Jane Eyre Austen (25 page)

“But his investors will recoup their money, won’t they?” Jane asked.

Goold shrugged, “Not sure.  His lawyer will have to deal with all of that.  I take it you didn’t go to the reading of the will.”

“No.  There was no need.  None of us had any allusions that we were mentioned.” Mrs. Austen answered.

Goold nodded thoughtfully, “I’m glad you’re doing well Mrs. Austen.  The investigation is officially closed, although we still haven’t caught the suspect involved, we do have an APB out on him.  However, since he’s wanted in six other murders over the last five years, I’m not confident that we will find him.”

“And you don’t think he’ll try and collect the rest of his fee from us?” Jane asked.

“No, there was a robbery at the scene, I believe he took the rest of his fee and considers this closed.”  He paused, “He’s a professional.  He won’t get personal about it.”

“Thank you so much for your time Detective,” Mrs. Austen said warmly.

“You’re welcome ma’am.”  He stood up and shook hands with them both.  He looked at Jane, “And congratulations Ms. Austen.”

Jane looked at him curiously and her mother coughed, “I may have placed an announcement in the paper dear.”

Jane groaned and smiled weakly, “Thank you detective.”

Once he left she rounded on her mother, “Mom!  Why did you do that?”

She shrugged, “Dear, you’ve been going at it like rabbits.”  She tutted, “Don’t worry dear, you have plenty of time to make your dress.”

Susannah brought the paper in to Mrs. Fairfax, open to the Engagement Announcements.  Mrs. Fairfax read it and looked up smiling.

“It’s about time.  My goodness I was worried that all our plans were going to be for naught.” Mrs. Fairfax said.

“Oh, this isn’t their doing, I’m sure it’s Margaret’s.” Susannah said.

Mrs. Fairfax grinned, “I doubt we’ll hear any complaints from the parties involved.”

“Do you think he would be upset if he knew you how involved you were in his upcoming marriage?” Susannah whispered.

Mrs. Fairfax raised an eyebrow, “I don’t plan on ever letting him know, and I assume I can count on your silence?”

Susannah’s eyes widened, “of course.”  She sighed, “They are perfect for each other.”  She took the paper back and refolded it carefully with the announcement facing up.  She grinned wickedly, “I can’t wait to hear from Jane about it.  I do hope I’m the matron of honor!”

Valentine’s Day Jane awoke to the smell of bacon and banana muffins.  She made her way downstairs and found Susannah, her mother and Helen in the kitchen.

“Good morning, dear.  How did you sleep?” her mother asked.

“Fairly well.” Jane answered, although it wasn’t true.  She missed Gray; she missed making love to him in the morning.  She missed cuddling in to his warmth last night.  It made it near impossible to sleep.  He had spent the night at Clayton’s, wanting to uphold the tradition of not seeing the bride until the service.

Susannah grinned, “You’ve got circles under your eyes.  Nervous, Jane?”

Jane rolled her eyes, “No, not in the least.”  She added sullenly, “I just missed him.”

Mrs. Austen grinned, “Good.  Susannah get some cucumbers and slice them.  We need to remove the puffiness before she applies makeup.”

Jane grunted, “Thanks Ma.”

Susannah giggled as she went to the refrigerator.

Her college roommates arrived at nine, and the women primped and prepped for the wedding.  Her mother and Susannah had decorated the dining room for the ceremony, and the ball room was decorated and set up for the buffet. 

As the women dressed, they were thrilled with what Jane had made them.  She had decided to use a champagne pink silk crepe with an overlay of organza.  Each woman had a dress with a unique style for their body type, but the same fabric.  Jane used a purple silk with green organza ribbons for Tessa’s dress, since the little girl had begged for a purple and green princess dress.

Jane had altered her mother’s dress, shortening the train and making a few changes to the bodice so that it suited her frame better.  The dress was perfect, simple lines, expensive fabric that draped her body beautifully. 

Ben escorted her mother down the aisle and sat with her in the front row.  When Jane walked down the aisle on James’ arm, Gray’s heart nearly stopped. He had never expected to fall in love again, and yet here was Jane, so perfect, making him feel so complete.  He was part of her family and thrilled with the possibility of starting their own.  Her eyes shone as James turned her hand and she slipped it in his.  He understood her mother’s concerns about getting married so quickly, after their engagement was announced, he was surprised at how many people he knew gave him advice regarding prenuptial agreements.  It may take a decade, like her mother said, for people to understand that they were truly head-over-heels in love.  He was so happy that their wedding was small and private, family and a few friends.  More than anything, he was so glad that she was willing to share her life with him, and that her family had accepted him. 

The love in the room was overwhelming, and as they said their vows, there was not a dry eye in the room.  Even James, usually gruff, had tears pooling in his eyes.  Gray’s sister-in-law leapt from her chair and hooted when the mayor pronounced them man and wife.

Nothing could have made Gray or Jane happier, except maybe knowing that on their first year anniversary they would be welcoming their twin boys into the world.