Free The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody by Isabella Hargreaves Page A

shall do the same,” said Elizabeth. “I am looking forward to my first efforts at teaching.
    “Ought you to obtain your brother’s permission first?” asked Jane.
    Elizabeth paused. “I don’t see how he could have any objection.”
    Jane nodded in acceptance, although wondering if Lady Elizabeth was correct.
    By the time Jane and Anna left Mrs Courtice’s home, Jane felt more confident that their enterprise would succeed. Arm-in-arm the sisters walked to the home of the next person on their list. They made half a dozen calls, which gave them hope that their enterprise would succeed, arrivinghome at five o’clock.
    As she flopped onto her bed in relief, Jane thought again of Lady Elizabeth’s offer to assist. It had been a God-send. So many of the mothers had asked for instruction in fancy work. Jane was thankful she had been able to assure them that the lessons would be conducted by Lord Dalton’s sister, whose fine needlework was known by many of them. Her name certainly enhanced their establishment. It was impossible then not to think of Lady Elizabeth’s brother. Their brief and highly emotional encounter seemed a lifetime ago. Although she hadn’t seen him once to remind her, it had replayed in her mind throughout the exhausting nursing of her father. She thought of him frequently and longingly although she had known him such a short time.
    After a week of social calls and preparations, they were ready. The first day of the sisters’ new school began early, as Jane’s always did. Instead of writing pamphlets at dawn she organised plans for lessons. Anna was eager but nervous about teaching children other than her siblings, so Jane spent time over breakfast reassuring her that all would be well. “Besides, Lady Elizabeth will be here with us this afternoon for the sewing lesson. All the mothers want their daughters to have daily embroidery lessons, so Lady Elizabeth will be very busy.”
    As quickly as the first day began it was over. At three o’clock, when the last nursemaid led her charge away, Jane, Anna and Elizabeth collapsed on the worn sofa in the sitting room. “Anna, pull the bell for tea please,” Jane requested. “I don’t think I could get up again.”
    No sooner had they finished their tea and scones when their maid knocked on the door and announced Lord Dalton, who entered immediately.
    Surprised, Jane rose quickly to her feet, brushing her dress to dispel its creases. “Lord Dalton. We weren’t expecting you. But of course, we ought to, as of course, you might collect your sister. I just didn’t think.” Jane mentally groaned as she listened to herself blathering on.
    Luckily Anna saved her from her faux pas by calmly greeting Lord Dalton and offering him afternoon tea, which he accepted. Anna offered him a seat and rang the bell for more hot water.
    Lord Dalton’s face was unsmiling. He bowed stiffly. “Allow me to tell you both how deeply sorry I am about your father’s passing away. He will be very missed, not only by his family, but by his many friends, acquaintances and parishioners.”
    “Thank you Lord Dalton, you are very kind,” responded Jane formally.
    “Despite the circumstances I am glad to see that you are going forward boldly Miss Brody.”
    Again Jane was flustered, this time by his praise, and she hesitated before thanking him.
    “My sister informs me that you have commenced a school for young ladies. If I can be of any assistance to you, please let me know.”
    “We will.” Jane smiled her thanks. “Perhaps one way in which you could assist would be to help us in our quest for a midshipman’s position for our brother Christopher. He desires a naval career and now is the right time for him to start, he believes, and indeed he is the usual entry age.”
    “Certainly, I will do all that I can to assist through enquiry of my contacts in the Admiralty.”
    “Thank you, we would be so glad to see Christopher settled. I’m sure it can be no fun to be the