As the carriage pulled away, Nicholas drummed his fingers on his knees. After five years, he would finally meet the mysterious Mr. Thompson. He had plenty of questions he wanted to ask. And he would also thank him for all he had done. But as his mind returned to Jenny, he realized he had plenty to tell her as well. And no matter what happened with this meeting, tonight he would say what needed to be said.
* * *
There is a thin line between fear and excitement, and Jenny was balancing upon it. She had received a strange letter from Mr. Thompson, asking to meet him at Yeats Park at six this evening. Why would he be wishing to meet with her? Had he learned about her charade of playing his son? If so, how angry was he?
Perhaps he was impressed.
“I’m accused of all sorts of mischief,” Louisa said with an indignant sniff as they hurried through the village. “And here I am with you meeting a man you don’t even know!”
Jenny laughed from a mixture of both nerves and excitement. “You must admit, you’re enjoying yourself.”
Louisa shot her a devilish grin. “I adore it!”
They both laughed.
Jenny went to gain permission from Mrs. Rutley to leave. It was to her luck that the headmistress was occupied with two of the newer students and, therefore, responded with nothing more than a short wave of her hand.
Mr. Neil Barker, the landlord of the theater, gave them a polite nod as they walked past. A man of considerable height, Mr. Barker never wore clothes that fit him properly. It was as if everything he owned was made for a far heavier man.
“Hello, ladies,” he said, a small carpet in his hand. “Give Mrs. Rutley my best wishes, will you?” Jenny was not surprised by the request. Every year when the students toured the theater, whenever he spoke to their headmistress, Mr. Barker would blush to his ears.
Louisa nodded. “We shall, Mr. Barker. We don’t mean to be rude, but we’re in a bit of a hurry.” When they were far enough away, she whispered, “That poor man is in love with her.”
As they drew nearer to the park, Jenny pulled her pelisse in tighter. It was not exceptionally cold but doing so gave her a sense of comfort. Sadly, doing so did not match being embraced by Nicholas. She still missed being in his company. Would she ever rid herself of the love she had for him?
Not likely.
“There, near the bench,” Louisa whispered as they entered the park. “That must be he.”
The sun sat low on the horizon, and the trees cast a mysterious shadow on Mr. Thompson.
“Let me approach him alone, first,” Jenny said.
“I don’t think that’s wise,” Louisa replied. Jenny could hear the frown in her voice.
Jenny turned toward her friend. “You don’t have to leave. Just allow me some time alone. He may not like the idea that I brought a friend. Nicholas has told me that he’s a very private man. What if he refuses to speak to me once he sees you?”
“Fine,” Louisa said, motioning to her left. “But I’m circling through the trees to watch in case anything happens.”
Thanking her, Jenny moved down the path. As she drew closer to Mr. Thompson, his form became clearer. As did his voice.
“Spot! Where are you?”
“Mr. Thompson?” Jenny asked.
The man turned. He had white hair and wore a kind smile. “Sorry, miss, you’ve got the wrong man. I’m searching for… there he is! If you’ll excuse me.” He hurried across the grass toward a brown and white pug running in circles.
Jenny turned away from the older man and surveyed the area, hoping to catch a glance of Mr. Thompson.
Of course, no one was there. No one was mad enough to be outside on such a chilly evening.
Except me.
“Jenny, what are you doing here?”
Spinning around, Jenny’s heart jumped into her throat upon seeing Nicholas approaching. Wearing a long, black overcoat, he was still as handsome as ever. Oh, but how she loved him!
How unfortunate he was such a scoundrel.