Jenny laughed. “Oh, no. My clothes are drying after the rain, and this was lent to me.”
“It suits you. You really need to update your wardrobe, my dear.”
“But most of my days are spent making pies and I could never wear anything this fine in the bakery.”
“Well… just the same. If you are ever to meet a suitable young man, you will need to make yourself more presentable.” She turned to Thomas, “And what do you think, Thomas. Is not Jenny a vision of loveliness in this becoming dress?”
Thomas smiled. “She is indeed. I think you must have it, Miss Jenny. I believe it is a dress that was left behind by some guest or other, and it is of no use to anyone in this household.”
“Oh, Your Grace, I could not…” she replied sheepishly.
“Nonsense. You shall have it. Not another word. I insist.” He turned to Willoughby. “Will you see this dress is wrapped up and sent with Miss Jenny when she leaves and make certain she is sent home in my carriage.”
“Of course, Your Grace.”
“Oh, that is not necessary—I shall return Jenny home in my carriage,” Helena said
“As you wish.”
Thomas sat in his chair, his hands clasped under his chin, and studied the two women. He was filled with many strange emotions. His dear friend, Helena delighted him in so many ways. They had a deep bond that went back to childhood, but they were so comfortable and familiar and neither could ever imagine a marriage together.
And then there was Jenny—a totally unsuitable young lady—certainly without any living attached, and his uncle pressing him for a marriage with a substantial dowry. But Jenny… there was something about her he could not ignore. Not since Amanda, did he have feelings stir deeply within him.What could this mean?But he immediately shook off those thoughts. “Miss Jenny, I hope you have not caught a cold from your misadventure.”
“I feel quite well, Your Grace, thank you.”
Willoughby came by to refresh the guests’ tea. While he was serving, Jenny turned to Helena and asked, “Have you seen Mr. Edgerton…?” But Jenny suddenly caught herself and stopped when Helena gave her a subtle shake of her head.
Thomas picked up on that cue and asked, “You know George Edgerton?” he asked Jenny.
Jenny stammered a reply. “By name only… He… Sometimes he comes to the bakery…”
Helen threw her hands up in the air. “Oh, this is ridiculous…”
“What?” Thomas asked.
“My dear friend, I have been keeping a secret from you and it has been eating me alive.”
“A secret? Oh, Helena…”
“George Edgerton and I are courting.”
“George is my best friend, and he has said nothing to me about this.”
“I know… we decided to keep it a secret. We fear if my father finds out he will forbid us to meet. And that would be a tragedy of monumental proportions.”
Thomas could not help but laugh. “Then why not tell him? George is a very decent chap and would make a fine husband. And… he will come into a fine estate in time.”
“But father insists I marry a gentleman with a title. That is why he has insisted you and I marry.”
“I see.”
“And that is one reason I came to see you today. I was hoping I might see if there was any young lady who might have sparked your interest. If you were to marry someone else, then he might allow George and I to marry. I am sorry, it is very selfish of me, but we are desperate.”
“Hmm,” Thomas said, thinking aloud. “Why not tell him I am about to be engaged if that might help you.”
“You would do that? But who might I say is to be your intended?”
“Say it is a secret engagement. Make up some story or other. I care not.”
