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“I suppose I did say that, and it is true. But, oh, Mrs. Swinton, I could scarcely bear the scent of it! The cook we had then always made a fish pie for me on those days. He never expected me to eat the nasty organ meats.”

“What a blessing that you do not like them, since Dr. Alton has said that they will aggravate your gout should you eat them. Apparently they do something to the humours of the blood, a sort of thickening that is harmful.”

“I will own that the baked apple you prepared was much more appealing,” the Duchess averred. “So, what shall you do today?”

Evelyn felt her face heat up.

“Aha! Something to do with Mr. Rudge, is it not so?”

“Yes, Your Grace. The vicar is coming up from the village to discuss the possibility that we might wed.”

“Oh, you sly boots! Well, I cannot think of a finer man or finer cook. Will you continue on here at the Dower House?”

“First, we will get Mayson well,” Evelyn said. “Then we shall see. If you have no objection to our marriage, I cannot think why we might not continue on for a time. But we have discussed going abroad to start a new life.”

“I can see the appeal of that. Forging a different world, wresting your living from the wilderness. But Mrs. Swinton, what will I do without you?”

“That is the one reason we might continue on, Your Grace. Both of us have grown fond of you. But Mr. Rudge has been training Jemmy. How did you find your breakfast?”

“Excellent! The scones were perfection, the tea brewed just as I like. Betty did a good job serving it. But, my dear child, she is not you.”

“I don’t know what to say, Your Grace. Perhaps we could send to the agency and start training another companion.”

“I suppose that makes sense,” the Duchess said sadly. “But no matter how competent she might be, a new companion will not be you.”

“I know,” Evelyn said, sitting down on the ottoman so she could face the Duchess. “But if I have the training of her, at least I will know that I am leaving you in good hands. I would not have you worried by another companion who is more concerned with setting her cap for the Duke than with your care.”

“Well, well.” The Duchess pulled a long face. “Young people all eventually go off on their own, it is the way of things. Will you at least write to me?”

“Oh, most assuredly, Your Grace! I would be honored to correspond with you. I do hope you will write back.”

“Of that you may be certain, Mrs. Swinton. Although, I suppose you will be Mrs. Rudge by then.”

Evelyn gave a little laugh. “I certainly hope to be. But we are not yet wed, Your Grace. Today’s visit from the vicar will only be a discussion of when and where. Mr. Rudge and I are in agreement as to joining our fates, but we have not yet determined when.”

“Do let me know your plans, as soon as you have them firmly in mind, Mrs. Swinton. There is nothing more delightful than planning a wedding. I do hope you will let me help?”

“To be sure, Your Grace. I can think of nothing I would like better.”

“Then do go directly, and bring in those books of wedding gown pictures. Oh, and all the broadside sheets, as well. We cannot have you poorly turned out.”

“Keep in mind, Your Grace, that I am not a lady, with limitless funds.”

“To be sure you are not, my dear. But with my help, we can put together an attractive and practical trousseau, as well as a gown suitable for a widow embarking upon her second marriage. I am not so lost to practicality as to not recognize that a gown suitable for, oh, say Blanche, would not be a good choice for you at all. But there is no reason why we cannot have an enjoyable time looking over the patterns.”

“Indeed, it would be a pleasant way to pass the time, Your Grace.”

“And a practical one, Mrs. Swinton. If you are to head out into the wilderness, I think you shall need some gear other than that suitable to be worn about this modest establishment.”

Evelyn laughed. “Oh, Your Grace! You are the most complete hand! I can promise you that I have clothing that could be worn as a frontier wife.”

“That is good to know. But I shall see to it that you start your new life well provided with a modest trousseau, and perhaps some household goods besides.”

Seeing that there was no dissuading the Duchess, Evelyn cheerfully went to the library and brought back a stack of pattern books, as well as two or three travelogues recounting travels in the wilderness.

They were cheerfully engaged in reading one of the travelogues, when Mr. Wilson politely tapped at the door. “There are several gentlemen here to see Mrs. Swinton,” he said. “They include Dr. Alton, Constable Morris, the vicar, and two gentlemen who came with the constable.”

“Goodness! You certainly should go see them, Mrs. Swinton!” the Duchess exclaimed. “I shall look over these woodcuts, and I will be here when you return.”