Thomas went to his chambers and changed into dry clothes. He was headed toward the Reginald Parlor with a most satisfied smile. What an astonishing morning it had been! He had gone out for a ride on a whim—never expecting to find a damsel caught in the rain. Miss Jenny Barnett, he thought. What a comely lass. He could not help but compare her to the many London women he had been flirting with recently, and he had to admit her fresh, open, and unadorned face pleased him greatly. But he knew nothing about her. She was from the village, but her family? Who were they? But as villagers, she would most probably come from a middle or working-class family—probably with no or little living and no title. Pity.

He left his room and walked down the stairs. He saw a footman was answering the front door and was surprised—and pleased—to see Helena enter.

“Dear friend,” he called out and went over to her. “Did you get caught in the rain as well?”

They exchanged kisses to both cheeks and she said, “Not at all. I came in my carriage. Did you get caught out? You look dry enough,” she asked as she took his arm.

“I have just changed. However, tea is to be served. Will you join me?”

“Delighted to.”

Thomas led her to the parlor where Willoughby was waiting to serve the tea.

Helena took off her bonnet and collapsed into a comfortable chair across from where Thomas sat down.

“Ah,” she cried out, flinging arms over the sides of the chair, leaning her head against the back, and staring at the ceiling as she held on to her bonnet. “My father is driving me insane.”

“Why is that?” Thomas asked.

“George…” she started to say, but then she stopped with the strangest expression.

“George what?”

“Nothing. Nothing,” she hurriedly said, then proceeded, “Father is constantly after me to agree to marry you.”

Thomas chuckled. “But I have not asked you to marry.”

Helena leaned forward and chuckled as well. “I know… But he is so insistent… So, I decided to come over today to see if there might be anyone else you are considering. If you were to marry someone else, he just might leave me alone with his nagging.”

Willoughby came over to Thomas and asked, “Shall I serve the tea now, Your Grace, or do you wish to wait for the young lady?”

“Young lady?” Helena asked, alerted to something interesting. “Then there is someone else?” she asked hopefully.

“We shall wait,” he said to the butler. He then turned to Helena again and said. “No. No. Nothing like that. It was a chance encounter in the rain. I happened upon a young village girl and assisted her.”

“And she is here?”

“She is drying off and should join us shortly.”

“Thomas Haddington, you rogue…” she teased.

He smiled shyly. “Helena, it is nothing like that. You know me better than that. I may have a reputation as a flirt, but I would never cross the line.”

They heard the door creak open, and Jenny quietly entered.

Helena looked up and cried out, “Jenny!”

“Helena?” Jenny replied, equally surprised.

“You know each other?” Thomas asked.

Helena rushed over and took Jenny in her arms. She broke free and turned to Thomas with one arm around Jenny’s shoulder. “We are the best ever friends. We have known each other since childhood.”

“Miss Barnett, then your family is associated with Helena’s father, the Earl?”

“You might say that. Our family often prepares pies for their social events.”

“Pies?” Thomas asked, not understanding.

Extending her hand, Helena invited Jenny to join them.

“The best pies and pastries for many miles around. The Barnett Bakery—surely you are aware of it in the village?” Helena asked.

Thomas’s hopes were dashed that Jenny might be part of the aristocracy. “I am not familiar with them.”

“Well, I know you have had some of their delicious treats when you have come to our parties. We buy from them all the time.” She leaned in and whispered, “Ever so much better than what our cook can do.”

“I see.” Thomas waved to Willoughby. “We will have the tea now.”

Willoughby began serving the tea. Helena and Jenny chatted amongst themselves for a moment before Helena turned to Thomas and said, “I am so happy the two of you have met—my two very best friends. I have longed for the two of you to meet, but there was never the opportunity before now.” She studied Jenny for a moment and asked, “Is this a new dress? I have not seen it before?”

Jenny laughed. “Oh, no. My clothes are drying after the rain, and this was lent to me.”

“It suits you. You really need to update your wardrobe, my dear.”

