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 the mother 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.”

“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.

“It certainly is a blustery day, but I was out visiting Lady Barth in any case, so it is no great inconvenience to stop by here.”

“May I offer you some tea, or have you already had some with Lady Barth?”

Elizabeth gave a dismissive wave and said, “She only drinks coffee. Have you ever heard of such an outrage? Filthy habit. So, yes I shall have tea with you.”

She sat down and adjusted her white crocheted, fingerless gloves.

Wilcox turned to Munson. “We will have our tea now if you please.”

“Right away, Milord.”

Wilcox went and sat in the chair opposite her Ladyship. “Elizabeth, I have just returned from the country. My nephew gave a ball and I was required to attend. Quite lovely, but, of course, it could not compare to the events we attend in London. Rather provincial, you know.”

“Yes, I heard. Several of my lady friends attended and they spoke to me about you.”

Ah, his mother’s work, no doubt, Wilcox thought. So, her advocacy on his behalf had worked. He was most pleased.

He said, “Of course, the ball was not a complete waste of time. There were many fine ladies and gentlemen in attendance—and many from London. However, you were not in attendance, so, for me, the event could never be complete.”

“Oh, Your Lordship…”

“Please, call me Wilcox, Elizabeth.”

“You flatter me, Wilcox. Really. It is quite unnecessary.”

“But when one admires…” he let the thought drift off as they gazed into the fire.

The tea was then brought in and served in relative silence.

But when Munson was gone, Wilcox asked, “Do you travel often?”

“Not as much these days since… well, since my dear husband passed away.”

“I quite understand. But would it be improper of me to ask if you ever go to France?” He had heard rumors, and wanted to press his case.

“As a matter of fact, I am taking a house in Antibes this coming summer. It is by the sea and offers the most delightful cooling breezes.”

“It sounds splendid.” However, she was not forthcoming with an invitation, so he pressed forward. “I often travel in that region, myself, in the summer but I have as yet to stay in one place for too long. I quite like Cannes, but the beaches can be so crowded—and mostly with Germans. Not at all pleasant.”

“Then you must stop by and visit me if you are in the area.”

Excellent. She had taken the bait. “Oh, Elizabeth, I would not wish to impose myself…”

“It would be no imposition. The house is quite large and as I have fewer friends each year as I get older, most of the bedrooms are unoccupied.”

Wilcox let her invitation linger for a moment, not wanting to seem too eager. “I shall certainly consider it. But most pleasant would be the opportunity to spend more time with you.”

“Wilcox, you are too kind. I have no idea why you would wish to spend a week or two with me. I am not always the best company. I rarely bathe in the sea, often get summer colds, and retire early in the evening.”

“But we could play cards, take carriage rides to visit the small villages in the hills to lunch, and I might even bring a jigsaw puzzle along to entertain us in the evenings.”

“That might be amusing. And I know Lord Linton would be grateful for the added company, as well. He often complains that it is too quiet of an evening.”

Lord Linton… who was that? Wilcox thought. Not another admirer? This could be very dicey. Lord Linton… Lord Linton… He was trying to recall if he knew the man.

“And Lady Linton? Will she also be visiting?” he asked to assess the lay of the land.

“Oh, Lady Linton passed away two summers ago. And since then, his Lordship and I have grieved and consoled each other.”

This did not sound promising—a rival. “But certainly, he must find some consolation from his children?”

Elizabeth touched her handkerchief to her eyes in a most charming manner. “No, the couple was childless.”

This was not good. The old goat was after Elizabeth as well. Now he would need to up his game and accelerate his plan. He needed to land Elizabeth before next summer. He could not afford to wait until she and Linton were alone together in Antibes. He would need to re-strategize.