“That would be splendid, old man. Most grateful. And what would you think about approaching him about an investment in our stable?”
Thomas frowned. “After I deliver the news of my engagement, I think it would be less likely he would be interested. However, once we are up and running, I feel certain he will look more favorably toward you if we are successful. Nothing quite entrances like success.”
“Then we need to be successful.”
“Yes, we do.”
* * *
As Thomas left the Edgerton property and turned onto the main road, he stopped his horse and sat for a moment as he tried to decide where he wanted to go next. He had thought to go home, but he had a nagging feeling he wanted to do something else. What was it? And then he realized… he wanted to see Miss Jenny again. He had not been able to get her fresh beauty out of his mind ever since they had met in the rain and he had taken her to Pemberton for tea. And without further thought, he spurred his horse and headed toward Chatsworth.
The first thing Thomas noted, as he reined in his horse, were the wonderful smells of freshly baked bread and pastries coming from the bakery. It reminded him of his childhood when his mother was still alive, and they would go down to the kitchen early in the morning and wonderful aromas like these filled the room as still hot breads cooled on racks on the large table in the center of the kitchen.
Two women were entering the shop in front of him and, as he entered, he removed his hat and stood behind the ladies being served by a young lad, who barely stood above the display cases. When he was done with the ladies, the young man turned to Thomas, smiled and said, “You have a nice horse, Mister.”
“Thank you...?”
“Robert, sir.”
“Robert, do you like horses?”
“Oh, I do sir. It is my dream to one day ride like the wind. But we do not even have a pony. So…” But the lad got back to business when two more customers entered the shop. “How can I help you, Sir?” the boy then asked.
“I am looking for Miss Jenny. Is she available to chat for a moment?”
“Let me go see,” Robert said and disappeared into the back of the shop.
Presently Jenny came out, wiping her hands on her apron. She seemed to be surprised to see him. “Oh, Your Grace. How may I be of service?”
“I came to see you, although I also have my eyes on some of those delicious-looking little cakes in the case.”
Jenny smiled. “Then I can help you with both. What did you wish to see me about? You do not want the dress back, do you?” she asked a little nervously.
Thomas laughed. “Not at all. I was in the village and I recalled our delightful conversation at tea and felt the urge to say hello.”
Jenny blushed slightly, “That is very kind, Your Grace.”
“Will you step out with me for a moment? Perhaps take a turn around the square?”
Jenny turned to look back into the baking work area. “Perhaps for a few moments, but I have a number of pies in the oven and cannot let them overcook.”
“I understand,” Thomas said, almost feeling embarrassed to be seen walking with a young baker woman. If any of his London friends saw him, they would scoff and ridicule him. But he was quite certain he would not find any ofthosefriends in Chatsworth.
As they started walking the square, Thomas found that he was uncommonly nervous, and did not know how to start the conversation. Fortunately, Jenny did not hesitate.
“Helena tells me you are to be engaged,” Jenny said.
Thomas laughed. “Oh, she did, did she?”
“To a young London lady?”
“No, no… You must have misunderstood. Helena is letting her fatherthinkI am engaged in order to divert her father from forcing her to marry me.”
“But have you asked her to marry you?”
“Not at all,” Thomas replied.
“Then, I do not understand. If you did not ask her, why would he think you would marry Helena?”
