by Kate Moore
Of one thing Jane was sure. If her father wanted her to have the book, and if he had used his bankers rather than the Foreign Office to get the book into her hands, she needed to find its hidden meaning. Once her world stopped rocking unreasonably, she would study the cursed book again.
After a moment of silent contemplation, Lady Violet spoke. “Miss Fawkener, whatever you decide, your confidences are safe with me, but tell me, what are your immediate plans?”
“I’ve been advised to take rooms at Mivart’s Hotel.”
“You do not go to your family then?” Lady Violet did not conceal her surprise.
“None opened their doors.” It was one of the difficulties of Jane’s situation. She had no wasta as her neighbors in Halab would call it, no person in a position of influence to support her cause. The English consul in Halab had simply turned her over to the Foreign Office, and no one there wished to do a thing for her father.
Lady Violet made a sympathetic murmur. “Mivart’s costs can be quite steep. You’ll need additional funds. Have you any?”
“You think my two hundred pounds will not permit a hotel stay of any length?”
Violet looked grave for the first time in their conversation. “It might get you through months of frugal living in London, but it will last less than a fortnight at Mivart’s. The hotel will charge you for each bag a footman carries, the number of coals on your fire, and who knows what else.”
“I see.” Jane set down her tea. The hotel would consume the money she needed to launch the search for her father.
“Do not despair.” Violet reached out and gave Jane’s hand a squeeze. “As your bankers, we would be remiss if we did not help you reduce your expenses. You must have time in which to decide the future partner of your life. We also have the resources to…how shall I say it…investigate any gentleman not fully known to your family. Now, what may I do for you straightaway? I’m afraid you’ve been taken here and there, subjected to our government’s high-handedness, when what you most need is time to restore your powers.”
An aching lump rose in Jane’s throat at the unexpected kindness. “Thank you. I’d like to go to the hotel, if I may.”
“Of course.” Lady Violet stood. “You may wait to thank me, for I must warn you I can be of no very great help should you wish to pursue a match as The Husband Hunter’s Guide recommends. In the eyes of polite society, as a banker’s daughter, I’ve trespassed on exalted territory in marrying Lord Blackstone, a peer. I’ve only escaped total censure because Blackstone himself was considered too scandalous and too impoverished for a noble bride.”
Jane watched her companion. The lady’s eyes sparkled happily. “Of course, I suspect that sometimes, the least eligible gentlemen make the most remarkable husbands.”
About the Author
Kate Moore is a former English teacher and three-time RITA finalist, and Golden Heart and Book Buyers Best award winner. She writes Austen-inspired fiction set in nineteenth-century England or contemporary California. Her heroes are men of courage, competence, and unmistakable virility, with determination so strong it keeps their sensuality in check until they meet the right woman. Her heroines take on the world with practical good sense and kindness to bring those heroes into a circle of love and family. Sometimes there’s even a dog. Kate lives north of San Francisco with her surfer husband, their yellow Lab, a Pack ʼn Play for visiting grandbabies, and miles of crowded bookshelves. Kate’s family and friends offer endless support and humor. Her children are her best works, and her husband is her favorite hero. Visit Kate at Facebook.com/KateMooreAuthor or contact her at [email protected].