Page 23 of The Earl’s Second Chance

Jane’s eyes filled, though her voice remained steady. “I am being courted by Lord Hartley.”

Bingley went pale.

“I will not encourage you while another man addresses me honourably. Nor will I pretend that your absence did not alter my heart.”

He bowed his head. “Does he make you happy?”

“He asks what happiness means to me.”

Bingley closed his eyes for a moment. “Then he deserves an answer better than the one I gave you.”

He left with dignity, which made Jane’s tears fall after the door closed.

Elizabeth sat beside her.

“Have I been cruel?”

“No.”

“I did love him.”

“Yes.”

“And a small part of me always may.”

“A heart need not erase what it has felt in order to choose what it trusts.”

That afternoon Caroline came, armed with apologies and intimacy.

“Jane, dearest, Charles is heartbroken. Surely you cannot prefer Lord Hartley merely because he is a viscount.”

Jane regarded her calmly. “You preferred my company only after I became an earl’s daughter.”

“That is unjust.”

“You concealed my presence in London last year.”

Caroline’s colour changed.

“Charles told me. I forgive you because I do not wish to carry resentment. But I will not be your friend.”

“You would cast aside our intimacy?”

“There was no intimacy. There was access, while you found me useful.”

Caroline rose. “Society will think you ungrateful.”

Lady Herfershire entered in time to hear the words.

“Society,” she said, “is presently in my blue drawing room asking Lady Jane to attend six dinners. I believe it will recover.”

Caroline departed for the final time.

Fanny sat beside Jane and took her hand. “I once would have urged you toward Bingley because he had five thousand a year and liked your face.”

Jane smiled through tears. “You wanted me secure.”

“I did. But I did not ask whether he was strong enough to make you feel safe.”