Chapter Eleven Jane was feeling very nervous. When she’d walked in to have breakfast at the usual time, she’d been very shocked to see Lady Milton sitting in her chair at the head of the table, looking for all the world as if she was up at such an early hour every day. Alice was seated next to her, and it appeared as if she’d interrupted an earnest conversation when she first walked in. ‘Ah, Miss Austen,’ said Lady Milton, ‘Alice said you wouldn’t be long … do take a seat. We’ve been cooking up a plan, which I hope will meet with your approval. There is no time to waste, and I shall not beat around the bush, as they say. I have always been a direct person, and therefore forthright in my opinions. What I am about to say I hope will not hurt your feelings, but it has to be said.’ Jane sat down wondering if she was in trouble by the tone of Flora Milton’s voice, and racked her brain for some thought of any misdemeanour she might have made. Her mouth felt dry, and she bit her ...