“I do not see why not,” she said. She had to admit, she did find this young man attractive, polite, and he seemed to have some sense about him.
“Do you think you might be able to care for me?” he asked. “I know we barely know one another, but you have already stolen my heart, Jenny Barnett.”
Jenny blushed. “Oh, Evan… It is so early on… And with us so far apart, what might you be thinking?”
Evan now took both of her hands in his. “I am thinking I must have you in my life. And whatever it takes to achieve that, I shall do. If it means me coming back here to make my living, I shall. I would be so honored if you might choose to take my hand in marriage one day. We could live anywhere. Printers are always in great demand. We could open a shop and perhaps you could run the business while I do the printing. There is always a demand—invitations, announcements, pamphlets and even a newspaper. Could you entertain such a notion, Miss Jenny?”
Claudia came out of the shop.
“What do you say?” Evan asked quietly.
“I will think about it, Evan. But it is far too early for me to contemplate such an offer. And I have to say I too have a dream.”
“What is it? Maybe I can help you accomplish it.”
“This is not the time,” she said as Claudia approached.
“I understand. But you will save a space in your heart for me?”
She smiled. “Perhaps.”
* * *
“Oh, my…” Mother said as she held up the dress the Duke had given Jenny. “This is just about the most beautiful dress I have ever seen.” She looked askance at Jenny. “And why did he give this to you? I do not understand.”
“Mother… I have explained this half a dozen times,” Jenny said exasperated.
“Then tell your old mother again so she can understand.
“I got caught in the rain. His Grace rescued me and took me to Pemberton Hall to dry out. The chambermaid gave me this to wear until my clothes dried, and then the Duke offered it to me as it was left behind by a guest, and no one had any use for it. There. Simple. Explanation over.”
Jenny sat on her bed and crossed her arms. “And I told you Helena was with us the entire time at tea.”
“Your Helena knows the Duke?” Mother asked as she put the dress in the armoire.
“They are old friends.”
“She knows the Duke? I would have thought…”
“Mother, her father isLord Comerford. Of course, they know each other,” she said rolling her eyes.
Claudia burst into the room and stopped. “Oh… hello Mother.”
“Have you seen Jenny’s new dress?” Mother asked.
“Yes, ma’am. Very pretty is it not?”
“Well…” Mother continued to be uncertain about this dress.
Claudia scooted over and sat on the bed next to her sister and took her hand. She leaned in and whispered, “Now.”
Jenny looked at her, uncertain what she was referring to. Claudia nodded, as though she expected Jenny to understand. But Jenny did not.
“Jeremiah,” she whispered again. “Dinner.”
Then Jenny got it, turned to her mother, and said, “Mama, Claudia wishes to ask you something.” She turned to Claudia who looked terrified, and Jenny poked her with her elbow.
Claudia stammered, “Ah… I ah… You know Jeremiah Wisdom… The Vicar’s son…”
