The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody

by Hargreaves, Isabella

  “How should I go about that Lady Elizabeth? He seemed quite adamant that he was against women’s rights when I spoke with him a little while ago.”

  “Don’t let one failed attempt put you off! Come to see me tomorrow morning. He is always in his study working with his man of business before luncheon. I will ensure that you get the opportunity to talk with him there.”

  Jane wondered why she felt as though she would be bearding the lion in his den when she visited the handsome, yet reactionary, Lord Dalton to convert him to their cause.

  Two

  Dawn was flashing golden lights across the sky as Jonathan urged his favourite hack into a canter across the dew-bright, green grass of Hyde Park. Only a few hardy souls were riding in the park so early in the morning. The exercise was an exhilarating start to his day which he tried never to miss. An hour later Jonathan turned his horse’s head for home in Grosvenor Square and breakfast. The rest of his morning would be spent with his secretary going over reports from his properties and answering correspondence.

  His estates were scattered over a number of counties. He had visited them all during the past year and reports were sent to him regularly, updating him on harvest figures and progress on his modernisation plans. He had never thought himself a farmer before coming into the title and its properties. He had considered himself more a Corinthian – engaged in manly pursuits of boxing, fencing, driving and riding. However, that would not describe him fully. He was equally at home reading in Greek and Latin and was proud of his Oxford degree, earned while his compatriots were happy to enjoy university life and dabble in their studies, filling in time until they were permitted to go up to London.

  Jonathan was still a young man, he thought, at twenty-nine; but since his father’s death some months ago his large dependent family, especially his Aunt Lucinda, was relentless in its insistence that he marry soon. They were all reliant upon him and his succession and insisted that he should do his duty to marry and produce an heir. The only problem was that he was yet to find a single woman in the whole of England who kept his attention for more than fifteen minutes.

  The only one who had ever caused him to respond to their conversation in any way except to yawn was, he realised, Miss Jane Brody. A woman so utterly unsuitable for the role of his wife that he laughed out loud at the thought of presenting her to his aunt as his intended! Why then, did his recall of their meeting yesterday leave him intrigued by the anomaly she presented – an attractive, desirable woman, repressing her beauty and arguing for the better education of women and their equality with men? She must know that the idea had been presented before by Mary Wollstonecraft, who had shot her cause in the foot by leading a life of scandal to the point where her views were ridiculed because of the shocking example she had presented.

  By the time he reached his home, Jonathan still hadn’t resolved why he could not stop thinking of Miss Jane Brody the bluestocking. He handed over his horse to his groom, and they briefly discussed the condition of his racehorses since their move from Newmarket.

  At his approach the front door of Dalton House, his London home, opened. His stiff butler, Jones, bowed him into the hall, enquiring whether he had enjoyed his ride. Answering in the affirmative, Jonathan ordered him to serve his breakfast immediately.

  The breakfast parlour stood towards the rear of the ground floor. As he seated himself, a line of servants trooped in carrying prepared dishes for his choice. Kippers, bacon, eggs, steak and a steaming pot of coffee were set down on the sideboard for him. A cup of coffee was poured without his asking by Jones.

  Lord Dalton read The Times as he ate, disturbed by the unrest that seemed to be brewing up and down the country as men returned from the wars remained unemployed and hungry.

  Breakfast over, Lord Dalton went to his bedchamber and permitted his valet to shave him, and then assist him from his riding clothes into his morning coat and trousers.

  Refreshed and replete, Jonathan strode downstairs to his study and entered his favourite room. A thousand books or more were arranged on shelves around the spacious retreat. His desk was drawn up under the bay window and chairs were grouped around the fireplace. A marble mantelpiece with a chiming clock upon it was topped by a large gilded mirror which reflected the multitude of leather tomes.

  Stevens, his elderly secretary and man of business, greeted him ready to start. So progressed another day in the routine life of the new Lord Dalton. He was every bit the pillar of society which he felt his title required him to be. The usual programme thereafter was luncheon followed by sporting activities, such as boxing at Gentleman Jackson’s club during the Season, or fencing. In the late afternoon he often accompanied his sister in the park at the fashionable hour, either taking her up in his curricle or walking.

  In the evenings he either spent time at his club or escorted his sister to a social event. It was a pleasant and well-regulated life which Jonathan, if asked, would have called, ‘highly agreeable’.

  ♥ ♥ ♥

  The same dawn which saw Lord Dalton riding in the park shone through the window of Jane’s third floor bedroom in Harley Street. She sat dressed ready for the day ahead. Her hair hung in soft waves down her back since she had released it from its night-time plaits. Jane feathered the end of her quill against her cheek as she organised her thoughts before writing the next sentence of her pamphlet about the best form of education for young women. She had tried to follow these precepts with her own sisters, but Charlotte had already been thirteen when she had started. Jane had failed to convince her that an education was important for the development of her character and to ensure that she had some ability to support herself in the world – should a knight in shining armour not ride into her life to bring her undying love and fidelity, as well as sufficient income to support her and their many children. Both her unmarried sisters also seemed happy to accept this dream, never sparing a thought for the danger to health and life that repeated childbearing brought.

