Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed Read Online Free PDF

schoolroom ban on the paper theoretically extended to herself. Though copies usually passed through the servants’ hall once the family had done with them, by the time she had leisure to skim one, it was tattered and often weeks behind the times. Now, she studied the Post intently, reading out pieces of interest, until Jane interrupted.
    “That is such dull stuff. I know none of the people. And Papa will doubtless instruct me as to the importance of the Prussian invasion of Dresden.”
    The Sandifords’ desire to protect their daughter from the newspapers did not mean they wished her to be ignorant. Each evening Jane received a tedious lecture from her father about the most important happenings.
    Mrs. Hawley sighed. Jane had been in a withdrawn mood ever since Lord Wraybourne’s visit and offer for her hand.
    “You will doubtless follow all the business of Society with great interest in a few months when you are married,” she said cheerfully.
    “Yes, of course,” responded Jane calmly, which dismayed Mrs. Hawley even more.
    For a little while she had thought that Jane was truly happy with the husband chosen for her, and yet that seemed not to be the case. She had expected Jane to want to discuss her future husband, make plans, weave dreams; but, having accepted the ring upon her finger, the girl seemed to have put the whole matter out of her head. And yet, there was something . . . Mrs. Hawley wished she knew what was going on beneath her charge’s calm demeanor.
    “Lord Wraybourne moves in the highest levels of Society,” she said, trying again. “The house parties at Stenby are famous. You will like to be hostess there.”
    “Will I?” Jane’s mouth curved in a smile that did not reach her eyes. “You must know, Beth, that I am quite unprepared for that kind of life.”
    Mrs. Hawley saw a glimmer of trepidation in Jane’s eyes and thought, with relief, that she understood her friend’s problem at last. Jane knew little of the ways of Lord Wraybourne’s set and was equally aware of the limitations of her upbringing. Luckily, with Beth to assist her, that was a matter which would be easily corrected.
    “You will learn, my dear. And Lord Wraybourne will not expect you to manage your household immediately.”
    “Oh, that doesn’t bother me,” Jane said. “After all, I have been taught household management. Though I’m sure there will be many differences. I hope so at least. It would be pleasant to have a good fire on a cold day. I am confident of my abilities in that direction. Still, I don’t know anybody in Society. I don’t know anybody anywhere. Lord Wraybourne will not want me hanging upon his sleeve,” she said firmly. “He will expect me to live my own life, I am sure, but how I am to do so I have no idea.”
    With this admission of fear, about which she seemed to be very much ashamed, Jane left immediately to prepare for the meal which she always ate with her parents. Mrs. Hawley gathered her warm shawl around herself and settled close to the small fire to read the Post but could not concentrate. Instead, she considered Jane’s problem.
    She had worried that the girl had taken a dislike to the earl but felt pressured into accepting his offer. It was difficult to imagine what fault Jane could find in Lord Wraybourne, though tastes varied, it was true. If the girl was nervous because of her ignorance of Society, however, that was a relatively simple problem to solve, or would be if Lady Sandiford did not have such antipathy towards any purely social occasion.
    Jane really should have had a Season. With her marriage fixed only months away it was too late for that. . . . Or was it? Lady Sandiford detested the Season. She called it a circus for those of low class or low morals. The only part of it she acknowledged was the presentation at court, and she intended that Jane attend a Drawing Room after her marriage. Mrs. Hawley had been surprised by the Sandifords’ choice of husband for Jane and