Joy to the World by Carolyn Miller

Author:Carolyn Miller
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Published: 2020-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 10

SHE OUGHTN’T TO have let Leah coax her into spending their afternoon off shopping. It was now the second week of December, and Jenny hadn’t yet visited the village. But Mrs. Fletcher had agreed to tend Anna, Robbins had announced himself free to drive them, and Leah had begged for Jenny’s help choosing material for a new gown.

Of course, Jenny had no intentions of purchasing anything herself. She made do with her old dresses and one Mrs. Fletcher had given her, which she’d altered to fit her smaller measurements. But she let herself be swept away by Leah’s debating over which muslin might suit her best. It was obvious the question really was, Which muslin might suit her best in the eyes of a certain footman?

“The green muslin would bring out the shade of your eyes.” Jenny ran her fingertips over the lightweight fabric. “And it would not show wear as easily as the rose figured.”

Leah bit her lip. “But the rose figured is so light and beautiful.”

The bell above the door jangled.

“Good day to you, Mrs. Garmond,” called the woman at the front counter. “Here to pick up your parcels?”

Leah studied the two bolts of fabric side by side. “Perhaps I ought to look at some ribbon before I make up my mind. You should see if there are any other muslins you like.” She wove her way through the crowded shop toward the display of ribbons.

Jenny pulled a bolt of cream muslin with an aubergine print and laid it next to the others. Muted voices drifted to where she stood. She gave a quick glance over her shoulder. The back of the lady’s bonnet and her dress of deep puce suggested an older woman of some distinction.

“… the maid from Amberly Hall,” whispered the woman behind the counter.

Jenny stilled.

“He still employs servants, then?”

“Indeed. Every so often, one of them comes into the village on some business or another. My son Frank, who works for the butcher, makes frequent deliveries to the Hall.”

“Has he ever seen him?” the woman named Mrs. Garmond asked.

“Well, no. Of course, Frank never stays long. He says the place gives him the shivers. All overgrown and shuttered up. If I didn’t know better, I’d say it was altogether abandoned.” Warming to the topic, she neglected to whisper.

Jenny feigned interest in the fabric. It was Lord Amberly they spoke of. Despite the impropriety of eavesdropping, she couldn’t check the urge to hear what they said.

“Perhaps it is. Perhaps he’s not there at all, and his servants haven’t bothered to tell anyone. And why would they, if the lazy things could continue to live off what’s left of the money?” Mrs. Garmond tittered.

The woman behind the counter clucked her tongue. “I very much doubt that, Eliza. We would’ve heard if he’d passed on, surely.”

“Though who can say how alive he is. No one’s had so much as a glimpse of him since he returned from the war.”

“Save for the Fishers’ lad George. At least, George said he saw him.

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