This time, it was Father who spoke in his defense. “Our estate is quite profitable, and all of my children are provided for generously from that estate. Newton would have ample to live on without any profession, including the law. He could most certainly support himself while studying whatever he wished.”
Again, Jason dipped his head and maintained a neutral expression anyone truly acquainted with his family would be able to easily see through. “While I realize your family has a residence in Town, it has been judged best by a majority of those studying at the Inns of Court to reside in close proximity to their selected Inn. Many newly arrived gentlemen obtain lodging together, allowing for comradery between them and opportunities for discussing what they have learned and studied. For some, it is also a means of stretching their lean incomes. You will not need a vast deal of room, as you will not have time for entertaining callers. You will spend countless long nights reviewing topics you have learned about in lecture and whilst listening to discussions amongst the professionals at the Inn of Court.”
“I understand,” Newton said.
“And while the vast majority of those undertaking a legal education are single gentlemen in no hurry to find themselves attached or married, it does happen on occasion that a gentleman’s romantic pursuits overlap with his professional ones. That, I will warn you, would complicate things. You will not have a great deal of time, and any young lady you wish to court would likely feel neglected by that.”
Mother waved that off. “He does not have an understanding with anyone. He is quite unattached.”
Jason eyed Newton a little sidelong. He did not, however, say more on that matter. What had Charlie said to him? What did Charlie think he knew? Newton had only recently acknowledged to himself a preference for Ellie’s company. At the time Charlie left, Newton had not truly understood the depths of those feelings himself.
Newton thought it best to change the topic. “We mean to remain here in Bath another fortnight. If I hie myself directly to London afterward, would that timing allow me to begin my studies forthwith?”
Jason nodded. “Simply call on me at my office. I will see to it you can begin immediately.”
“I cannot thank you enough. This is something I’ve dreamed of but did not know how to make happen.”
Jason smiled, something Charlie insisted he didn’t use to do often. “I had help and encouragement when I began my pursuit. I’m happy to do the same for someone else.”
They all remained and chatted amicably for a little bit longer before Jason declared that he needed to be on his way, as he was expected back in London in a couple of days’ time. He had, then, made the trip from Town specifically for this discussion. He might just as easily have sent a letter. That, Newton had no doubt, was Charlie’s doing.
After their guest left, Mother and Father wasted no time speaking of the visit. They declared it remarkable that Jason had made the trip specifically for a visit to this house. They discussed in tones far more approving than they had before Newton’s wish to study the law. He did not doubt they were still not entirely enthusiastic about the idea of one of their children in a professional pursuit, but they had warmed to the idea enough that he could, with confidence in their support, pursue it.
He wished he could speak to them of his thoughts about Ellie, but he could not clear his thoughts of Jason’s words of warning.
He wanted to build a future with Ellie, but perhaps he’d best not do so until he could give her all of himself, not merely what he could manage outside of his studies. She deserved to be courted and loved, to have the full attention and time of the gentleman of her choosing. He would not be able to avoid a degree of neglect. He could not bear the thought of causing her pain by spending two or three years in such a state of distraction.
He knew the life he wanted. But he wasn’t entirely sure how to claim it.
Chapter Eighteen
Newton’s feet carried him tothe Lancasters’ house but not to call on any member of that family. He wanted to see Ellie. He needed to. She would be happy for the offer Jason Jonquil had made that morning, and she would understand how much it meant to him.
She was the first to arrive in the drawing room. The door was left open, but they still had a great deal of privacy. This was the time to speak of more personal things, before they had an audience.
“Charlie’s brother called on my parents and me,” he said without preamble.
“I didn’t realize he had a brother in Bath.”
Newton wasn’t being clear or eloquent. “Jason, the brother who called, wasn’t in Bath but in London. He is a barrister, and he and his family live in Town most of the year.”
“He traveled all the way from London?” Ellie looked appropriately impressed. She sat and motioned for him to do the same. “That is not a journey made in a single day.”
“I was as surprised as you are,” he said. “Charlie delivered to him a letter I wrote asking questions about his Inn of Court and the logistics of studying to be a barrister. I had hoped for a response of some kind. Imagine my surprise when that response proved to be his arrival here.”
“It seems Charlie is not the only Jonquil with a caring heart.”
Newton nodded. “They are good guns, every last one of them.”
“Was Mr. Jason Jonquil’s visit an encouraging one?”
The amazement he’d felt during that call swelled once more. “More than encouraging; it was nearly miraculous. He made an airtight case to my parents and has secured, if not their enthusiasm, at least their acceptance. He further offered to recommend me at Lincoln’s Inn.”
Though Ellie watched him with interest, her confusion was clear. Few understood how one’s education in the law was undertaken. He explained, at first intending to keep the details few, but her interest did not wane, neither did her eyes gloss over as so many did when topics uninteresting to them were introduced.
“Mr. Jonquil’s offer will save you time and difficulty,” Ellie said when he’d finished explaining.
“Quite a bit.”
