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JANE SPENT A COZY CHRISTMAS with the Wentworths, and didn’t return home until mid-January when the road became just passable enough for their carriage despite her protests that she could walk the two miles quite easily. She knocked her boots against the door and entered to find it warm and cozy with that blanket of comfort you receive upon finding yourself once again home.
Smiling, she made her way to the kitchen to see Sarah at the table while Anne stirred something in the pot.
“Good afternoon.”
“Miss Shaw, it’s ever so good to see you.” Sarah jumped up to take her shawl and Anne smiled her quiet smile at her.
“Did you both have a good Christmas?” But their replies were lost as she gazed at the small rectangle on the table.
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THE EARL OF HARRINGTON
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“THIS CARD...WHO BROUGHT it?” Her heart skipped and hopped and flipped and then stopped as she remembered. Sarah stopped talking.
“I beg your pardon Sarah, I didn’t mean to interrupt you.”
“Nevermind, miss. Lord Harrington himself stopped by yesterday and left his card.”
“I cannot imagine why he must check on me in person.”
“Oh miss, it startled us quite, and we told him we were sure he was dead, which made him upset and he cursed someone named George, we think. We told him you were at Greengate but he said he’d not like to disturb your holiday.”
Jane sank into her chair. “He didn’t! Did he...what...but he is...” She felt lightheaded.
“Yes miss, and he said he’d stop by in a few days to see if you returned. You see, I’d said you were expected but perhaps the weather had stalled -” but Jane heard no more, she was at the window.
“He is...in town?”
“Oh, yes miss. He’s staying at the Treetop.”
***
IT WAS SNOWING AGAIN, so Jane was grumpy. Never mind it was only a few flurries that melted once they hit the slush and mud, it was sure to keep visitors away. As a result, Jane read without reading and sewed without seeing and was generally absent. She was so busy wondering if perhaps Sarah had been mistaken that when there was a knock on the door, she turned, startled.
The door opened as Sarah moved to the side to reveal, “Lord Harrington, miss. Should I bring tea in?”
Jane nodded, her face white. Sarah kept the door open, curtsying as she left.
“Miss Shaw.” He bowed, and she nodded once more.
After a moment, her voice scratched out, “Won’t you take a seat?”
He handed his hat and coat to Sarah, who had returned with a full tea, and sat.
“Would you care for some tea?”
“I would, thank you.”
Her hands shook as they moved from memory, adding cream and one lump. “I trust you are well?” He took a sip as she prepared her own cup, setting it on her lap.
“Yes, I am very well. In fact...I am much better than I had expected to be.”
Her face rippled. “I’m not sure I understand, my lord.”
He hesitated as he said, “Did you receive my letter where I explained.... everything?”
“Yes...yes, I did.” Her voice broke, but she did not confess that the words were no longer legible and the paper was a mess of smudges; that she still kept it tied up with the others to reread when she couldn’t stop herself.
He sighed. “I apologize for Lord Petersham’s eagerness in sending you the letter. It was meant for delivery upon my death, but he was convinced you needed to know the truth immediately. I should have foreseen his impatience.”
She cleared her throat. “It is, at least, good to see you still with us, my lord.”
He eyed her dark grey wool dress and nodded. “The doctor that treated my illness this past summer was convinced the diagnosis was incorrect.” He waited but she said nothing. “He and Dr. Johnson reviewed my symptoms and were convinced it was merely a growth that once removed would be of no further harm to me.”
At this he saw her take a deeper breath, her eyes widening.
“Ah...I had the surgery in September. I healed well but for a rather nasty scar that George says is piratical, for all that no one can see it.” He cracked his first smile and a hint of one brushed across her face. “I am, according to them, cured. In fact, it appears I am in excellent health and shall live a long full life.” He waited, then added, “It was nothing short of a miracle.”
“That is...my lord, that is excellent. I am so pleased to hear it.” She looked sad though, a little lost.
