The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody by Isabella Hargreaves Page A

siblings. I promised our parents to do my very best for my brothers and sisters. I have done so until now and this is the one way I can continue to do so. Doors will open for my sisters so they may meet eligible men who won’t pass them by because they bring nothing but themselves to a marriage.”
    “It is a harsh world in which we live, for certain,” Mrs Courtice responded. “But is there no other way?”
    “I have thought and thought and tried all the means that I have but am unable to find another answer.”
    “But how did this proposal come about?”
    “Lady Elizabeth told her brother that we were having financial difficulties now that the school has closed and he came to make the offer this morning.”
    “But had you no inkling of his interest in you beforehand?”
    Jane flushed again. “Well, yes, two months ago or more he did lead me to believe that he was interested in me. He even proposed, but I refused him them and told him I would not see him again.”
    “But now you are to marry a man who you previously refused? Do you think that wise? If you did not love and respect him enough then, perhaps you never will? That is a very bad beginning to a marriage for life my dear.”
    “I see no other answer Mrs Courtice. Besides, I believe Lord Dalton is a good man. I am hopeful that I will learn to love him. He has promised that if either of us is unwilling to marry that he will pay me a sum of money that will be sufficient for a comfortable but not extravagant life. That seems very fair.”
    “Indeed, it is quite extraordinary,” Mrs Courtice agreed. “It would be difficult for you to take such money though, wouldn’t it Jane?”
    “Yes, it would. It would seem like charity but if I feel that I must - that I couldn’t live with him - then I shall.” Jane spoke firmly.
    “At least you know that you like his sister. It seems a small factor, but an important one, if you are to get on with his closest family.”
    Jane agreed. It was one more thing that supported her decision.
    “A pity his aunt, Lady Mulgrave, can be a martinet.”
    Jane chuckled. “Yes, she warned me off him, I believe, some time ago. She will not be pleased.”
    Mrs Courtice asked more questions which Jane answered as honestly as she could over the ensuing afternoon tea. The weather kept other visitors away and they were able to have a long uninterrupted conversation. By the time Mrs Courtice had called out her coach to take Jane home she looked rather more at peace with Jane’s decision but still contemplative. Jane had done the best she could to reassure Mrs Courtice and make her reasoning clear to her. There was nothing more to be said. Jane hugged the dear old lady again and left.
    Upon arriving home Jane went straight to the sitting room where the morning’s extraordinary happenings had taken place. She opened her writing case and penned a letter to Lord Dalton for Joe to deliver immediately.
     
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    Jonathan took the letter from the tray offered by his butler. He didn’t recognise the writing or the seal. He hoped it was from Jane. “The manservant is waiting for your answer, m’lord.”
    He read: Lord Dalton. I would be grateful if you would call upon me again tomorrow morning at the same time to discuss your proposal further. Jane Brody.
    Jonathan felt let down. “Hah. Well, she’s not giving anything away with that response.” He grimaced. He was going to have a restless night worrying about her decision. Aloud he said to the butler, “Tell the man that I would be honoured to call upon his mistress tomorrow at ten o’clock.”
     
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    Today he had dressed with special care. Jonathan wanted nothing, including his appearance, to deter Jane from agreeing to marry him. He hoped he would be making a formal proposal after she told him her decision.
    Once again Jonathan was shown into Jane’s sitting room with its pale blue walls and white ceiling. There the similarity ended, as this time Jane