While Thomas was primarily occupied with the new business, he was also struggling with his concerns about his grandmother’s proposed ball. He believed he knew his grandmother’s proposed guest list. They would be the usual young, aristocratic ladies from the local area with enough guests from London to make for a good selection of potential countesses. He knew them all, and there would not be a fresh face amongst them—unless Grandmamma had resources of which he was unaware.
Thomas could not help himself. He found he was back in Chatsworth and headed toward the Barnett Bakery. Jenny… Jenny… why could he not get her out of his mind? She was totally inappropriate and absolutely devastating at the same time. He knew full well this errand was not his to do. He had a staff to attend to these matters. It was insane. He was insane. But he was doing it just the same.
He reined in his horse and dismounted in front of the shop.
Inside, he was greeted by the young lad who had helped him with the teacakes on his first visit.
“I should like to speak to Miss Jenny, if I may, young man.”
“One moment, please, sir.” And the boy disappeared into the back of the bakery.
“Hello?” Jenny said as she came out from the back, tucking a strand of hair behind an ear. “Oh, hello, Your Grace. How can I help you?”
Thomas looked around the crowded shop. A number of ladies were placing orders, and it was difficult to speak openly.
“Might I have a word with you in private? I have a proposition I should like to discuss with you.”
Jenny thought for a moment. “My father’s office is available. It is not very neat, but it should serve.”
“Very well.”
Jenny led the way through the door into the bakery and along a corridor to the office.
It was indeed a messy office. Ledgers, cookbooks, stacks of invoices, product samples, and periodicals were piled on top of the desk, a side table, and across a series of shelves.
“I am sorry about the state of the office, but please have a seat, Your Grace,” Jenny said offering him the only chair.
“Did you want to place an order?” she asked, leaning back against the desk.
“In a way. But it is slightly more than that.”
“Very well.”
“My Grandmother and I are to give a ball in September and it is to be a rather grand affair. And I have to admit to the fact that I have become quite enamored of your delicious pastries.”
“Thank you. That is very nice.”
“And what I wanted to propose was that you come to Pemberton for the week before the ball and act as our pastry chef for the dinner we will be hosting during the dance.”
“Oh…”
“I know it will take you from your work here, but I am willing to pay quite well, and I shall offer you a pleasant room for your stay so that you need not travel back and forth each day.”
“Do you know exactly what you will require from me?” she asked in a professional manner.
“Here is a list of our needs.” He handed her a paper from his pocket.
She studied it. “It is quite extensive. How many guests are you having?”
“Close to one hundred from what my Grandmother tells me. But the number could fluctuate before the final day. It would be better to make more than less.”
She thought for a moment. “Let me speak to my father about this. It will mean my family will need to stand in for me while I am gone, creating extra work for them.”
“I would be willing to pay for your replacement if necessary.”
Jenny laughed. “No one can replaceme. I will be right back, Your Grace.”
Jenny left and was gone for several minutes before she returned with her father.
