Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 76921 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 385(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76921 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 385(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Well, she supposed most men looked on marriage as a loss of freedom, though she believed they’d have a marvelous union once they came to know one another. She’d do everything in her power to make him a happy husband because she admired him so. Every time their eyes met across her parents’ ballroom, she felt a shiver of amazement. I’m his wife now. He’s my husband.
It wasn’t that she didn’t feel deserving of marrying such a fine, handsome lord. She’d just never imagined it would happen after the heartbreak of the previous year. How quickly one’s circumstances could change.
“Jane, dear, come sit with us.”
Her sister beckoned her over to a table decorated with winter greenery, and Lord Braxton jumped up to seat her. Speaking of changed circumstances, how lucky her sister had been to find such a doting husband after Lord Wescott left her in the lurch. Lord Townsend’s sister Rosalind sat at the table too, along with her friends Hazel and Elizabeth. They were Wescott’s younger sisters, and Jane was pleased they’d come to wish her well, though Wescott himself had wisely decided not to attend. “Braxie,” as June called her husband, probably would have flattened the man.
And of course, Wescott was no longer Lord Townsend’s friend.
“My dear, how radiant you look.” June took her hand with sisterly affection. “And now you are a married lady, like me. It’s wonderful growing close to your husband and setting up your own household.” She smiled at Lord Braxton, the picture of newlywed bliss. “I cannot express how comfortable it is to be at home with someone you adore.”
“You flatter me, darling,” said Braxton. “And I adore you, too.”
Jane envied their easy camaraderie. How long would it take to feel comfortable with Lord Townsend? “I’m glad to be married, especially to such a distinctive gentleman. I very much admire your brother,” she said to Rosalind.
The sable-haired beauty took her hand and squeezed it. “Townsend is happy you accepted his suit. Honestly, I think marriage is just what he needs, and I’m glad we are to be sisters now. We’ll have to visit as soon as you and my brother are settled.”
Jane felt grateful for the warmth in Rosalind’s eyes, but a little deflated about the idea they would need to “settle.” There was so much weight within the word, so much expectation. They would need to get to know one another better if they had any hope of matching June’s happiness. They’d need to talk, and touch. Kiss perhaps. Do other things, which Jane vaguely knew about.
“Hazel is to be married soon,” said Elizabeth, her polite voice breaking into Jane’s thoughts. “She’s ever so in love.”
“Mama and Papa told you not to say anything about it yet,” scolded Hazel in a hushed tone. “Not today. This is Jane’s special day.”
“It’s all right,” said Jane. “It’s hard to keep such news a secret. Has someone asked for your hand?”
“Yes,” said Hazel, blushing pink. “It’s not to be announced until the spring, but the Marquess of Fremont came to visit my father. We met at a ball last season and instantly knew we were meant to be together.”
“How wonderful for you, to be able to marry someone so dear to your heart.”
As soon as she said the words, she regretted them. Rosalind would think Jane was disappointed in her brother, and June…well, she had wanted to marry Lord Wescott for the longest time.
“It is wonderful,” said Lord Braxton gallantly, to cover Jane’s gaffe. “There is a precious value in sharing your life with another person, a value in knowing they will be there for you. Marriage isn’t always easy, but it’s always worthwhile, wouldn’t you say so, my love?”
June met her husband’s gaze with a giddy smile. “Absolutely. You’ve a way of expressing just how I feel. Oh, I’m so happy for you, Jane. You have so much to look forward to as a new bride.”
She tried to return her sister’s smile, but hers had a bit of a wobble. “I’m excited, but nervous as well.”
“Nervous? Whatever for? Your Lord Townsend is the top of the heap as far as marriage prospects. Not to talk about your brother as a mere prospect,” she said to Rosalind in apology, “but you must admit he’s been pursued by dozens of ladies over the years.”
Rosalind nodded. “Too many ladies. Lord Townsend this, Lord Townsend that. To me, he’ll always be Edward, my bossy older brother. I hope he’s not too bossy with you, Lady Jane. Er, I mean, Lady Townsend.”
“He’ll be bossy sometimes,” said June, with a teasing glance at her husband. “Men make a habit of it. But I’m sure he’ll also be sweet.”
“Townsend is more bossy than sweet, in my opinion.” Elizabeth gave Jane a sympathetic look. “But I’m sure it’s as Rosalind says, that he only needs a bit of marriage to round out his edges.”