“I could not come to see you sooner, for while I recovered well, it was slower than I’d have liked.” He sipped his tea then took a bite of his scone.
Jane sipped her own tea without tasting it. “Of course. It must have been very painful.”
“It was. However, Dr. Johnson applied ice to the area to help numb it, which reduced much of the sensation. The rest was relieved quite a bit by the application of some excellent malt scotch.”
Her smile brushed by once more. “Your family must be so relieved.”
“Yes, they were.”
They were silent as Sarah removed the tea and they took advantage of this convenience to not talk for some time. Finally, he spoke, this time with more hesitation. “I wonder if you receive any news of your acquaintances here?”
Her eyebrows knit at the question. “Not much, I confess. It seems Meg is a poor correspondent. I sometimes chance upon Lord Wentworth’s newspapers, though.”
“I see. So, you were not made aware of the engagement between Miss Pratt and Sir Reginald?”
Jane eye’s opened wide. “I was not. That is most surprising.”
“Is it? I had thought you aware of the attachment.” His gaze was searching.
“Oh, I had assumed he was attached to Miss Cynthia Pratt, excuse me, the Countess Harrington, and was unaware of....” Her face pink, she stopped.
“Jane...” He had stood up and came over to her, sitting in the chair opposite and grasping both her hands. Her face blushed profusely and she protested.
“No, my lord, you must not do this, it cannot come to anything good, and I know how you must feel, but it is for the best. I could not respect myself if...”
“Jane, I am not married.” He said this clearly and firmly, staring at her until she met his gaze.
“You are...not married?”
“No. Miss Cynthia Pratt is marrying Sir Reginald next week. I am free to renew my friendship with you, if you can forgive me.”
“Sir....Reginald?” Astonished, she looked at him again wondering if it could be true.
“Oh yes, my love. I sent them a chess set with a note advising Reggie to learn it quickly to his benefit.” This time Jane’s smile was full as she met his gaze.
Charles put his hand out and touched her cheek. “Marry me, Jane.”
Her smile grew until all she could do was nod. He grinned and reached forward to kiss her.
“Sampson.”
He stopped, his nose touching hers. “What?”
“I want to name the foal ‘Sampson’. His mane is ridiculously luxurious.”
“That is an excellent choice.” He paused to take a kiss. “Perhaps you could think your way to naming him ‘Queenie’ instead?”
Jane sat back a little. “No, Charles, that sweet little foal is not going to be a victim of your wagers.”
“Jane.” He leaned forward again. “I could get a special license, and –”
“Do not try to bribe me, Charles, for I’m fairly certain you already were planning on obtaining one. I will stand firm on this.”
He grinned as he kissed her, longer this time. “What about Bluebell?” He kissed her again. “Or Sweetfeet?”
She laughed. “Charles, I am serious.”
“As am I.” He kissed her yet again. “I’m pretty sure I can talk you round, Jane.”
She sighed. “Oh my love, you already have.”
***
MAY 2, 1814
Hotel Cairo, Egypt
Dear Lady Shaw,
It is with great pleasure that I write the last of my letters to you from our Grand Tour, as we have promised to be home for the wedding. Indeed, I am sure we will be home before you even read this. Lord Harrington insisted on adding Egypt to our itinerary and I have decided it surpasses even the wonders of Rome. The great pyramids were worth the excessive heat, and the Nile River was as exotic as one could imagine. I hope to visit you soon, for I have souvenirs for the twins, and sketches I made in an attempt to chronicle my time there.
The double wedding this summer will be the event of the season, I am told, so I hope you will be able to come. I have specifically set aside a suite in anticipation, and should you care to use the nursery, the twins are very welcome too, no matter what His Dear Mother may say.
Lastly, I have some happy news. I am increasing and hope to welcome a child in time for Christmas. I had hoped to benefit from both Lady Harrington and yourself when he comes, so please do come visit when you can.
Love,
Jane, Countess of Harrington
***