Andrea Pickens - [Lessons in Love 01] Read Free Page B

pocket and always making his wife feel a bit out of sorts with you—a life I assure you would not suit!"
    "Those are not the only options. I shall have an independent income when I come of age, I could set up my own house with a woman companion—you, Nanna! We could have our own establishment and do as we please."
    Nanna shook her head. "Do you really think that would suit you either? No, you must marry. Certainly not the Duke of Branwell if you don't wish it. But perhaps there is another young lord with whom you feel some rapport. I'm sure your father would relent if you promised him you would settle down and apply yourself seriously to seeking a man you could be happy with."
    "So instead of having my father sell me off, you would have me sell myself?" interrupted Jane bitterly. She tried to picture a face among the scores of eligible men who had ever shown a spark of true humor or hint of understanding when she attempted a heartfelt opinion. A void expanded inside her. "If these are the rules of my class, I wish them to the Devil! I never wish to marry! Would that I could change places with Mary Langley. No one bothers to try to force a farmer's daughter to marry against her will."
    Nanna shook her head sadly. She loved Jane as a daughter and her heart went out to her in her misery. But she had seen this day coming for some time. With Jane's wealth and rank it had only been a matter of time before her independent streak of word and action would result in the reins being tightened. A part of her rebelled along with Jane at the injustice of it. Why, indeed, could a woman not be free to act as she chose? But she knew it was inevitable and it was better to help Jane realize and accept it.
    "Little one, you are no longer a child but an adult, and must grow up and accept the responsibility of your station. Your life has changed." She noted the stubborn tilt of Jane's jaw, a look so familiar that she nearly smiled in spite of herself.
    "But you always encouraged me to think that a woman had as keen a mind as a man," protested Jane. "Why should I submit myself to the... tyranny of marriage? You never did!"
    A cloud passed over Nanna's face. "That is true, my dear. But don't think I haven't missed things in life for it." She paused. "And don't think that your friend Mary has such a sweet life of it. Yes, she and Martin are in love and will be married. But until he found a position at Deerfield Manor, he had no prospects and she was forced to look for a position, which as you know I helped her find. A good one, too, for it was as a governess to one small boy, the ward of a marquess who lives out of the country. I had heard through my sister, whose dear friend—well, it doesn't signify. But mind you, she was going to work!"
    "And control her own destiny," interrupted Jane.
    "A fine destiny," said Nanna sternly. "In the employ of someone else. It's not such a fine life to work, my dear, though you shall never know it."
    "Better than being leg-shackled. At least can give an employer notice," retorted Jane.
    "In any case, it is of no consequence for Mary any longer," soothed Nanna. "Martin has just been promoted to upper footman at Lord Harbaugh's estate and so they will wed in three week's time. I'm sure she means to tell you herself tomorrow. She just stopped by here to give me the news and ask me to write her regrets that she is no longer able to take the position." Nanna motioned to an folded paper on her side table. "I have the letter right here. Would you be a dear and have your father frank it for me? I don't plan to walk into the village for another few days."
    Jane slipped the letter into the pocket of her riding habit. "Of course."
    Nanna gave her an affectionate hug. "Now, it's time for you to be off home or you'll be late for supper. Think about what I have said."
    * * *
    Jane spurred her horse into an easy canter. Her initial shock and despair had given way to an unyielding resolve. Just as everyone else was set on making