Joan Smith Read Free Page A

Manchester.
    When Miss Aurelia’s position in society had been established —a papa in brewing, but in such a large way that the aroma of hops was diluted by the sweeter scent of gold—the conversation turned to Nick’s doings.
    “Of course, Wellington urged me to join him in Paris,” he said, a little proudly. “I feel myself, and told Wellington, that I think the appointment a grave error on everyone’s part. The ministers fear his popularity, but they might have found something more suitable for him. To send the conqueror to France as ambassador must be a constant thorn in the side of the French. It would be as if Boney had won the war and come to England to rub salt in the wound. It would not surprise me much if Wellington is assassinated. Perhaps that is what they want.”
    “Oh really, Nick!” his aunt chided.
    Jane saw that his years in Spain had not brought as much discipline and wisdom as they ought. Such outspoken criticism as this might land him in the Tower.
    “I know what you are thinking,” he said to his aunt, “but as I have abandoned public life, I can say what I feel, and I feel the appointment was bad. Many agree with me, but they are too wise to say so.”
    “So you are coming home to stay,” Lizzie said, gratefully latching on to this safe topic. But the joy had gone out of the homecoming for her. She could not but think Jane must be suffering agonies, and it was half her own fault. She had given Jane the notion that Nick was coming home to marry her. Of course, Jane was concealing her grief admirably. She had great countenance. As Nick’s choice had been made, they must all just learn to love a brewer’s daughter. At least the girl was well behaved. Quite genteel, although she hadn’t much to say for herself. A pretty little thing; one could see why Nick had been bowled over by her.
    Jane was certainly disappointed, but she had never allowed her hopes to soar very high. She was relieved to see that Nick had found himself a pretty and nice girl, and that they would be residing at Clareview.
    Wine was served, and after some chat, Nick went abovestairs to visit his uncle. “I shall see what sort of mood he is in before taking you up, Aurelia,” he said to his fiancée. “He is old; his mind wanders.”
    “He has got worse,” Lizzie warned him. “He probably won’t recognize you. I shall speak to Pillar about supper while you are gone. Emily,” she said to Mrs. Lipton, “perhaps you would just take a look at the table for me. It will leave the girls a moment to become acquainted.”
    Jane welcomed the opportunity. Miss Aurelia had little to say in front of the group, but she felt that as Nick was marrying her, she must be something special. He had always demanded more than just a pretty face in his flirts, although a good face was certainly obligatory.
    “Do you live in London with your sister?” she asked, to get the talk started.
    “My home is in Manchester. Papa built a mansion there, but one cannot meet anyone interesting in Manchester.”
    Jane blinked to learn that such a large city should be totally devoid of any interesting people. “So you made your debut in London?”
    “Not formally,” Miss Aurelia replied, with just a trace of annoyance. “But Mr. Huddleston knows everyone. My sister entertains two or three nights a week. And when she does not entertain, we go out. Do you like London, Miss Ramsey?”
    “Oh, indeed, very much. I only visit, of course. I was not presented.”
    “I wondered that such an attractive lady had not found a husband. Are there no eligible partis hereabouts?”
    Now it was Jane who was uncomfortable. “Until recently, I was looking after my mama, who was ill. She died a year ago.”
    “I am sorry to hear it,” Miss Aurelia said dutifully. Then she smiled conspiratorially and said, “Don’t rush into anything. You still have a few good years in you. I mean to entertain a great deal after Nick and I are married. We will spend the Season