Page 48 of The Wager
“You are not one to talk, dear Viscount. You forget that sisters talk and share secrets…”
She did not finish the sentence, satisfied that his shade of dull red, which had crept up on his cheeks was punishment enough.
“Do not cross swords with Elizabeth,” Darcy cautioned. “She is an excellent swordswoman when it comes torepartee.”
“So, I have learned,” Ashton said and tilted his head toward the dance floor while extending his arm for escort. “Shall we?”
“With pleasure, Viscount Ashton.”
Janewatchedtheviscountescort her sister onto the dance floor and felt a rush of pleasure at how well the two of them got along. She had much to think about, having promised to give him an answer to his question.
“Miss Hamilton, I believe this set is ours.”
Mr. Samuel Goulding stood before her and she smiled.
“It is, Mr. Goulding.”
Her next set was with Colonel Forster and then the fourth arrived along with Mr. Bingley. They stepped onto the dance floor, and as the music swelled, she felt his hand on her waist, guiding her through the elegant steps. He was a natural dancer and she could not deny he was also a charming and effortless partner. He moved with grace and always wore a pleasant smile that put everyone at ease. Yet, something held her back from fully opening up to him. Maybe it was because of his unbearable sisters, whom she could never seem to get along with. Or perhaps it was the feeling that he was hiding his true self beneath a cheerfulfaçade. Whatever the reason, she knew her decision was made and longed for the dance to end.
“Miss Hamilton, might I have a moment of your time before the next set forms?”
“Certainly, Mr. Bingley.”
Jane followed him into an adjoining room, whereupon they both took a seat on one of the many couches and chairs scattered about. Mr. Bingley took her gloved hands in his and looked confidently into her eyes.
“My attentions have been too marked to be mistaken. Almost as soon as I entered the assembly and we were introduced, I singled you out as the companion of my future life,” he began, taking a deep breath. “I want to marry and with my wealth, I could have anyone. However, I have decided on you, my dear Miss Hamilton. Caroline pushes for me to marry someone with a title. The Duke of K____ is struggling financially and while he would gladly accept an infusion of cash into his dwindling funds, I desire an attractive bride who will give me handsome children. Luckily, your beauty is unquestionable, making you the perfect choice for my wife.”
Stunned beyond belief, Jane could scarcely believe her ears. Mr. Bingley looked at her as nothing more than a beautiful broodmare. Fury, molten and hot, flowed through her veins.
“We shall, of course, remove to London for the high season—”
“Stop speaking, Mr. Bingley.”
“I have not finished my proposal.”
“Your so-called proposal was over before you even started, sir.” Jane stood and smoothed down her skirt while Bingley scrambled hastily to his feet. “Fortunately for you, there are many beautiful women who are willing to sell themselves to the highest bidder for security. I am not one of them.”
“And this is all the reply which I am to have the honor of expecting! I might, perhaps, wish to be informed why, with so little endeavor at civility, I am thus rejected.”
“I might as well enquire,” Jane replied. “What evidence was there of you courting me? Not once, in the entire time since you first made my acquaintance, have you graced Longbourn with your presence for the sole purpose of seeking my company. I cannot recall a single instance where you attended to request a courtship, nor any attempt to nurture my good opinion. So please, Mr. Bingley, enlighten me again as to why you thought I anxiously awaited your proposal?”
“Suitors do not hang from the trees in this part of Hertfordshire, Miss Hamilton. You should take into consideration that despite your unparalleled beauty, it is by no means certain another offer of marriage may ever be made to you. Even with your tenuous connections to the Fitzwilliam family name, few suitors will bother to look past the fact your father was Longbourn’s rector. All of these circumstances undo the effects of your loveliness and amiable qualifications.” Bingley took a step toward her. “We are quite alone, Miss Hamilton, with no chaperone in sight. I have compromised you and we shall have to marry.”
“I can weather the gossip, Mr. Bingley. Can you? Also, we have never been alone.”
At the gentleman’s look of confusion, Jane tilted her head in the direction of the drawing room’s entrance. In the doorframe stood her guard, who glared at her erstwhile suitor.
“Brooks, will you please escort thisgentlemanback to his sister.”
Mr. Bingley looked as though he had something more to say, then shut his mouth so hard, that his teeth clacked. Surprisingly, he gave Jane a very polite half-bow before turning to walk out of the room, followed by the hulking footman.
“Good riddance,” came from the darkened corner of the room.
Jane swung around at the sound of a familiar voice.
“Viscount Ashton!”
That gentleman shifted in his seat and peered around the back of a chair that faced the fireplace.
