Jenny suddenly became nervous when she finally had a moment to realize exactly how handsome this man was. She had seen him from time to time in the village, but always at a distance, and he had never come into their shop as he would have no reason to. He had his own staff at Pemberton and would not need to shop for baked goods in the village.
And then Jenny realized he, too, was staring at her with the sweetest smile.
“Miss Jenny, you look soaked through. Might I offer to take you to Pemberton Hall where you might dry off? Then I suggest some tea to warm us up?”
Jenny felt flustered and uncomfortable, but the Duke was so gentlemanly and kind, she could not refuse his offer as she felt quite miserable in her wet clothing.
“One of our chambermaids will be happy to assist you and make certain your clothes are properly dried,” he said, taking a step backward so as not to make her feel uncomfortable in his presence.
“Oh, yes… I feel quite drenched and certainly do not want to open myself up to a cold.”
“Then shall we?” he asked offering her his hand.
They went outside where it was still raining, but less so.
“If I may?” he asked as he grabbed hold of her waist and effortlessly lifted her onto the back of the horse.
She was astonished by the feelings of joy she felt as he put his hands around her. He made her feel for a second as though she was flying. The feeling startled her and again made her blush.
Thomas’s horse was strong and swift, and before long they had reached the front of Pemberton Hall where Thomas reined in the horse and again lifted Jenny down, as a groom came to take charge of the horse.
They scrambled inside, as the rain had picked up again, and Willoughby greeted them. Thomas gave immediate instruction for Miss Jenny’s care, and as she was being led away, Thomas called out, “Miss Jenny, I shall see you shortly. Willoughby, tea in the Reginald Parlor, if you please.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” he replied and led Jenny up the stairs and along a hallway to a comfortable looking blue bedroom.
“I shall have someone attend to you shortly, miss. There is a robe in the armoire if you wish to change right away. And I shall have your clothing dried and ready for you within the hour.”
“Thank you,” Jenny said overwhelmed by the whole experience. What had started out as a quiet Sunday hike had turned into a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.
Before changing, she stood in the middle of the bedroom and marveled at the beauty of the room—the elegant furnishings; the fine silk draperies, the astonishing vistas from the windows. The rain let up and shafts of sunlight began to appear on the landscape.
And then there was this handsome man… Thomas Haddington… The very thought of him made goosebumps appear on her arms. Again, she blushed, and he was not even near her. She quickly shook her head, went to the armoire, and found the robe. She needed to focus on the simple task of undressing and getting her clothes dried.
“Hello, Miss, might I be of service,” the voice of the young maid asked as she came in the room.
“Oh, yes… these clothes need drying. I got caught in the storm and His Grace kindly offered to help me dry out.
“Let me help you, Miss,” the maid said as she came over and began to unbutton the back of Jenny’s dress.
Jenny had never had anyone help her undress before—except her mother when she was little. It felt both nice and embarrassing. And when she was undressed and had put on the robe, the maid took away her wet clothes and Jenny had nothing to do except enjoy the room and the softness of the fine cotton robe.
The maid returned with a beautiful dress and said, “Mr. Willoughby thought this might suit you until your clothes are dried. He says His Grace is expecting you for tea.”
“Oh… how kind.
Chapter 6
Thomas went to his chambers and changed into dry clothes. He was headed toward the Reginald Parlor with a most satisfied smile. What an astonishing morning it had been! He had gone out for a ride on a whim—never expecting to find a damsel caught in the rain.Miss Jenny Barnett,he thought.What a comely lass.He could not help but compare her to the many London women he had been flirting with recently, and he had to admit her fresh, open, and unadorned face pleased him greatly. But he knew nothing about her. She was from the village, but her family? Who were they? But as villagers, she would most probably come from a middle or working-class family—probably with no or little living and no title.Pity.
He left his room and walked down the stairs. He saw a footman was answering the front door and was surprised—and pleased—to see Helena enter.
“Dear friend,” he called out and went over to her. “Did you get caught in the rain as well?”
They exchanged kisses to both cheeks and she said, “Not at all. I came in my carriage. Did you get caught out? You look dry enough,” she asked as she took his arm.
“I have just changed. However, tea is to be served. Will you join me?”
“Delighted to.”