  Jane didn’t let this deter her. Should even one young woman gain a better education which could bring her independence and income should the need arise, then Jane felt her labours were worthwhile. And so, she rose at dawn every day to write her pamphlets before her work began.

  At seven, Jane left her writing desk, washed most of the ink from her hands, put her hair into a severe knot behind her head and went downstairs. She breakfasted in haste, thinking all the while of her tasks for the morning. Next she spoke with the cook about luncheon and dinner and arranged for the sorting of the household linen. By then her sisters were at breakfast so she spent time talking with them about their plans for the day. As Anna was no longer in the schoolroom Jane’s responsibility for her education was over; however, Katherine was still being tutored. Jane’s time was much more her own than ever before. She still encouraged Anna to keep up her reading of the classics, although at the moment she was very keen to enjoy as many balls and social events as possible. However, she assisted Jane with some of her charitable causes.

  This morning Jane was to visit Lady Elizabeth Everslie as soon as she finished her letter to her younger brother James who was serving in the navy. Jane wrote to each of her brothers in weekly rotation. They were scattered about the country and the world now peace had come at last. None of them could afford to marry on the salaries they were paid, so they lived frugally, while trying to further themselves.

  Their father had a modest living from a city parish and some private means which maintained their genteel life but didn’t run to assisting his sons any further than he had already done in buying them commissions in the military and educating Francis, now a curate in a parish in Hampshire.

  Jane dressed with care in her best morning dress while Anna helped her arrange her hair in a more becoming style than she usually wore. She was soon stepping out on her way to Grosvenor Square, followed by solid and silent Joe, the family’s footman-cum-outd
oor man who accompanied Jane throughout the city. A country man of few words, the Brodys thought he was sweet on their housekeeper, Mrs Creevy, but too shy to propose.

  She stopped outside the garden in Grosvenor Square opposite Lady Elizabeth’s home and admired the grand residence with its fresh paintwork and curved bow windows. One of the four storey high row houses surrounding the square, it was an impressive sight.

  “Come along Joe, we will see how an aristo lives,” she said with a smile. He made no answer as she led the way across the street. Arriving at the door, Joe rapped the brass knocker.

  A footman opened the door and took her card as she announced her name and that Lady Elizabeth was expecting her. The butler showed her to a small parlour to one side of the hall and left to announce her arrival before returning to lead her to the morning room.

  Lady Elizabeth soon greeted her friend as she was shown in. The gentle sunlight through the tall south-facing windows brightened the rose-tinted furniture, which would make the room cheerful even on a dull day. Jane thought it matched its occupant’s personality.

  After their greetings, Elizabeth explained “My brother is already in the library with his secretary. He likes an early start on his paperwork, so he will have completed the worst of it and be ready to listen perhaps.”

  “I certainly hope so. I am not as convinced as you that I can sway his opinion, but I will try.”

  “Be brave, he is not an ogre but he sees me as his very much younger sister so does not listen to my counsel, but he may listen to yours.”

  In a rush, the door opened to admit Lady Mulgrave, already asking in her forthright way as she entered, “Are you ready for our shopping expedition Elizabeth?” She halted just inside the door on seeing Jane and said to her in her imperious way, “You are very early for a morning call. Miss Brody, are you not?”

  Jane drew herself to her full height of five feet two inches and replied calmly. “Yes, Lady Mulgrave, I am early, but at the request of Lady Elizabeth.”

  “Really, you surprise me.” She turned her attention to Lady Elizabeth. “What is the nature of Miss Brody’s call Elizabeth?”

  “We share an interest in the same philanthropic causes, Aunt Lucinda. Surely, I have mentioned that in the past?”

  “Perhaps, but I don’t recall.”

  “We are working to improve the community’s understanding and support of our causes. Jonathan may be able to assist also, so Jane is here to discuss that with him.”

  “I see,” said Lady Mulgrave giving Jane a speculative look. “Well, he is a busy man. Once he has a marchioness, who will assist him with social duties, you may address such matters to her.”

  Jane had the feeling she was being warned away and laughed to herself at the thought that Lady Mulgrave would think it necessary. “I wish him well for his future happiness with his chosen marchioness. I have not heard of an announcement yet, but look forward to seeing the notice in the paper.” Jane’s reply was copy-book politeness.

  Lady Mulgrave made no answer but looked down her nose at Jane and bid her good morning before adding as she left the room, “I will expect you to be ready in ten minutes Elizabeth.”

  Lady Elizabeth led Jane out of the morning room and down the hall to the library, where she knocked on the door and entered the doorway with Jane at her shoulder, saying, “Jonathan, may I interrupt and take Mr Stevens from you while Miss Brody talks with you about an important matter concerning our women’s cause?”

  Although obviously surprised, he gave his assent and Mr Stevens picked up the letters he had dealt with and left with Lady Elizabeth. Jane stepped into the room and the heavy door closed with resounding finality.

  Rising, Lord Dalton prowled around his desk towards her. She rose in response to his approach. He stood tall before her - overbearing. He bowed and greeted her before asking, “How may I help you Miss Brody? I believe you have an important matter to discuss.”

