Plain Jane

by Beaton, M. C.

  ‘She will forgive us . . . unfortunately. At this moment, I confess I find that the idea of never having to see your mama again would please me very much.’

  ‘I would like to see papa,’ said Jane. ‘I know he will be happy for me.’

  ‘As soon as we hear of his return, we will travel to meet his ship. In the meantime, we have all the time in the world to ourselves.’

  ‘I feel so safe,’ yawned Jane. ‘I must have been mad to try to catch Mr Gillespie by myself. I . . . I thought you would be so proud of me, but you have never stopped complaining about it.’

  ‘And never shall,’ he said lazily. ‘When I think of the peril you were in with only those odd servants to help you.’

  ‘They are most unusual,’ said Jane. ‘And so very brave and loyal. When I first met them, I thought they must be related in some way. Rainbird, the butler, asked me to give the staff references should I ever find myself a lady of consequence.’

  ‘And so you are, and so you shall. But you will never need to ask them for help again. I shall make very sure if anyone dies a mysterious death that you are not allowed to become curious.

  ‘So forget the horrors of poor Clara’s death, and kiss me again . . . beautiful Jane.’