewise.
In the hall, she hesitated. Her natural impulse pulled her toward her husband, wanting to seek the comfort of his arms, but the feelings were so new and she was unsure if he’d accept such a public display.
Nathaniel removed his coat and handed it to the butler. “How was your morning?” He crossed to her and kissed her cheek. The show of affection surprised her so much that she looped an arm behind his back, a need for reassurance rising within. Without hesitation he pulled her into an embrace.
