Chapter 13

"Oh, how I've missed your face!"

The moment her sister stepped out of the carriage, Jane's exclamation rang through the air, setting the tone for a reunion filled with warmth and familial affection.

Sarah, enveloping her in a tight hug, replied with a laugh, "It is good to see you as well, dear sister."

Meanwhile, their father, a stoic figure in the backdrop, had his eyes fixed on the vastness of the estate as he climbed out, his appearance causing instantaneous tension to the gathering.

With a slight nod towards Jane, he greeted Jane with formality, "Good day, Your Grace."

His gaze swept the surroundings once more, then he nodded again as he commented, "You've done well."

Both sisters exchanged surprised looks at this unexpected remark. Sarah's eyes twinkled with amused delight as she grinned broadly.

Dramatically curtsying, she playfully declared, "Yes indeed, what a fine day it is, dear duchess."

The air filled with the sound of their shared laughter as the sisters, caught in the whimsy of the moment, exchanged knowing glances before hurrying inside.

In the serene ambiance of the drawing room, the trio got settled after indulging in light tea. At last, with a touch of pride in his voice, Henry remarked.

"The Montford Estate is truly grand, indeed. Quite bigger than the expected dukedom estate."

Jane frowned internally at her father's materialism. After weeks of not seeing each other, what he chose to pay attention to was the wealth that surrounded her and not her well-being instead.

However, she managed to respond with a gentle nod, her eyes reflecting a myriad of emotions. "Indeed. I can only be happy for it."

The sunlight danced around the room, casting a warm glow on the intricate decor as their short exchange lingered in the air. With a tone laced with superiority, Henry cleared his throat and turned sharply to Sarah.

"I doubt the Marquess' place would match the grandeur of ours. Still, you must endeavor to be content, dear. You are receiving more than most ladies could dream of," He stated firmly, his gaze unwavering.

Sarah's expression faltered briefly, a flicker of disappointment almost unnoticed crossing her features, but she quickly composed herself.

With a forced smile, she nodded and replied, her voice tinged with resignation, "Yes, Father."

Jane's mind began swirling in confusion. She raised a brow as she cautiously questioned, "I apologize. Can we… Did I hear correctly, Father?"

Henry, a flicker of question in his eyes, regarded her intently before inquiring, "What troubles you now?"

She pressed on, her voice tinged with curiosity, "What connection does Sarah have with the Marquess? What… is she to be content for?"

Henry's expression shifted. He hesitated in contemplation. Then at last, realization washed over his features. He eyed the frown on her face before speaking, "Ah, you are unaware. That is true."

He cleared his throat and gestured nonchalantly in Sarah's direction. "Your sister here is now in courtship with Graham. You should congratulate her, she very quickly found herself a respectable suitor."

The room fell silent while his revelation hung in the air, shattering Jane's mind with horror with every further passing second. She desperately hoped it was a cruel jest played by her own ears.

"What?" Her voice trembled with disbelief, her heart racing as she struggled to comprehend the news.

Stammering, she fired off questions, "When did this occur? How could this come to be? Why… Why is this allowed?" Her emotions settled on rage as she glared brazenly at her father in question. "Why did you allow this to happen?"

"Who are you to question my choices as head of my household?" His gaze turned steely with annoyance, his tone firm as he countered immediately. "Why should it not happen? You are married now, and such affairs do not concern you."

Jane's frustration bubbled to the surface, her anger spiking as she challenged him, "Is it not evident the Marquess is guided by ill intentions, moving from one sister to the next?"

She let out a heavy groan and her eyes turned pleading as they tried to locate his reasoning, "Consider it, Father. What sort of a man does that? Don't you find this strange?"

Yet in a swift rebuttal, he dismissed her claims. "Nonsense, child." He shook his head at her. "Men are determined creatures. It is but a good thing to find one who possesses a one-track mind as well."

He clicked his tongue as he went on. "If you can't get what you want, you opt for the closest option. It is only business."

"Business, you say?" Jane could barely believe her ears. She laughed incredulously, shaking her head at the wonder of his mindset. "And is that what you believe your first daughter is, Father? Business? Is she a second option item or a person?"

"You will not speak to me that way, child. Hold your tongue." Henry's eyes blazed with a composed anger.

Jane's worry for her sister gripped her heart, the memory of her own experience with Graham haunting her thoughts. The image of sweet Sarah entwined with such a self-serving man sent shivers down her spine, igniting a sense of urgency within her.

