The Promise by Kate Worth

Author:Kate Worth [Worth, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Theresa Knight
Published: 2012-06-16T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

On her wedding day, Jane woke before dawn in her small room above Sugarmann’s Bakery for the last time. She carefully folded her belongings and tucked them into an old portmanteau then straightened the linens on her narrow pallet. She took down Pip’s drawings and stacked them on top of her clothing. After one last look, she went downstairs to the kitchen and set her bag by the door.

She followed her usual morning schedule and rehearsed her resignation. Since Mrs. East had been threatening to give her the boot for weeks, she suspected the news would not be met with too much disappointment. She was wrong.

Mrs. East bustled in and hooked her shawl on a peg by the door.

“The roads were tighter than the Queen’s corset, Jane! We should build a wall around London and not permit another soul entry,” she grabbed a soft cloth and began to shine the glass display case.

“Do I smell almond bear claws? You haven’t made those in an age,” she said. “I think I’ll have one with a cup of tea to start the day. Did you put on a pot…?” She froze when she saw the overstuffed bag. Her head snapped up. “What is this?”

“Mrs. East, thank you for everything you have done for me. I don’t know what would have become of me if you hadn’t taken a chance on me all those years ago.”

“Do not tell me you’re leaving! I refuse to listen,” Mrs. East put her hands over her ears. She strode over to Jane and shook her gently by the elbows. “Is it your salary? Do you need more money?”

“No. It isn’t that. I have…” she began to explain, but Mrs. East was in a panic.

“I need you, Jane. Are you overworked? I’ll hire more help. You’re the most talented pastry chef in London! Where are you going? Is it the Mayfair? Have they offered you a job again?”

“I wouldn’t be so disloyal. You gave me a place to stay when I was desperate and you taught me a trade,” Jane said earnestly. “I know this is sudden, and I wish I could give you more notice, but I’m to be married today.”

“Married?” The woman’s mouth dropped open. “Today? I didn’t even know you had a sweetheart. How did you manage it when you spend all your spare time with Pip?”

“I haven’t known him long. As I said, it was sudden.”

Mrs. East paced the kitchen. “Can you at least stay until I find a replacement?”

“I will ask Lord Wallace if one of Cook’s helpers can assist you until you hire another baker.”

“Lord Wallace? Why would he…” Mrs. East squinted at her. “Who are you marrying?”

“Lord Wallace.”

The older woman collapsed in a chair. Obviously a nobleman wouldn’t allow his wife to work in a bakery or anywhere else. There were so many questions, but Jane had picked up her bag and was already making her way toward the door.

“I’ll miss you.” It was the most affectionate thing Mrs. East had ever said to her.

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