The Portrait by Hazel Statham

Welcome
to the family, my dear."
    She gave him a curious look, to which he raised an inquiring brow.
    "What now, Jem? Why so suddenly serious?"
    "It's so like the name I very nearly had-Jenny Thurston"
    He rose abruptly from the table, almost upsetting his coffee
in the process. "We cannot go back to those times, Jenny," he
said in a hardened voice. "I gave you my reasons, and they remain. You will thank me soon enough"
    "I, too, certainly have no wish to resume our engagement,"
she replied with equal coldness. "Though not for the same
reasons as you, I suspect."
    "Then what are your reasons, Jenny? Tell me now, and have
done with it. Whatever they are, you will find no opposition.
Indeed, in all probability I will agree with you. Therefore,
speak; I am prepared for the worst"
    For a moment she regarded him rebelliously, before replying
in a defiant tone, "My reasons are, Edward Thurston, that you
gave me no opportunity to get to know you. I am well aware
that you proposed to me at the instigation of our families. Your
offer was made merely out of a sense of obligation...
    "You had no objection at the time," he interjected harshly.
"If I remember correctly, you appeared to almost welcome the
match."
    "I was young. I didn't realize the implications. Almost immediately you were posted to Spain, and when I attempted to get to know you through your letters, all you ever mentioned
were trivialities. How could I marry a man who had no desire
to know me? I would as soon remain unwed than to enter into
such a marriage."

    "Very succinctly put, my dear. You echo my sentiments exactly. Though I would make just a small addition to that statement. I would also prefer to remain unwed than contract a
marriage where my wife is compelled to view me with either
revulsion or pity."
    Instantly she was on her feet and would have given a hasty
reply, but at that moment the landlady bustled into the parlor
bearing a hearty breakfast, which she laid on the table before
bobbing a brief curtsy and once more retreating to the kitchen.
    For several heartbeats they stood looking defiantly at each
other, both unwilling to make the first move until, relenting,
the earl said in rallying tones, "What, not hungry, Jem? We
may spend all morning quarrelling like children if you so desire, but I must admit, I would welcome my breakfast"
    Reluctantly she resumed her seat, watching from beneath
lowered lashes as the earl did the same. There were still words
she would have said, but instead she had to content herself by
muttering, "You are hateful, Edward, and I wish I had not invited you on this journey."
    "An invite, was it, my girl?" He chuckled, with eyebrows
raised, his humor returned. "I was of the opinion that when
you presented yourself at my house, it was more of a royal
command."
    "I did do it rather well, didn't I?" she replied, her eyes
sparkling with merriment. "I knew you would find it difficult
to refuse me, though you almost ruined it all by coming home
foxed"
    "I realize my intoxication must have proved a severe trial to
you, brat. Though, the next time you have need of my services, I would appreciate a little more notice."
    "Then you truly don't regret coming with me?" she asked
in a hopeful voice.
    "I truly do not"

    Content with his reply, she settled to her meal, and a feeling
of rapport existed between them once more.
    Once the meal was over, neither felt the inclination to continue with their previous discussion, feeling that the topic had
been exhausted and the air cleared.
    "I've been thinking," said the earl, pushing away his plate.
"Instead of trying to rejoin the stage, I believe we may now
safely travel post. We are far enough away from London for it
not to make any difference. What say you? Have you had your
fill of public conveyances?"
    "I rather enjoyed the experience." Jennifer chuckled. "We
met such interesting company. Indeed, it was extremely diverting."
    "I never knew you were such a