As she glared at her father, ready to unleash her depth of her anger, Sarah's voice cut through the tension, halting her in her tracks.

"You must understand that everything is fine, dear sister." Attempting to reassure Jane, her soft words floated in the air, "As a matter of fact, I am quite content with the situation."

Yet, Jane's eyes, filled with skepticism, bore into her until she added, "In truth, I might harbor an interest in the Marquess as well."

Jane's astonishment was clear as day as her eyes nearly appeared to be falling out their sockets. She froze for a moment. Finally, her voice was filled with shock as she questioned, "Truly? Do you speak the truth, sister?"

Sarah's nod confirmed her words, leaving her momentarily speechless again.

A profound silence enveloped the room as she grappled with this unexpected revelation. Despite her intense disbelief, the realization that her sister might find happiness in this arrangement softened her resolve.

After all, all that mattered was that sweet Sarah was happy. Just because the Marquess was a wrong match for her did not necessarily mean it'd be the same in Sarah's case.

With a reluctant nod of acceptance, she murmured, "If you find peace with this, then I can only hope for the best, Sarah."

Sarah's grateful smile in response caused Jane to smile as well. The two nodded, a silent sign of exchange of sisterly support.

"Enough of all that. What is your allowance from the Duke? I need details, if you can provide."

Their father's interruption cut through the moment; his inquiry delivered with unwavering directness. He was clearly fishing for information about the Duke's finances.

Despite knowing him to be a blunt man, both sisters couldn't help but raise a brow at this. Sarah's widened eyes portrayed her surprise, but Jane masked her amazement better.

Irritated and annoyed, she decided that the best option would be to ignore the abrupt shift in conversation. She delicately lifted her tea cup to her lips, as though she never heard a word.

"Duchess! Duchess, where are you?"

"Your Grace!"

Right as Henry opened his mouth to speak again, a delightful interruption emerged, embodied by the lively entrance of Louisa and Margaret.

They called out in unison, their voices filled with excitement and urgency, eyes scanning the room eagerly for a glimpse of their new beloved.

Their joyous expressions transformed into pure elation upon finally spotting her, their faces lighting up with delight. However, their jubilant dash towards her came to an abrupt halt right as it started as they realized they were not alone in her company.

Margaret, displaying a maturity beyond her years, gently nudged her younger sister, prompting them to swiftly regain their composure. With practiced grace, they executed a perfect curtsy, along with an apology for their exuberance.

Jane's laughter filled the room as she reassured them, "It's quite all right, my dears. You are most welcome to join us. I want to introduce you to my family."

The tension of the moment dissipated as the two, now composed and demure, approached the table.

Yet, Henry's expression twisted in shock at the girls' previous behavior. Jane, with a defiant grace, chose to overlook his disapproval.

"Come here, my darlings," She beckoned, guiding the duo to face her, shielding them from his disapproving gaze. With a wide smile, she introduced them to Sarah, then her father.

Sarah, in a gentle and welcoming tone, responded to their greetings with a soft coo, "Oh, aren't you both so lively and adorable?"

Louisa's gaze lingered on Sarah, a mix of shyness and curiosity dancing in her eyes. In contrast, however, Margaret's stare held contemplation, a gleam of mischief sparking in her eyes.

Without delay, she leaned in, whispering something in Louisa's ear. In an instant, their expressions transformed, fixating on Sarah with an intensity that Jane had come to know well.

Sensing the shift, she arched an eyebrow, hoping her sister could see the scheming on ground. However, Sarah remained oblivious, cooing at the girls in repetition.

"I want to see the rest of the manor. I am intrigued."

Before Jane could intervene, their father's commanding voice cut through the room. His authoritative tone left no room for negotiation as he rose to his feet.

With a furrow forming on her brow, Jane rose from her seat as well. There was no reason to refuse.

"Shall we venture outside then?" She declared. Sarah, ever the agreeable soul, nodded in acquiescence and stood up gracefully, ready to follow.

"Can we come outside with you, Duchess?" Margaret's plea was accompanied by earnest eyes. With a light laugh, Jane graciously consented, nodding in agreement.

"Of course, as long as you behave."

"Surely, thank you," The young girl expressed her gratitude with a wide grin. Louisa, following suit, added her own thanks, a smile playing on her lips as well.

