Free Her One True Love by Rachel Brimble Page B

we’re in the city, we’ll find everything we need in the blink of an eye.”
    â€œI expect we will.” Jane picked up the teapot and filled their cups. “Which is why I plan to dress as soon as possible and get outside into that beautiful sunshine. I can’t imagine we’ll have many more days of the weather looking so inviting.”
    â€œNo, miss . . .” Jeannie flushed. “Jane.”
    â€œI had a thought during the night. Would you like to join Matthew and me for tea at the Pump Room this afternoon?”
    Jeannie’s eyes widened. “Me? Oh no. I haven’t anything nice enough to wear. I would be ashamed, truly. You go with Squire Cleaves. I will be quite all right puttering around here. I could make a start with some cleaning, if you like.”
    â€œThe last thing I want is for you to go on with your usual duties.” Jane frowned. “You’ve already seen to my breakfast as you normally would.”
    â€œI don’t mind. You said this whole adventure is going to take some time to get used to.”
    Jane sighed. “Fine. You do as you please today, but during the week, we are going shopping. I want to buy you some new dresses, maybe even some nice new boots too. How would that be?”
    Jeannie grinned. “That would be just lovely. Thank you.”
    â€œI’ll look forward to it.” Jane bit into her toast. “You’ll feel like my companion rather than my maid in no time, just you wait and see.”
    They drank their tea in silence before Jane looked up to find Jeannie watching her with clear concern in her eyes.
    Jane lowered her cup to its saucer. “What’s the matter?”
    â€œI hope I’m not talking out of turn . . .”
    â€œSay whatever it is that’s worrying you. I want you to be happy here.”
    Jeannie exhaled and her words came in a rush. “I was worried about you after your little stumble when the squire left yesterday.”
    Jane’s cheeks warmed and she took another sip of her tea. “Well, there is no need for you to fret over that a moment longer. I am quite well now.” She cleared her throat. “Aren’t you going to have some toast?”
    Jeannie shook her head. “I ate a while ago. I’ve been up since six.”
    â€œI did wonder what time you came downstairs. You’ll soon get used to rising later. I’ll make sure of it. Why don’t you take your tea to your room and get ready? Once I’ve finished my breakfast, I’ll clear everything away. The sooner we get outside, the better.”
    â€œThank you.” Jeannie stood. “Then I’ll come and help you get dressed.”
    â€œYou’ll do no such thing. We start as we mean to go on, which means I will dress myself as I often did at Marksville. You are my companion now, my friend, and until either of us marries, long may we stay that way.”
    Jeannie sniggered. “Imagine me married.” Her eyes lit with happiness. “How would you think a soldier would suit me? Or maybe an inventor with ideas that will change the country?”
    Jane laughed. “Either would be lucky to have you. Now, go on, off you go.”
    Still smiling, Jane hurriedly finished her breakfast and tidied the kitchen before returning to her bedroom. She dressed as quickly as a lone woman could, without her maid’s dexterity to aid her, before finishing her chosen attire with a straw hat, bound with a green silk ribbon. Happy with her reflection, she took her drawstring purse from the dresser and made her way downstairs.
    Jeannie was waiting by the door, a shopping basket over her arm.
    Jane held her arms out either side of her. “See? Perfectly able.”
    Jeannie laughed. “Indeed you are.”
    Linking her arm through Jeannie’s, Jane led the way out the door and closed it behind them. Plans to go to the market had fully taken hold, and now the excitement of the sounds and