The Last Duchess (The Lennox Series)(35)
“Perhaps you will feel comfortable to address me by my Christian name of Lucy? I’d like that very much.”
“Yes, of course. As you must call me Jane.”
“Thank you, Jane. Now, as to making it up to Blix, I would offer a bit of sisterly advice to you, if I may speak plainly?”
Her boots firmly upon her feet, nothing left to do but gather her reticule, Jane sat up on her dressing bench and faced Lucy squarely. “I’m a great advocate of plain speaking. Do tell.”
Lucy removed her feet from the stool and moved to perch at the edge of the chair, her expression earnest. “You’ve married a complicated man, Jane. As time passes, I’m certain you’ll discover why, but until you have a complete understanding, I counsel you to stay the course. He can be very cold, as you’ve witnessed, but it’s only his manner of avoiding things which cause him discomfort. Do you understand what I am saying?”
“I believe I do.”
Her new sister-in-law looked conflicted. “I beg you not to lose heart, or back down. He’s determined to feel nothing for you but friendship, and it simply won’t do, Jane. I love him very much. He’s my brother, but he’s also the only parent I’ve ever known. My father was never the same after my mother’s death, when I was but four and Michael eight. We were sent to live with his sister, a hard, bitter woman who forever resented us in her home. Blix never forgave our father for farming us out like that, and I believe his bitterness has hardened him, made him determined not to extend affection to anyone, lest he be hurt.”
Jane got to her feet and paced along the edge of her bed. Julian had failed to mention that Blixford and his sister were sent away after their mother’s death. Was it any wonder he was so distant from society, that he avoided social engagements and went about his business in all but total solitude? It broke her heart to think of him and Lucy, at the mercy of an ill-willed aunt. She’d met Lady Reid several times, and couldn’t think of a colder, more arrogant woman. The Marchioness of Bloomsbury was a jolly warm soul in comparison. She slowed and looked at his sister. “You don’t appear to have followed the same course, Lucy. I’ve long admired your grace and kindness, and while you do seem a bit reclusive at Margrave Park, it’s understandable, having lost your husband whom you loved so much.”
Lucy smiled sadly. “Who can say why we are different, Jane? Perhaps each of us is born predisposed to go through life in some manner, and circumstance tends to exacerbate the disposition. I left it behind and retain an optimistic outlook. Blix did not. Maybe because he’s male, or because he’s older and better understood what was taken from us.”
Jane resumed pacing. “I’ve no idea how to go on. I cannot demand he tender an affection for me, and if he’s determined to keep me at arm’s length, I don’t see a way around it. I did insist, before I agreed to marry him, that he not leave me rusticating at Eastchase Hall, that I expect to be with him, as a wife should be.”
“Did he agree?”
“Yes, but it was clear he didn’t like the notion. I thought it was because he thinks me mannish, even unlikable. I see now, he didn’t lie when he assured me he doesn’t dislike me, or find my pastimes repugnant. It’s perhaps because he fears he may like me too much. What a coil! And how unexpected. I suppose I must retain my distance, else I’ll put him off all together.”
“Ah, this is my point, Jane. That is exactly what you must not do. The key to Blix is the element of surprise, to keep him on his toes and never let him become complacent. You should go about your life as you would if he were not hindered by his fear of rejection. I don’t imagine you love him, but it’s obvious you hold him in high regard. You must be your normal, vivacious self, act as though you are wildly in love with him and proceed accordingly. If he exhibits the slightest tendency to shut you out, you should remember his reasons and defeat his efforts. I’ve said all of this only so you will stay the course and help him realize his full potential. He’s truly a kind soul, with a great capacity to love. I sometimes believe he’s like two persons –the man he shows the world, and the one deep within, wishing to get out. I also believe you are the one to set him free, but you’ll have to be quite cagey about it.”
Jane stopped pacing and looked carefully at her sister-in-law. She was a woman of quiet, dignified beauty, with the dark hair and eyes of the Devereauxs, a model of propriety. Just now, however, she was uncharacteristically animated. “Lucy, your eyes are positively sparkling. You’ve a devious mind.”