Page 29 of A Pure Lady for the Broken Duke
As Jenny watched her family engaging in conversation, she felt such pride. Her family members were good people. Not sophisticated—although her parents had insisted on a good education for all of the children. But they were kind, hardworking and, though they could be rough around the edges, they were the very essence of the solid British working class.
Jenny’s attention was caught by Claudia who looked so lovely dressed up. And for the first time she was starting to look like a woman—losing some of her girlishness as she carried on a conversation with Jeremiah.
Evan interrupted her thoughts by asking, “Have you ever traveled outside of Gloucestershire?”
Jenny sighed before answering, “I have not, although I long to. I have always wanted to at least visit London one day.”
“Then perhaps you shall.”
“Do you like living in Bristol?” Jenny asked.
“It is a fair city. But I do not have a lot of time for leisure as I am working and learning almost every day.”
“And where do you live. Is it nice?”
Evan laughed. “I live in a room behind the print shop. It is about as basic as one can imagine. I have a view of an alleyway and I take my meals with the printer and his family. I have to say, I am looking forward to having my own shop one day soon.”
“And how will you accomplish that? Is it not expensive to set up a print shop?” Jenny asked as she offered Evan another serving of lamb from the platter.
“I and my parents have been putting some money aside. And one day…” He cast her a quick glance, “...might you be at my side?”
She did not answer but thought about her own hopes and dreams. Would she ever break free of her life in this small village? She could not help but think of the fine house she hoped to someday work in—fashioning her delicious cakes, pies, and pastries. A house like Pemberton, she could not help thinking, remembering her visit with the Duke. She could just imagine making her pastries in a fine house like that.
Evan was still waiting for an answer from her.
“How much longer is your apprenticeship?” she asked.
“I should finish by the end of the year,” he said. “Then I would like to work for a year or so as a typesetter before I think about setting up my own shop.”
She smiled. “You are an ambitious young man. I wish you well.”
“Oh, do play your lute for us Jenny,” Mama asked, as the dinner had ended, and the guests departed the dining room.
“I have not practiced in ages, Mama,” Jenny said shyly.
“Something simple, daughter,” her father urged. “It is so nice to have a happy tune after a fine dinner.”
Jenny caught Claudia’s encouraging smile as Jeremiah took her arm and escorted her to a sofa.
“Very well. But please forgive my mistakes.”
Jenny brought out her lute and sat on a chair as the guests and family settled into chairs, and Mother brought in a tray with freshly made coffee.
Stumbling through her first song she regretted not having more time for practice. But no one seemed to mind, and she received hearty applause when she was done, relieved to be able to take a cup of coffee and relax in after-dinner conversation.
After the evening was over and the two young men left, Claudia came over to Jenny and asked, “How did you enjoy yourself?”
“It was a pleasant evening,” she answered.
“Only just pleasant?”
“I enjoyed myself. And I noticed that you and Jeremiah were deep in conversation. You barely said a word to the rest of the family the entire evening,” Jenny teased. “Are you two becoming serious?”
Claudia did a dancing twirl down the hallway as they headed to their bedrooms. “Oh, Jenny, he is themostwonderful man I have ever met. I believe I am quite falling for him.” Then she twirled back to Jenny and took her arm. “And your Evan? Does he make you tingle?”
“He is very sweet, and I like him a lot. But I am not as exuberant as you are and am not all that anxious to enter into any serious romance just yet.”
“But why? You are two-and-twenty and should be thinking of marriage quite soon. Evan seems to be a very decent fellow. I would think you would be happy to have found such a fine young man.”
