Page 46 of A Pure Lady for the Broken Duke

“Good day, Your Grace, I am Geoffrey Barnett, the owner. Jenny tells me you want to hire her for a week or so up at Pemberton?”

“That is correct.”

“That is a most unusual request, Your Grace. Do you not have your own staff for such events?”

“I do, but I have developed a fondness for your daughter’s fine pastries, and I should like to share those with my guests.”

Her father smiled. “She is a fine one with the treats, is she not? I can understand you wishing her to do the work for you. But could you not just place an order with us and let us prepare the pastries here where we can all work together. All of us working would make a much shorter shift of the task.”

“Ah, but you see it is her touch I wish to hire.”

Father looked at Jenny. “What say you, lass?”

She pulled her father aside and said softly, but Thomas could still hear her say, “Papa, you know it has always been my dream to work as a cook in a fine house. This might be my only chance… or at least a beginning for me. Will you deny me this?”

Father turned back to Thomas. “And you would be supplying all the ingredients for these pastries? We would not be required to give you any?”

“I would like to purchase the fresh fruit I need myself, Papa. I know the best sources.”

“That would be fine,” Thomas said. “And yes, Mr. Barnett the house will provide all the supplies.”

“And what are you thinking to pay her, if I might ask?”

“How would a hundred pounds plus a room at Pemberton while she is working there sound?”

This was beyond Jenny’s wildest imagining. This is what she might realize in a year at the bakery.

Her father was also stunned by the offer. “Ah, Your Grace, if you do not mind, I should like to have a word with my daughter and her mother first.”

“Of course.”

The two left and, as Thomas waited, he found he was amused by the innocent simplicity of these folks. They were a most appealing family, and he felt a great deal of warmth toward them.

Jenny and her father returned accompanied by her mother.

“I should be happy and honored to accept the offer, Your Grace,” Jenny said. “When would you like me to start?”

Chapter 16

Mowbray was back at his estate in Gloucestershire as part of his plan to move forward with his new scheme to get back on his feet financially. He had planned his moves in great detail and his next move was to be the first crucial piece of his puzzle.

Wilcox had written a note to Lord Comerford requesting an audience. His Lordship had agreed to a meeting at ten o’clock this morning.

Wilcox was dressed in his finest suit and had ordered the carriage for nine-thirty.

He was extremely confident in his success because he had done his work in London and had exactly the information he needed to make certain his Lordship would accept the deal he would propose.

“Your Lordship,” Wilcox greeted as he entered Comerford’s study.

“My Lord Denham, good morning. I was pleased to get your note and am anxious to hear what you have to say. Your message was somewhat vague, so I am not exactly certain what you wish to see me about. Please have a seat. And might I offer you some refreshment?”

“I am rather partial to scotch if that is convenient.”

“Of course. A man after my own tastes.”

Ralph went to the sideboard, poured them each a glass, and handed one to Wilcox who seated himself by the fireplace. Ralph remained standing as he studied his guest.

Wilcox did not like to be seated while Ralph stood, so he stood up and casually walked to the nearest bookcase and glanced at the titles, before turning to face his host.