The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody by Isabella Hargreaves Page B

wasn’t looking surprised to see him, although she was dressed in unremitting black again. Today she was standing, facing the door with her hands clasped together in front of her waist. She greeted him gravely, as if about to give her condolences after a death in the family.
    He thought it did not bode well for his chances seeing her thus. However, he decided not to be faint-hearted but to proceed as he had planned. He bowed briefly to her and took her proffered hand. It was cool in his warm grip and he thought it trembled. So, she was not as calm about this meeting as her demeanour appeared.
    “Lord Dalton, thank you for agreeing to come back so soon.”
    “It is my pleasure, as always Miss Brody. Won’t you please call me Jonathan?”
    “Do you think we are at that level of familiarity, Lord Dalton?”
    “I certainly hope we shall be after this meeting, Miss Brody,” he responded with a half smile.
    “Perhaps.” Jane was non-committal in her answer even now.
    “Well, will you do me the honour of marrying me Miss Brody?”
    “Before I answer that question Lord Dalton, I have a few more of my own. Let us sit down first before we begin.”
    They sat on the same worn sofa. “I will gladly answer them Jane.”
    She ignored his use of her name and launched into her rehearsed speech. “Lord Dalton, I need to know that you will provide dowries for my sisters or settle money on them should they not marry. I am most concerned that they benefit from this marriage should it go ahead.”
    “Of course Jane. I have every intention of treating them as I do my own sister. They would have a dowry of five thousand pounds settled on them and if they don’t marry they will have this money provided to them at age thirty. I hope that is satisfactory.”
    “Yes, it certainly sounds fair to me. You will have this legally drawn up before our marriage?”
    “Yes, of course, at the same time as your own marriage portion is drawn up, before our nuptials.”
    “I also want to know that you will exert your influence to help my brothers gain suitable employment in their chosen careers. How can you help them?”
    “I assure you that I am most willing to assist your brothers. However, I would like to meet all of them before I begin so that I may personally know the men for whom I am providing a reference. That would be a matter of honour for me.”
    “You are most kind.” Jane responded.
    “What else can I tell you that will reassure you that I will look after your family and you as much as it is possible? Do you have any other questions for me Jane?”
    She hesitated. “This is a particularly delicate question to ask you Lord Dalton and I hope you won’t take offence…” Her gaze left his as her words petered out.
    “Go on Jane, you can ask me anything.” Jonathan prompted her gently.
    She fixed her gaze upon her hands, knotted in her lap. “I would like to know before we make any final decisions, whether you have a mistress, or children from previous liaisons.”
     
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    Jonathan felt taken aback to be asked but told himself that of course Jane would ask such a question. She was a female emancipist expecting to be treated as an equal. He silently resolved that he would try to treat her as she wished.
    “These aren’t the usual questions that a lady asks her suitor but I will answer them. The first question is easy. No, I have no mistress and have not had one for some time. With regard to your second question; I haven’t been a rake but neither have I been an angel. I am sure there are no consequences from my actions which have caused distress for the other party. That is, there are no by-blows. I hope that is a sufficient answer.”
    “Yes, thank you, it is.” Jane looked relieved.
    “Now Jane, tell me, have I answered all your questions to your satisfaction?”
    “Yes, you have.”
    “Well, it is my turn to ask some questions, if I may?”
    “Of course,” Jane answered.
    “Is there any reason that you