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Show Page 184 "A fine mess you have made of things now," Jane whisperec "A fine mess I have made of things?" I squeaked. "It was not I who set out to deceive people. In truth, it serves you well that your little charade turned on you." "Well, it shan't stay turned long." "What do you mean to do?" "I mean to tell John that you love him and regret your decision to wed with Richard. Perhaps he can find some way to undo the tangled knot that has been tied." For a brief moment hope flamed within my bosom. Perhaps my promise to Richard could be undone and I could wed John. Then came again the pain within my breast, the feeling of doom I knew whenever I thought of becoming John's wife. "I marvel you would still want Richard, knowing he cares for me," I whispered, when I could breathe again. "I do, and I will have him for my own," answered Jane. "Nay, you will not. For you will say nothing to John. And you will say nothing to Richard. You will say nothing to anyone in Martin's Hundred. For I have said naught this night about loving John Clark. You presume too much. I intend to have Richard Kean for my husband. If you find this not to your liking, I am sorry. But it is a fair price to pay for the cunning knavery you and John have plotted these past weeks. " |
