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Taking a big breath of courage, she held her shoulders straight, continuing toward her aunt’s house. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Mr. Jacobs and his daughter coming from down the street. He still leaned heavily on a cane as his daughter skipped around him, laughing.

When they noticed her, he raised his hand in greeting. Tabitha waved back. Little Joanna squealed and ran toward Tabitha. Her heart grew warm from the girl’s endearing response.

“Miss Paget,” Joanna said out of breath, “it’s so nice to see you again.”

Tabitha smiled as she tapped her finger on the girl’s nose. “And I’m happy to see you, too.”

“Would you like to join my father and me for a walk?”

Tabitha lifted her gaze as Mr. Jacobs neared. He gave her a nod as his eyes gleamed with excitement.

“Good day, Miss Paget.”

“Indeed, it’s a very pleasant day, and now that I have seen the two of you, my day is much brighter.”

Joanna clasped her father’s hand. “Papa? I asked Miss Paget to join us in our walk.”

He bobbed his head. “Yes, that would be very enjoyable.”

Although Tabitha really should accept their offer—mainly to keep her mind off Nic—she really wanted to be alone right now. “As thrilling as that sounds, I’m actually on my way back home. I’ve done my walking this morning and I find myself exhausted.”

Mr. Jacobs’ smile waned. “I understand. Perhaps another time.”

“Yes, that would be wonderful, thank you.”

He nodded again. “Then I wish you a good day.” Taking his daughter’s hand, he turned and limped away.

Guilt gnawed at her gut, and she felt sorry for turning him down.

He might not be the man who’d take away the memories of Nic, but what if no man could do that?

If that’s the case, then maybe she should give Mr. Jacobs a chance.

From what she knew about him, he seemed genuinely nice. He wasn’t bad on the eyes, either.

“Mr. Jacobs,” she called out, stopping him. “I was wondering…my aunt is having a luncheon tomorrow and I would like for you and Joanna to join us.”

Happiness brightened his face once more and he nodded. “We would be delighted to come.”

“Splendid. I shall inform my aunt. The two of you will be my special guests.”

Joanna bounced. “Thank you, Miss Paget. I cannot wait.”

Tabitha smiled at the little girl. “Neither can I. The luncheon is at one o’clock.”

“We shall be there,” he announced with much enthusiasm.

As Tabitha headed back to her aunt’s house, she realized she’d been inspired to invite Mr. Jacobs.

Now Aunt Clara and Mrs. Stiles would release the silly notion of getting Tabitha and Mr. Woodland together.

When they saw how sweet Mr. Jacobs was on Tabitha—and she would do her best to be just as nice in return—the two old ladies would finally know that Tabitha and the clergyman would never be together.

It hurt to admit that to herself. Dominic Lawrence would have been very loving and attentive, she was sure.

Well, for as long as she kept his interest, anyway.

But in the short time they’ve been together in North Devon, he had showered her with affection and kindness…

even if they were not going to last. Never in her life had she experienced such feelings.

She prayed there would be another man out there who would show her half of what Nic had shown her.

Maybe then, she could convince herself that it would be enough.

Lord Hawthorne would always be that one man she could never have. As long as she held the memories close, she was sure it would help her survive when she had to go through life without him.

It didn’t take her long to reach Aunt Clara’s house.

Once inside, she went straight to the older woman’s bedroom.

Aunt Clara was propped up in bed with pillows stuffed behind her, assisting her to sit up.

Mrs. Stiles sat in the chair next to the bed, reading aloud from a book.

When Tabitha entered, they both lifted their gaze to her.

“Did you have a nice walk, my dear?” Aunt Clara asked.

“Yes, I did. I saw Mr. Jacobs and his darling daughter on the way, and I stopped and chatted with them for a minute.”

Mrs. Stiles smiled. “He’s such a nice man.”

Tabitha nodded. “I agree, which is why I invited him and his daughter to the luncheon tomorrow.”

Both women gasped and their eyes widened. Aunt Clara slowly shook her head. “Why did you do that when you knew Mr. Woodland was coming?”

“Because I knew you wouldn’t mind.” Tabitha challenged sweetly.

“Two more people for the luncheon will not make that big of difference. Besides,” she quickly continued before her aunt or the companion could interrupt, “Mr. Jacobs is a lonely man. He’s been cooped up in his home far too long without company.

All I wanted to do was give him and his daughter a well-deserved outing. Is that so much to ask?”

Mrs. Stiles swung her head toward Aunt Clara as if waiting for the other woman to say something first. Tabitha could tell the companion wanted to talk, but hesitated.

