“That seems like an honorable request.”
Willoughby came in with the tea cart. “Shall I serve, Your Grace?”
“If you please, Willoughby.”
As they were settling in to enjoy their tea, Helena casually asked, “Thomas, now that we are no longer engaged in dear Father’s eyes, I was wondering what your next romantic inclinations were?”
“Inclinations?”
“Yes, you are getting along, old man. Certainly, you must be considering marriage soon?” Thomas did not respond but looked into his teacup. “All those trips to London—all those lovely young ladies—is there no one of interest to you?”
This was a subject Thomas did not wish to explore. “No one in particular.”
“Then what sort of a young lady are you searching for?”
Thomas gave that some thought. “Someone who is open, honest, caring. She must be able to get along well with Grandmamma and have the ability to help me manage an estate the size of Pemberton.”
Helena laughed. “It sounds as though you are seeking an estate manager, not a wife.”
Thomas wagged his head. He had to admit there was some truth in what she said. “Then perhaps you know better than I do.”
“Then might I make a suggestion?”
“Please,” he said without a great deal of enthusiasm.
“The morning I stopped by, not long ago, you had rescued my friend, Jenny, from the rain.”
“That is correct.”
“And I could not help but notice how your face lit up when she came into the room in that quite lovely dress.”
“Yes, that is true, I was happy to see her.”
“And I know her to be the very finest of young ladies. She is educated, comes from a well-respected family in the community—although they are not of the nobility—and I believe is far superior to those snooty London ladies you have been entertaining.”
“Oh, Helena, are you suggesting I should consider your friend as a future Duchess?”
“And why not?” she asked, taking another of the delicious teacakes.
Thomas sighed. And even though the thought had crossed his own mind more than once, he said, “You know what is expected of me, Helena. I am not free to marry just anyone. I am a part of society that expects me to marry within the aristocracy. I cannot disregard those interests. And, although, I find Miss Jenny quite charming… she is, after all… a baker. And certainly you, as the daughter of an Earl, know full well the restrictions placed upon us.”
“I do. And that is exactly the restriction I have been fighting against. George is not an aristocrat, and I fully intend to marry him.”
That silenced Thomas, for he saw her point and had been supporting her choice of George. Perhaps the heart was not so easily influenced by the strictures of social convention.
Thomas tried again, by saying, “But you have to admit, Helena, although Miss Jenny is charming, sheisa bit rough around the edges. When I happened to see her at the bakery, she looked like a serving wench. Her hair was a mess. Her clothes were spotted and shabby and one has to admit that she and her family are tradesmen.”
“Thomas, I am surprised at you. I never thought of you as a snob.”
That took Thomas by surprise. “I have nothing against her, and I would never demean her, Helena, but I cannot disregard my station in life. I must adhere to certain standards as the Duke of Pemberton.”
Helena stood and began putting on her gloves. “Thank you for tea, Thomas. And thank you for helping me with my father. But I think you are making a big mistake not considering Miss Jenny. And one day I may forgive you for your narrow-mindedness, but it may take me a day or two.”
She glared her disapproval. “Thomas,” she said with an abrupt nod as she exited.
“Helena,” he answered equally curt.
* * *
