Prunella laughed. “No, that is my grandmother. But quite a striking resemblance, would you not say?”
“Astonishing,” he said turning first to her and then back to the portrait to admire the likeness.
“She was a Duchess. The Duchess of Devon. Married my grandfather who was in parliament, so they moved to London. The family has been here ever since, although we also hold a country house in Somerset.”
Thomas leaned in to see who painted the portrait. “Most impressive.”
Prunella came over and took Thomas’s arm again. “And over here we have a quite delightful Gainsborough. My grandfather actually knew the painter, and this was painted at his request.”
Just then, the door opened and Lady Alderman, the elder, entered.
“Here you are. I have been informed luncheon is ready to be served,” the very distinguished, trim, and attractive lady said.
“Mother, this is His Grace, the Duke of Pemberton. And we are soon to be a part of his racing organization.”
“Oh yes, Your Grace,” she bowed her head slightly. “You are most welcome to our home. And Prunella just told me about your business. Most interesting. When will your first race be?”
“Uncertain at this juncture. But certainly, by the start of the new racing season. We are currently training two horses and hope to add two more to our stable in the next couple of weeks. And you are both welcome to come to Pemberton at any time to see how your investment is being used.”
“Charming. I should like that,” Mother said.
“As should I,” Prunella said, taking Thomas’s arm again. “Shall we go to lunch?”
Chapter 26
The lunch was a delightful interlude, with both gentlemen enjoying the light and breezy conversation of the two fine ladies.
After the lunch was concluded, George ended up with Prunella, as they left the dining room first, with Thomas lagging behind as he accompanied Lady Alderman.
Her Ladyship slowed the pace slightly and said, “My daughter spoke so highly of your ball the other day.”
“I am pleased she enjoyed herself.”
“She tells me the two of you have a sympathetic affinity.”
“Is that so?” Thomas said, smiling inwardly as he realized he was receiving themother talk. “We had a lovely conversation and, I have to admit, I do find your daughter most sympathetic.”
“And I can say on great authority your feelings are reciprocated.”
“I am pleased to hear that.”
The two walked in silence for a moment or two, trailing Prunella and George to the drawing room.
Then Her Ladyship stopped and said, “You might like to know that my daughter brings a quite substantial living with her when she marries.” Thomas nodded but did not feel it appropriate to ask the amount.
They continued to stroll toward the drawing room and just before entering, Her Ladyship leaned in and whispered, “Well over forty thousand—a year.” And she patted his arm.
* * *
Jenny and Claudia were taking a break, as the pies were in the oven and they had at least half an hour to share a few moments of rest, after a hectic morning. It was nearing the height of the harvest time, and it was time to lay up pears, apples and quinces for the winter and to dry as many other fruits as possible to use in baking for the Christmas holidays and into the new year, until the first fruits of the new season would be available again.
“Have you had any letters from Jeremiah?” Jenny asked.
Claudia had a stick she used to scratch under her cast when her ankle itched, and she dug furiously to ease her discomfort as she said, “Two. The first one talked all about his trip to the university in Gloucester with great details about the change of horses at the inn. The second was all about his rooms and how dull they were and how many books he needed to check out of the library. And he added a postscript at the end that said he misses me.”
Jenny laughed. “Oh, dear, very stalwart but not very romantic.”
“Well, you know… men.”
