“And Evan?”
Jenny nodded, “Yes, Evan. Sweet Evan. He is back in Bristol now. I do not know for sure when he will return, but it will not be for several months.”
“And you care for him?”
Hesitating, Jenny finally said, “I do. Yes, I do.” But it sounded to Helena that Jenny was trying to convince herself of that fact.
Then Jenny shook off her self-indulgence and asked, “And you and Georgie? Are plans moving forward with the wedding?”
Helena told her about the surprise meeting with her father when George appeared at Aunt Rosemary’s.
Jenny could not help but laugh. “Then it is all settled? Your father accepts the marriage now?”
“Only reluctantly. And not with an open heart.”
“If there is anything I can do to help with the planning let me know,” Jenny said, “I should like to keep myself busy when I am not baking. And that reminds me, I need to return some of the books I borrowed from you and select a few more if I might?”
“Of course, anytime. How about you come to tea on Sunday, and you can choose whatever you like.”
“That sounds like a splendid idea. And I shall bring the teacakes.”
“I was hoping you would say that,” Helena teased.
* * *
Thomas was very excited. George and the trainer, Barnstable, had left three days ago to pick up the horses and they were due back this afternoon with the new colt and filly. He had to laugh as the filly was to be called Florabell to please Mr. Hargrove. But that was not a problem. However, they still needed to raise the final thirty percent of the investment if they were to move successfully into the new racing season.
Thomas went to the stables and made certain the stalls were readied for the new horses. All was well. But he was restless. At first, he thought he might visit Helena to take his mind off the waiting, but he decided against it—not knowing exactly what time the horses might arrive.
When he came back to the house, he was greeted by Willoughby with the morning post. Thomas took the letters and went to his study. He threw the post on his desk thinking to look at it later. But one letter caught his eye and he picked it up and opened it.
Berkeley Square
London
Your Dearest Grace (Or might I call you Thomas now?)
I have spoken to Mother and she and I would like to know if we might take you up on your kind offer to visit Pemberton? My sister, Cordelia, Mother, and I would love to see our investment in action and propose coming for a long weekend at your convenience. There need be no fuss made over our coming. We live a simple life and expect no special treatment. Think of us as just a part of the family.
Thomas found that to be an interesting turn of phrase. What might she be hinting at?
At present we are at liberty to come at any time, so just drop us a note and we will accommodate your schedule.
If there is anything you need from London, please let me know and I shall happily be your errand lady.
I remember you saying we might not ride the racehorses, but might you and I find time to ride together while there? I should love to see the extent of your lovely Pemberton.
With all Gracious Wishes,
Prunella Alderman
Thomas could not help but notice her reference to getting to know the extent of Pemberton. No doubt she was sizing him up, to see if he might be a worthy marriage candidate. There seemed to be a calculating side to her that he had not seen before. Or, perhaps, he was reading more into her note than was intended.
He would need to consult with his Grandmamma before replying and he went up to her rooms and knocked.
Sithens answered the door and bade him enter.
“Ah, Thomas, you caught me at the perfect moment. I was just going down to see cook about putting up the raspberries in a delicious jam. You know how I love to turn my garden produce into tasty treats.”
