“Very well. Then I should like to hear,” she said putting her needlepoint in her lap.
Thomas smiled broadly. “Grandmamma, I would like to introduce you to the next Duchess of Pemberton.”
Augusta gave a quirky shake of her head. “I do not understand. Where is she?”
Thomas took Jenny’s hand and held it up. “Right here. Miss Jenny Barnett is to be my wife. I asked her, and she has agreed to marry me.”
Augusta gave that quick little shake of her head again. “Seriously?”
“Very seriously,” Thomas responded.
“But… but… she is a pastry cook.”
“And a very good one. I am certain she will become known as the pastry duchess, as I have promised her she can continue to make pastries in our kitchen from time to time.
Grandmamma studied Jenny for several moments, “I am sorry to say this Miss Jenny but,” then turned to Thomas and said, “Thomas, you know this cannot be. She is not of the nobility and she brings absolutely nothing of value to the marriage.”
“Oh, but she does.”
“I am unaware that a baker could provide anything.”
“Beauty, an open heart, intelligence, talent, and love. Are these not more valuable than coin?”
Grandmamma looked down and fiddled with her needlepoint, and then said to Thomas, “You know the financial situation the family is in… and with Wilcox… You are not being responsible. And it is just not done.”
Thomas insisted, “But it is. I can name you any number of “unsuitable” ladies who became very successful duchesses. In any case, dear Grandmamma…” he said, going over and kneeling before her and taking her hand. “Iwillmarry her. And I know that with her by my side, George and I will build a most successful business and right the poor finances of the estate. Please, give us your blessing.”
Grandmamma looked up at Jenny, taking several moments before she spoke. “Come, my dear,” she finally said, extending her hand to Jenny.
Jenny went over to her and took her hand.
“Againstmybetter judgement, I will acceptThomas’sjudgement—for my heart tells me you are worthy and true. Welcome to our family, Jenny.” She smiled and then became quite businesslike. “Now. We have a lot of work to do to make you ready to become the Duchess of Pemberton.”
* * *
It was to be a May wedding—or rather two weddings, as Thomas and Jenny, and George and Helena had decided to get married on the same day, in the same church, at the same hour.
But that was still many months away, and Thomas and George were busy establishing their business. Lord Comerford, relieved of the burden of defending himself in court, gladly agreed to become their final investor.
It had been decided to enter the two elder horses—one at Cheltenham, and the other at Lingfield Park—both events held in March.
Thomas, George, and Barnstable leaned on the railings at the finish line of the track as Robert pushed Siren the last five hundred yards to where they were standing. Barnstable had been watching the time on his pocket watch.
“Second best time,” he said. “But I think that is all for today.”
Robert rode Siren over to them and asked, “How was that?”
“Not too bad,” Thomas said, “Off by only a second or two.”
Robert said, “He had a moment of hesitation on the second turn. A rabbit ran across the track and distracted him,” Robert said.
“Distractions—we need to work on that. Once we are on a track with thousands of people nearby and other horses, and who knows what all… we need to address that,” Barnstable said.
“That’s good, Robert. That will be all for today. Take him back and cool him down.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Robert said and turned the horse and headed for the track exit.
Thomas watched the lad as he took the horse back toward the stable. “He’s turned out to be a natural.”
