“But you have no money either,” Wilcox said.
“But our new business is developing, and we expect to do well. I will manage. We will deal with this and, in the end, you will always have a home at Pemberton.
* * *
Sunday afternoons after church and the family meal, Jenny usually enjoyed reading, but she was surprised to find she had read all the books Helena had lent her and she had nothing new to read. She went into the kitchen where her mother and Sally were putting away the dried dishes.
“Mama, I should like to walk over to see Helena. I need to borrow some more books. Do you need me for anything?”
“Not that I can think of. Please say hello to her for me.”
“I shall.”
“Could you borrow a book or two for me as well,” Sally asked.
“What would you like to read? Romance? Adventure? What?”
“Travel memoirs. I love the idea of traveling the world.”
“I will see what she has.”
The sky was clear, and there were no storms threatening, like the last time she took this walk. And that reminded her of the Duke, so kindly, giving her a ride on the back of his horse to Springford. If she closed her eyes, she could still feel the warmth of his body as she held tightly to his waist and leaned her head against his strong back. But this was useless thinking, and she opened her eyes and shook off the imposing thoughts.
She increased her pace, pulled her wool hat more snuggly down around her ears, and soon reached her destination.
Helena was in her room, still in her dressing gown, seated at a table by the window working on a jigsaw puzzle.
“Oh… she said, “You caught me being unconscionably lazy on a Sunday afternoon. Want to help me with the puzzle?”
“I am surprised Georgie is not with you.”
“No, I banished him for today. I wanted a day to myself.”
“Oh, I am sorry. I can leave,” Jenny said a little flustered.
“Not you… You are always welcome. You are the other me.”
Jenny laughed. “Well, then, I am here to return these books and borrow a few more. Also, dear Sally would like to borrow some travel books if you have any.”
“Hmm,” Helena made a thinking face and said, “I might have a few, but I think Father is more likely to have some of those. I will check.”
“Do not bother yourself. Just let me browse your shelves and then I will help you with your puzzle.”
“No, I do not mind. I will go to the library and look for travel, and then I shall order us some tea. Take your time browsing. I shall be back before you know it.”
* * *
Earlier that afternoon, Thomas joined his Grandmamma for tea in her rooms after he returned from London. He was surprised to see how forlorn she looked and wanted to cheer her up.
“I send you a kiss from Wilcox,” he said brightly. “He sends his heartfelt best wishes and wants you to know he is bearing up.”
“I am glad to hear that,” she said, affecting a smile. “Would you like some tea? I knew you were back and hoped you might join me, so I ordered a second cup.”
“Would love some.” He sat opposite her by the fire.
“Tell me truthfully, how is he doing?” she asked as she poured Thomas’s tea.
“As I say, he is bearing up. I will not lie, it is a horrid place, but I have engaged my solicitor to help him, and I expect he shall be moved to trial very soon.”