Aunt Clara licked her dry lips and swallowed hard. “You have such a kind heart, Tabitha. Indeed, it’s not too much to ask. Mr. Jacobs and his daughter may come.” She met Mrs. Stiles’ gaze. “Will you make sure to add more food to our list? I’m sure it won’t be much trouble.”

“Uh…none at all, Clara.”

“I thank you, Aunt Clara.” Tabitha grinned. “I shall find Sally and she’ll be delighted to help you with the luncheon.”

Tabitha turned and hurried out of the room, not giving the ladies any opportunity to stop her.

However, she did hear them chatting in low voices, but knew not what they were saying.

Tabitha chuckled. Actually, she could guess what they were saying, and she’d be correct, too.

The two meddlesome old women were probably not very happy that Tabitha had ruined their matchmaking plans for tomorrow.

After looking throughout the house and not finding Sally, Tabitha wandered out back.

Sally stood by the gate, gazing at the sea in the distance.

She held a red tulip and twirled the stem between her finger and thumb.

The closer Tabitha came to her friend, she suspected something was bothering Sally.

Her shoulders were drooped, and from her profile, Tabitha noticed a frown marring her face.

Stopping beside her, Tabitha leaned against the gate. Sally straightened as if she tried not to let her see how sad Sally had been.

“Gazing at the ocean,” Sally said, “is very soothing, I think. I could become very attached to feeling this relaxed.”

Tabitha nodded. “As could I.” She turned her head and looked at her friend. “Is something amiss, Sally?”

Her maid chuckled and shook her head. “What could possibly be wrong with staring at the calming sea?”

“Sally,” Tabitha said in a motherly tone, “you know what I’m talking about, so don’t play coy with me.” She bumped her elbow against Sally’s. “I’ve known you long enough to know when something is wrong.”

The maid released a heavy sigh which brought a frown with it. “I’m just feeling melancholic. I suppose I’m a little jealous of your life. I wish I could find something to make my life happy.”

“Pardon me?” Tabitha’s voice lifted as she grasped Sally’s arm and turned her. As she studied the other woman’s eyes, she could see sadness. “You think my life is happy?”

Sally shrugged. “Things seem to be going well for you. Because your half-brothers are accepting you, they have helped you to become a better person. You will never have to be a servant again.”

Tabitha nodded, her heart aching for her friend. “I must admit, I never thought this would happen to me.”

“And now you have a handsome, wealthy man who adores you. The way I see it, you are on your way to having a happy life.”

“What are you talking about, Sally?” Tabitha shook her head. “I do not have a handsome, wealthy man who adores me.”

The maid arched an eyebrow. “Lord Hawthorne isn’t wealthy and handsome?”

“Well of course he is, but he doesn’t adore me, and I for certain don’t believe his flowery words are sincere.

It’s very hard to trust that man.” She flipped a hand through the air.

“Besides that, he is only acting this way because nobody here knows him. When he’s with his friends again, he’ll turn back into the accomplished rogue we remember. ”

Sally’s gaze narrowed. “Are you certain? He certainly acts sincere.”

“That’s why he’s an accomplished rogue. He knows just what to say to make a woman swoon.”

“Yes, you are probably right.” Sally’s gaze dropped to the tulip. “I suppose I’m still wishing for a man to take notice of me and fall in love with me.”

“It will happen.” Tabitha patted her friend’s shoulder.

“Be patient and things will happen for you.” She gestured her head toward the house.

“But let’s put our worries aside for now and help my aunt and Mrs. Stiles prepare the luncheon tomorrow.

I invited Mr. Jacobs and his daughter to join us, as well. ”

Sally’s eyes enlarged. “Mr. Jacobs? Why did you invite him when you know why your aunt is having this luncheon with Mr. Woodland?”

“That’s exactly why I invited Mr. Jacobs.” Tabitha grinned. “Because I don’t want my aunt or Mrs. Stiles to think there’s a chance that me and the clergyman…” She grimaced. “No, I’m sorry, but it will not happen that way. Not if I have anything to do with it.”

Laughing, Sally kept in step beside Tabitha on the way to the house. “Poor Mr. Jacobs. Does he know what he’s in for?”

“Probably not, but let’s not tell him. I fear he’ll run away and never return.” Tabitha snickered. “But it will be entertaining, nonetheless. I, for one, cannot wait to see Nic’s reaction.”

“Me, either.”

Tabitha grinned all the way to the house. Perhaps she shouldn’t be toying with these two men’s affections the way she was, but she couldn’t help it. Indeed, tomorrow afternoon would be most entertaining.