  Jane gripped her hands tightly to overcome her nerves and launched into her request. “Indeed I do. The Society for the Equal Rights of Women has asked me to meet with you to convince you, if I can, to support our cause. You will enter the House of Lords in the coming session and we need a speaker in parliament in support of our views if we are to achieve our objective. Our hope is that you may agree to support us.”

  “I thought we had discussed this yesterday.” He raised his dark brows in question.

  “Yes, we did briefly touch upon the subject but not in a way that would inform you of what we stand for.” Jane persisted. She was determined to hold her ground against this intimidating man.

  “Tell me what you believe to be the equal rights that women should possess and how would you achieve that?”

  Jane felt he was playing with her for some unknown reason. Perhaps because he could! Because he held the power both in this world and in this conversation! She had no option but to forge on with her attempt at persuasion. “I believe that women are equal to men but that society and its institutions such as marriage subjugate them.”

  “Does it also follow that women should not marry because of this?”

  “Some women feel that way, of course. Many widows do not re-marry because they do not wish to be controlled by a man again, especially if they gain control of their lives through inheritance from their deceased husband.” Jane countered.

  Lord Dalton looked thoughtful. “So you would not be any man’s wife because of your belief that marriage subjugates woman? That, by right of their equality, women should never allow themselves to be controlled through marriage or be subject to man’s power?”

  Jane stiffened and looked up into his direct gaze.

  “For me that is so. I will not be any man’s wife. Not until our society recognises woman’s equality to man.”

  He looked at her speculatively, leaned forward, not touching her, and spoke quietly in her ear. “Does that mean you would choose to be a man’s mistress and thereby free from his power through law? By this means you would remain free and equal.” He was so very close that she felt the whisper of his breath upon her ear and the puffs of his words made the velvety curls gathered on her neckline quiver, sending a shiver of awareness down her spine.

  Jane stepped back in shock and looked at him aghast. Oh, how very aggravating he was! “How can you ask that of me? To be your, or any other man’s, mistress would be to utterly place myself in that man’s power!” She had started to believe he was a man of principle. How disappointing to find he had feet of clay.

  “Pity,” he murmured, leaning away. Before she could answer his voice returned to his previous tone, “Of course, I ask these questions only to understand your view on the matter - as a means of scientific enquiry into your beliefs.” He turned and strode back behind his desk. “So, how can I be of assistance? We don’t agree on any of the fundamental issues so far canvassed.”

  She took several deep breaths and her mind took control again. “We need you Lord Dalton. To spread our message and gain respect.”

  “I ask, who needs me most? My country needs me – I will serve in the parliament. My family needs me – I pay the bills and keep the family business profitable. My sister needs me – I assist her in her charities and escort her in society. Now you say your society for women’s rights needs me to sell your message. Why? What is in it for my country? My family? My sister? Me?” His tone softened. “Do you need me, Miss Brody?”

  “I do not need, nor want, your flirtation Lord Dalton. What I need from you is your respect as from one equal human being to another. What the Society for the Equal Rights of Women needs is your support in changing the attitude of society to women so they are treated as equal to men. Once that has occurred all the other changes – to education, limiting family size, employment in public roles and female independence – will flow on from it.”

  “Miss Brody, we live in an
age when all men are not equal. In fact, all men are not fully employed. If, as you say, this change will lead to women taking public roles, how will those men, who have wives and children who don’t want public roles and education, support them if there are even fewer jobs for men?” His face was unreadable.

  She felt indignant. “Women must have the choice of being able to support themselves and their children when there are no men to support them. Otherwise we have the situation that currently exists that good, honest and chaste women are forced to lie, steal and prostitute themselves to just survive!” Her tone was edging towards exasperation.

  He stepped back to lean upon his oak desk. “All right Miss Brody, I will consider your proposal.”

  Jane got to her feet swiftly, thanks ready on her lips, but Lord Dalton’s next words cut her off.

  “However, I give no guarantee that I will assist you, only that I will consider doing so.” He paused. “We will have to continue our discussion of the issue and the ways and means by which it may be best to further your cause should I agree.”

  “Yes, of course my lord.”

  “Are you attending the charity ball being held tomorrow evening at Mrs Courtice’s home? I am escorting Lady Elizabeth as our aunt prefers to attend only private ton events.”

  Jane nodded.

  “Ah… well, I shall see you there then Miss Brody… unless I can interest you in accepting my escort as well? In which case I shall collect you from your home.”

  Jane hesitated, but capitulated because the offer would give her another opportunity to convince Dalton to support the woman’s cause. “Thank you Lord Dalton, I would be honoured. However, my sister Anna is also to attend. Would you have room for her?”

  “Indeed. I would be happy to escort your sister Miss Brody.”

  He offered her his arm. “Let me take you back to my sister. She is probably in the morning room.” He opened the study door and drew her outside. He waved Jones away as he approached. Lord Dalton strode along the hall to the appropriate door and turning to Jane, he took her hand from his arm, retaining her hand in his as he bowed over it. “I wish you good morning Miss Brody. I look forward to accompanying you and your sister to Mrs Courtice’s ball. Please reserve the first dance and the supper dance for me.” He smiled warmly at her with his deep dark eyes.