He put the paper down, and he saw the worried look in his mother’s eyes. “What did the doctor say?”
He knew the doctor had come earlier that day, but he’d not had the stomach to hear the news. It only ever seemed to be bad or simply no improvement.
“He said that perhaps a move to the countryside will be the best choice for him.”
Nathaniel blinked. “But what of the Season? What of Emily?”
“It will only be father, and our country estate is not far. We will be able to visit. Your father will rest better in the countryside, I think, too. It will keep him away from the busyness of the Season.”
“Yes, I suppose so.” He rubbed a hand over his face, tired, his enjoyment of Jane as well as his guilt mixing inside of him. “I’m sorry, Mother,” he said, reaching out for her hand.
She let him take it, giving him a grateful smile. “I know you are. As we all are. But once your father realizes all you are doing and doing for us, he will be so proud of you, Nathaniel. You are doing everything possible to make your family happy and to keep them safe.”
He could see the look in her eye. It was too early to propose marriage, at least without not looking suspicious, but it would have to be soon. Their bills were waiting, and even if his father was the highest peer in the realm, the debts were extreme. There was no telling how long it would take for things to come out into the public.
“And Emily’s birthday party is coming soon. We will invite Jane’s family, of course. I thought perhaps it could coincide with your father’s move to the country. We could have it at the estate, and it would not be a long journey for people. Some could stay at the house or others at the inns nearby if they did not wish to return to London the same night.”
“Yes. That is a good plan.” He nodded slowly, turning his gaze to his sister and Thomas.
“I have already sent out the invitations,” she told him, sounding a little nervous. “It will be in a few days.”
“Ah,” he replied, distracted by the sight of sister and his best friend interacting.
Emily was beaming, and Thomas was talking eagerly to her from the side of the easel as he painted. Nathaniel’s heart warmed. At least some people were happy and without guilt during this time. He knew it was too early to speak to his sister about what wasgoing on there, but he knew that he would make sure that at least Emily was happy when all of this was over.
What of Jane? What about her happiness?
His conscience pricked at him. Whenever they were together, she did seem happy, and that gave him some comfort.
That is because she thinks you are not there to take her money as soon as you are wed.
He wished that he could wave away the frustrating thoughts that made him feel even worse, but instead, he quieted them with conversation, and he turned to his mother to ask her about the preparations for Emily’s birthday.
***
The next day, he arrived at Jane’s home, standing outside the door again. He had courted Delilah before, but he didn’t remember coming to see her practically every day. He hoped that he did not begin to annoy Jane with his eagerness or again not show any suspicious signs.
When Mr. Minton let him in, he took Nathaniel’s gloves and hat, and Nathaniel tried his best to think how he could phrase his invitation to Kew Gardens that afternoon. But then, there was another knock at the door, and when Mr. Minton opened it,Nathaniel’s stomach sank when he saw it was Lord Claridge at the door yet again.
Is the man a spy? Does he have eyes on me somewhere, following me about as he does?
He was irritated greatly, but Nathaniel tried his best not to let it show on his face. He did not want to give Lord Claridge the satisfaction of having annoyed him.
“It seems we are forever running into one another, Lord Claridge,” Nathaniel said as the man handed off his things to the young footman beside the butler.
“Yes, it does, although this time I have come to see Lord Barnet.” He paused, narrowing his eyes at Nathaniel ever so slightly. “And we seem to have similar interests, too. I found the speaker quite interesting yesterday. I wonder if you did too. But perhaps you did not hear it, for you missed a great portion of it. I couldn't find you for a little while, nor Jane.”
Lord Claridge stepped closer, and Nathaniel tensed. The man before him had a very expressive face. One moment he was charming, the other moment cold, and Nathaniel wasn't entirely sure of his intentions with Jane. Was he truly only desperate for family? Or was there more to it?
“I wonder, Lord Balwood,” Lord Claridge said, stopping in front of him and staring him down as best as he could, even though Nathaniel was a little taller.
“You have much experience in the world and society while Lady Jane, my dear cousin, is on her first season. She has lost her parents, and in many ways, she is alone. I would not wish anyone to take advantage of her. What are your intentions for her? I am her family, and so I am bold enough to try to ask.”
Nathaniel lifted an imperious brow at him. It was true that he was her cousin, and yet Nathaniel couldn't help but think about why Lord Claridge suddenly cared so desperately about Jane's future. From what Nathaniel knew, they did not correspond or even know one another before his recent return to London.
“Well, since you are so very interested, Lord Claridge, I will tell you the truth. I am very interested in courting Lady Jane for all the proper and right reasons. So, you do not need to concern yourself whatsoever. Although I'm sure she does appreciate that someone is making sure all is well. If you'll excuse me.”
He could see the fury in the man's face, but he turned away from it and headed towards the sitting room where the footman waited to announce him. He didn't look back as he entered the room.
