Helena was in Chatsworth to have her favorite pair of shoes repaired at the cobblers. It has been over a week since the ball, and she had not seen or heard a word from Jenny. She did not like to disturb her at the bakery when she was working, but she was sincerely worried about her. So, she had no qualms about stopping by to say hello and see what was happening with her these days.

The bakery was busy when she went inside and both Robert and Claudia were assisting customers. Helena knew her way around the bakery, so she slipped through the door from the shop and went looking for Jenny in the back. She found her, up to the elbows in a vat of dough, and when Jenny looked up and saw her, she began to cry.

“What?” Helena asked, going over to her friend and putting her arm around Jenny’s shoulder.

Jenny was covered in dough and flour and could only wipe her eyes by rubbing them against her upper arms.

“Jenny, dearest, what is the matter?”

Looking around the shop to see the state of her work, Jenny wiped down her arms and said, “Come, Helena, I have something to tell you.” She turned to her mother and said, “I will be right back.”

“Is there anything in the oven I should watch?” she asked.

“Not yet.”

Jenny led Helena out of the shop and up to their flat above the bakery. They sat in the sitting room facing each other. Jenny took out a handkerchief and wiped her eyes again and blew her nose. She then proceeded to tell Helena about her last meeting with Thomas and what he had told her.

Helena lowered her head before saying, “Yes, I know about Lady Alderman. George told me about their meeting in London and the fact that she has become an investor in their business. George also told me about their budding romance. I am so sorry, Jenny.”

“I have no one to blame but myself,”

“And why do you say that?” Helena asked.

“I know his Grace cannot marry someone like me. I know he needs to marry a lady with money… and yet… there was that little part of me that hoped. We had a connection, I know it, but it was just a fantasy on my part. I should not have allowed myself to think otherwise.”

“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.”

“I do, as we enjoy eating them all winter long.”

“What have you there?” she asked seeing him holding a letter.

“This is what I have come about. It is a letter from Lady Alderman requesting a visit with her mother and sister at our convenience. She says it is to follow up on her investment, but I suspect what she really wants to do is size us up.”

Grandmamma chuckled. “And very wise of her I must say. After all, I am certain she does not want to marry a pig in a poke.”

“But do you not find it a bit calculating?”

“Why would that be? Are you not doing the same with her? Would there be any interest in her on your part if she were penniless?”

Thomas had to admit she did have a point. “Then you feel comfortable having her come for a visit?”

“Of course, my dear Thomas. As far as I am concerned she just might make the perfect duchess. And I shall be certain to spend some time with her so that we can get acquainted. I feel a woman’s perspective might help you make your decision.”

“Then I shall send her a note this afternoon,” he said, standing to leave.

“Oh, Thomas, did you not tell me the new horses were due today?”

“Yes, later. And I have to say, I am very excited. Now we can really get our business going.”

“But do you not still need to raise some capital?”

“We do, and I have not forgotten. However, we needed to buy these horses or lose them.”

“I shall be jam-making with cook this afternoon, but as soon as they arrive, let me know. I would very much like to see them and feed them each an apple.”

Wilcox needed to go almost directly to Gloucestershire to visit with Ralph and pay the first half of the money for the illicit shipment. However, he also needed to follow through with the Widow Monmouth. He could not afford to let her fall into Lord Linton’s grasp without a fight.

He knew that she was at home and receiving guests on Wednesday afternoons, so he decided to surprise her with a charming nosegay of violets.

Entering her salon for tea, he was surprised to see another gentleman seated across from her at the tea table.

“Lady Monmouth,” he said crossing to her. “I was passing by my favorite flower shop and saw these and thought of you.” He bowed and presented the nosegay to her.

“Oh, Lord Mowbray, how lovely, and how kind you are. This seems to be my day for flowers. Lord Linton also brought me that lovely bouquet.” She pointed to a large sumptuous flower arrangement that stood on the top of the piano that made his little offering seem quite insignificant. “You have met, have you not?”

“I have not had the pleasure,” Wilcox said, in a strangled voice.

“Lord Linton, Lord Mowbray… Mowbray… Linton,” she said waving her hand at them. “Tea, Mowbray?”

Wilcox scowled at Linton. The huge man was seated in his chair like he had outgrown it and needed to shed it to be comfortable. His complexion was sallow, his hands spotted, and he stared through his monocle as though he had just stumbled upon a corpse.

“Come join us,” Elizabeth said, patting his place at the table.

Wilcox reluctantly complied—his mind churning with how to deal with this situation. He was quite able to manipulate Elizabeth when she was alone, but he was uncertain how he would fare with Linton present.

Wilcox began, “Lord Linton, where is your seat?”

“Huh? I do not follow,” Linton replied.

“Your estate? Where do you live?”

“Ah… Kent. Coast. Near Margate. Cattle and sheep.”

“Gloucestershire. I am currently associated with shipping,” Wilcox added.

“Hmm,” Linton said and then went quiet.

Wilcox turned to Elizabeth. “I am on my way back to Gloucestershire for a spell. Business calls. And I was thinking, if you were free, you might want to come for a visit. I have a fine property and can offer some excellent riding. I could set up a few dinner parties, and you might want to visit the cathedral. A fine example of a Norman abbey church turned into a delicious gothic cathedral.”

“I may not consider a trip at the moment,” she said. “My responsibilities require my staying in London for the time being.”

“Another time perhaps.”

“Perhaps.”

Linton leaned forward as much as his paunch would allow and said, “I have a box for the opera on Thursday next, and I am putting together a little supper after. I would be so honored if you could attend both. His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales shall be attending. And I believe he will be accompanied by her Highness, the Princess Wittlesbach.”

“How charming, I should love to attend.”

“As my escort, of course,” Linton added.

Elizabeth smiled and turned the crust of her sandwich over on her plate.

Wilcox could not compete with that. He had no recourse but to offer the most outrageous lie. “Oh, yes, Princess Wittlesbach. I understand she just returned from Bath. It seems she was being treated for a debilitating disease she contracted from some Russian Grand Duke or other in Heidelberg. But I understand she is only lightly scarred.” Elizabeth registered profound shock. Wilcox stood, and said with a bow, “Now, if you will excuse me, I really must be going. I have my weekly visit to comfort the poor orphans at Saint Catherine Labouré.” And with that, he bowed again and left.