In a fleeting moment, Jane caught a glimpse of another quick scheming look passing between the sisters, and she wondered what they were up to.

Suddenly, Margaret reached out and clasped Sarah's hand, surprising her momentarily. Recovering quickly, Sarah chuckled and leaned down towards her. "What can I help you with, darling?"

Her question was met with an over-the-top pleading performance. Margaret batted her lashes as she expressed her wish to walk alongside her.

Louisa, not to be left out, seized Sarah's other hand, joining in the request, her gaze pleading as well. "I wish to accompany you as well, Lady Sarah. Please?"

"Very well, let us walk out together," Sarah's laughter bubbled joyfully as she blindly agreed to the girls' request.

Succumbing to their infectious enthusiasm, she allowed herself to be led outside ahead of Jane and their father, the trio's laughter intertwining harmoniously.

Upon stepping into the fresh air, Margaret turned and gave her a wide smile. Her tone was polished and polite as she requested again, "Would you please, oh please join us to play?"

"Oh…" Sarah was initially hesitant, but as she caught sight of Louisa's imploring expression, her words trailed off.

Her laughter, tinged with a hint of uncertainty, filled the air as she nodded, yielding to the girls' plea once more.

"All right, I shall partake in your play," She conceded, her tone a blend of amusement and acquiescence.

The morning sun cast a golden hue over the estate, illuminating the delicate flowers in the garden as the game began.

To everyone's surprise, Margaret's eyes sparkled mischievously as she retrieved a gnarly worm from the flower bed, a sly grin playing on her lips.

"Lady Sarah, run!" She exclaimed, holding the squirming creature aloft.

Sarah's shocked gasp filled the air as she instinctively began to step back, her eyes wide with horror.

Undeterred by her reaction, Margaret advanced, the worm a peculiar offering in her outstretched hand. Louisa's laughter bubbled forth, a symphony of devious amusement that echoed through the morning air.

"Girls…"

Jane called out in this moment of stress, raising a quizzical brow at the unfolding scene, sensing the dynamics shift in this new relationship.

From that pivotal moment, a playful teasing dynamic had emerged. Margaret and Louisa, emboldened by Sarah's expected and welcomed reactions would clearly only find delight in teasing her further.

"Oh Lady Sarah, what a fright you are!" Margaret cackled and teased as she chased.

"Girls, stop that now! You two-"

Jane tried to come to her sister's aid, but was cut short by her father's sharp demand.

"While your sister has the children occupied, come walk with me. There are matters we must discuss," Henry's tone brooked no argument, his eyes fixed on her with a stern gaze.

After one last look in Sarah's direction, reluctantly, she acquiesced, her expression a mix of resignation and apprehension as she fell into step beside him.

They walked in silence, the distance between them and the rest of the family providing a semblance of privacy for their impending conversation. Henry, a man of few words, wasted no time in getting to the heart of the matter.

"We must discuss the matter of you providing an heir to the duke," His words were direct, leaving no room for evasion or delay.

Jane's heart raced at the weight and suddenness of his words, the gravity of the situation settling heavily upon her shoulders. She coughed then steeled herself, meeting his gaze with nonchalance.

"Is that what we're out here to discuss?" Despite her heart thumping loudly in her chest, she rolled her eyes in frustration. "I don't want to speak on it, Father," She stated firmly, shaking her head. "Such a matter is between me and the duke, not for you to meddle in."

Her father fell silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a tone that brooked no argument, he continued, "Every man desires an heir, Jane. It is essential that you focus on providing His Grace with one. This is of utmost importance."

His words hung heavily between them, laden with expectation and duty. At last, he sighed and his tone shifted slightly, "I only say this out of concern for you. You have been thriving."

He paused and stared at her matter-of-factly. "It would be a shame to lose all of this because you couldn't focus on your duty."

Jane's frown deepened as she lapsed into a contemplative silence, her thoughts swirling with questions and uncertainties as his words echoed in her head. To her dismay, she could not find a counter.

As they walked on in quiet companionship, the weight of his words danced around in the air, casting a shadow over the morning stroll.

Jane couldn't shake the nagging curiosity that tugged at her mind. It was not the first time she had contemplated this matter. Did Colin truly desire an heir, and if so, why had he not taken steps to secure one?

She had no desire to pressure him. However, the unanswered questions danced in her thoughts, wishing they could be provided a response immediately.