Page 57 of A Pure Lady for the Broken Duke

“Come,” Evan said as he headed along the cliff’s edge to where a vista opened up as they cleared the trees.

Jenny could see Chatsworth way off in the distance and the rolling hills and dales of the Cotswolds spread out farther than she had ever seen before. It was breathtaking. As she was enjoying the view, Evan took her hand and smiled at her when she looked at him.

“Thank you for this wonderful outing, Evan, it has been just delightful, and just the break I need before I launch into my week of cooking.”

“I hope this is just the beginning of many fine experiences,” he said. “I know we shall be separated for a period of time, but I trust you will not forget me, nor find another.”

Jenny smiled shyly. “Oh, Evan, I cannot say. You have your work and I have mine and they are both our dreams. Who knows where we shall be led. But I promise not to forget you. And I look forward to your return in time.”

Evan seemed saddened by her answer, as it was not what he hoped to hear. “I understand, Miss Jenny. But know that I shall forever keep you inmymind and heart.”

Jenny smiled and headed back toward the falls. Evan continued to hold her hand, and as they arrived at the edge where they could see the others, they looked down.

Claudia and Jeremiah were clambering over the rocks near the base of the falls.

Evan called down, “Be careful!”

Jeremiah looked up and waved. “We best go back now. It is still an hour’s drive back to Chatsworth and I do not want any of us to catch a cold.”

Evan led the way back down the trail, and in returning, they lost sight of the others until they reached the bottom of the path. As they walked out into the glen, Jenny was shocked to see Jeremiah, with a stricken expression, carrying Claudia carefully over the rocks back toward the picnic site.

Evan broke into a run. “What happened?” he shouted out.

“She fell and hurt her ankle.”

“Is it broken?” Jenny asked as she reached her sister.

Jeremiah was laying her on the blanket and Claudia’s face was twisted in pain and tears were streaming. Jenny kneeled beside her.

“I do not know,” Claudia said between sobs. “But it hurts horribly. I cannot walk.”

Jenny looked up at Evan and Jeremiah. “Do either of you know what to do?”

They both shook their heads.

“But we need to leave immediately,” Evan said.

“Maybe we should wrap her foot and ankle,” Jeremiah suggested.

Jenny turned to Claudia. “Do you think that will help?”

“We can try,” Claudia said wincing, as Jenny gently felt her ankle.

Evan took a napkin, folded it and wrapped it around Claudia’s injury.

“There, let us know if it causes you greater pain.”

Jeremiah then picked Claudia up in his arms and took her to the wagon where he sat her down on one of the secured chairs.

Jenny and Evan hurriedly packed the picnic basket, loaded it onto the wagon, and with all aboard they headed back toward Chatsworth as fast as possible.

Chapter 19

Wilcox was having tea with the widow, Lady Elizabeth Monmouth, at her house in Eaton Square. They were seated in her first-floor parlor overlooking the park—the room, south facing and sunny.

Her Ladyship had been a widow for over three years and had transitioned from wearing black to darker colors of grey, blue, and, on occasion, forest green. Her husband had been one of the directors of the British East Indian Company during his lifetime, and she was known by Wilcox to be one of the richest and most eligible elder ladies in London. However, she was plainer than a post—with a horsey face and large arthritic hands.

Wilcox began, “Lady Elizabeth, it was such a pleasure running into you at the opera the other evening with Lord and Lady Cartwright and your dear friend, Amelia.” She smiled as she dabbed her mouth with her napkin. Wilcox leaned forward as if to impart a secret. “But you were very naughty, Your Ladyship,” Wilcox said teasingly.