“But most of my days are spent making pies and I could never wear anything this fine in the bakery.”

“Well… just the same. If you are ever to meet a suitable young man, you will need to make yourself more presentable.” She turned to Thomas, “And what do you think, Thomas. Is not Jenny a vision of loveliness in this becoming dress?”

Thomas smiled. “She is indeed. I think you must have it, Miss Jenny. I believe it is a dress that was left behind by some guest or other, and it is of no use to anyone in this household.”

“Oh, Your Grace, I could not…” she replied sheepishly.

“Nonsense. You shall have it. Not another word. I insist.” He turned to Willoughby. “Will you see this dress is wrapped up and sent with Miss Jenny when she leaves and make certain she is sent home in my carriage.”

“Of course, Your Grace.”

“Oh, that is not necessary—I shall return Jenny home in my carriage,” Helena said

“As you wish.”

Thomas sat in his chair, his hands clasped under his chin, and studied the two women. He was filled with many strange emotions. His dear friend, Helena delighted him in so many ways. They had a deep bond that went back to childhood, but they were so comfortable and familiar and neither could ever imagine a marriage together.

And then there was Jenny—a totally unsuitable young lady—certainly without any living attached, and his uncle pressing him for a marriage with a substantial dowry. But Jenny… there was something about her he could not ignore. Not since Amanda, did he have feelings stir deeply within him. What could this mean? But he immediately shook off those thoughts. “Miss Jenny, I hope you have not caught a cold from your misadventure.”

“I feel quite well, Your Grace, thank you.”

Willoughby came by to refresh the guests’ tea. While he was serving, Jenny turned to Helena and asked, “Have you seen Mr. Edgerton…?” But Jenny suddenly caught herself and stopped when Helena gave her a subtle shake of her head.

Thomas picked up on that cue and asked, “You know George Edgerton?” he asked Jenny.

Jenny stammered a reply. “By name only… He… Sometimes he comes to the bakery…”

Helen threw her hands up in the air. “Oh, this is ridiculous…”

“What?” Thomas asked.

“My dear friend, I have been keeping a secret from you and it has been eating me alive.”

“A secret? Oh, Helena…”

“George Edgerton and I are courting.”

“George is my best friend, and he has said nothing to me about this.”

“I know… we decided to keep it a secret. We fear if my father finds out he will forbid us to meet. And that would be a tragedy of monumental proportions.”

Thomas could not help but laugh. “Then why not tell him? George is a very decent chap and would make a fine husband. And… he will come into a fine estate in time.”

“But father insists I marry a gentleman with a title. That is why he has insisted you and I marry.”

“I see.”

“And that is one reason I came to see you today. I was hoping I might see if there was any young lady who might have sparked your interest. If you were to marry someone else, then he might allow George and I to marry. I am sorry, it is very selfish of me, but we are desperate.”

“Hmm,” Thomas said, thinking aloud. “Why not tell him I am about to be engaged if that might help you.”

“You would do that? But who might I say is to be your intended?”

“Say it is a secret engagement. Make up some story or other. I care not.”

“I think I had better discuss this with George first. We agreed to keep our courting a secret and I do not want to go against his wishes.”

“Know that your secret is safe with me, dear friend. But do whatever works for you best.”

“Thank you. I shall speak with him soon and let you know what we decide.”

“And tell him he is a rotten friend for not telling me about you two courting.”

“Oh, he has wanted to tell you so badly. He will be relieved you know now.”

The maid came into the room, exchanged a few whispered words with Willoughby then disappeared.

“Miss Jenny, your garments are dried if you wish to change,” Willoughby said.

“Thank you.” Jenny turned to Helena. “I think I should change and am ready to leave when you are.”

Thomas felt a stab of disappointment when she said that.

“I am ready. I have had my little talk with Thomas and am now anxious to meet with George as soon as possible. I shall send him a note when I get home.”

Jenny stood up, nodded to Thomas, and left the parlor to change.