AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That is what Baldwin and Oliver are for,” Jane replied quickly. “They need heirs, not me.”
Harriet shifted her gaze. “What do you think about that, Madalene?”
Lowering her hand, Madalene replied, “I believe I shall join you by the fireplace and delight in Jane’s storytelling.”
“You both are terrible,” Harriet remarked, softening her words with a smile. “One day, you will both be married and have lots of children running around your estates.”
“I hope our estates are neighboring,” Jane mused. “Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
Before Madalene could respond, Graham stepped into the room and announced, “Lord Hawthorne would like a moment of your time, Miss.”
Jane eyed her curiously. “Why is my brother calling upon you?”
“Perhaps he has an update on Edith,” Madalene replied.
“Why would that be the case?”
Madalene glanced over at the door before saying, “He offered to look into her disappearance.”
“But my brother is a marquess,” Jane said. “What could he possibly do to help Edith?”
“I’m not entirely sure, but it seemed like a good idea at the time to accept his help.” Madalene turned her attention back towards Graham. “Will you send Lord Hawthorne in, please?”
“As you wish,” Graham replied as he departed from the room to do her bidding.
A moment later, Lord Hawthorne stepped into the room wearing a dark green jacket, an ivory waistcoat, and buff trousers. His eyes widened with surprise when he saw his mother and sister in the room.
“Mother,” he acknowledged. “Jane.”
Jane frowned. “May I ask why you are calling on my friend?” she asked. “You don’t intend to yell at her again, do you?”
“That is not my intention,” Lord Hawthorne replied.
“Then what is?” Jane pressed.
Lord Hawthorne ignored the question, instead turning his attention to Madalene. “May I have a moment of your time, Miss Dowding?” he asked. “I have something private I would like to discuss with you.”
Rising, Harriet announced cheerfully, “I believe this would be a good time for us to depart. Don’t you agree, Jane?”
“I suppose it is,” Jane replied reluctantly as she rose.
Harriet stepped over to Lord Hawthorne and kissed his cheek. “Will we see you for dinner tonight?”
“You will not,” Lord Hawthorne said. “I regret to inform you that Oliver and I have business that we need to attend to.”
“That is most unfortunate,” Harriet remarked as she attempted to hide her disappointment, “but we understand.”
“I don’t,” Jane muttered.
Lord Hawthorne glanced over at his sister and asked, “Would you care to go riding before breakfast tomorrow?”
“I’m afraid I am busy, but I thank you for the kind offer,” Jane remarked dryly.
Despite Lord Hawthorne’s face remaining expressionless, Madalene detected pain in his eyes at his sister’s rejection.
“Come along, Mother,” Jane said before she hurried out of the room.
Harriet watched Jane’s retreating figure before she gave her son an apologetic smile. “We will see you soon, won’t we?”
