“Hello,” a male voice called out from inside of the bakery.
“Out here,” Jenny answered.
Evan appeared at the bakery door. “They said you would be out here. Good morning.”
He came over to Jenny and she stood up to greet him. “Has the market finished already?” she asked.
“Not yet, but I wanted to break away for a moment to tell you I am leaving for Bristol tomorrow, and I did not want to leave without saying good-bye.”
Jenny put her arms around him. “Oh, leaving already? I thought it was another week?”
“It was, but I had a friend who was headed to Bristol and he offered me a direct ride, so I accepted.” He looked a little sad.
Jenny held on to his hands and gazed at him.
“I will write,” he offered. “Will you answer?”
“Of course. In fact, Claudia and I were just discussing the letters she has had from Jeremiah since he left for college.”
“Hello, Claudia. Are you on the mend?”
“I am but cannot wait to get rid of this blasted cast,” she said, scratching furiously again.
Evan turned his attention back to Jenny. “I shall not see you again before I leave.” He choked up a little and had to clear his throat. “I will miss you terribly, and I hope you will not forget me.”
“How could I? We have spent a wonderful summer together. And despite the accident at the picnic, it has been a picnic,” she said laughing at her own joke.
Evan looked quickly at Claudia then said to Jenny. “Do you have time to walk with me a little?”
“I have pies in the oven, but I have about ten minutes.”
He led the way back through the bakery and they strode onto the square. Then, taking her arm, he said, “I am so very fond of you, Miss Jenny. I know we have not had a lot of time together, but I want you to know that… you do not have to answer me now… but I want you to know I would consider it a great honor if you would accept my hand in marriage.”
Jenny blanched and pulled away a little.
“I know. I know. It is too soon. That is why you do not need to answer me immediately. But at least think about it.”
“Oh, Evan…”
“I will be back again in the spring to help with the planting. And back again in the summer to help with the market. And… well, I will be finishing up the apprenticeship and taking my next step… although I do not know what it will be just yet.” He stopped talking and bent his head to look into her lowered eyes. “Please think about it. Will you do that?”
Jenny was confounded with confusion. It had not been that long ago that she had been to the ball and felt so inferior in the Duke’s world. But she could not get it out of her mind that he felt something for her. Something deep and lasting that could blossom into… she did not know what, but it depended on him to decide to act. She could not.
But she was now back in her routine at the bakery. It was familiar and comfortable. And Evan was someone she cared for and who cared for her as well. It was simple. It was real. It was a good fit.
“Yes, Evan, of course, I will think about it. And if you are able, write me and I will respond.”
Evan had a big grin on his face. He took her by the shoulders and then leaned in and kissed her on both cheeks.
“I had best let you go. Cannot serve your customers pies with black crusts.”
Jenny leaned over and kissed him and squeezed his hands. “Thank you, dear Evan. I will see you when you return.” And she turned and ran back to the shop.
* * *
“Lady Monmouth, Milord,” Munson said, ushering the Widow into Wilcox’s sitting room.
“Elizabeth, I am so happy you could come for tea on such a chilly afternoon,” Wilcox said offering her a choice chair by the fire.
