Her One True Love by Rachel Brimble

distractions. Jane leaned forward, close to her friend, all too aware of Matthew’s movement, barely inches from her side. Forcing her gaze upon the streets of the city as the carriage edged deeper into Bath, Jane purposely pushed her feelings for Matthew deep into the recesses of her heart where they belonged.
    They passed by the river and the lowlier parts of the city. The late afternoon mist hung like a network of spiders’ webs over its darkening landscape.
    Jane sighed and pointed to the clusters of women and children on the pavement. “See that, Jeannie? That is why we’re here.”
    â€œThe children?”
    â€œYes. See the condition of their dilapidated houses? Look how their mothers wash their meager clothes over buckets.” Jane shook her head, determination rising like a flame behind her rib cage. “I have led a fortunate life, and the sights of those boarded windows and open doors leading to dark hallways and even darker rooms will be all the reminder I need to keep forging ahead in my endeavors.”
    Matthew cleared his throat. “And what is it you have in mind to do exactly?”
    Rather than look at him, Jane continued to stare at the passing houses. “I wish to secure a position where I can at least do something to help these women and children.”
    â€œSuch as?”
    Annoyance scratched at her nerves. She turned and met his eyes, surprised when she didn’t see disparagement in his gaze, but genuine interest. She relaxed her shoulders and leaned back against the plush seat. “I’m not certain yet, but it is my intention to find some way to help. Bath is slowly losing its reputation as one of England’s cities of play. More and more people are choosing Brighton, or even Europe, for their pleasure. I have learned there are women’s groups evolving all over Bath, looking to help those less fortunate. I will seek them out and offer my services.”
    He protruded his bottom lip in contemplation, his gaze on her. “I have no doubt they will gladly accept you.”
    Her stomach knotted with pathetic pleasure. “Thank you.”
    He looked past her to the window.
    â€œI hope you, too, see the struggles and sense of hopelessness.”
    He met her gaze. “Of course. Once upon a time you didn’t view me as quite the ogre you do now and wouldn’t have had to ask me such a question. I love Biddestone and its people, but that doesn’t mean I am ignorant to problems so much vaster than those the villagers face.” He drew his gaze over her face. “And I suspect all too strongly the good you will do while you are here.”
    She smiled to see the admiration she’d witnessed in his eyes so many times before, and during, his married life, when he looked at her. Could it be the man she admired was still inside Matthew somewhere? Waiting, hoping, to find true happiness again?
    Jane pulled her gaze from his and faced the window. She could not allow herself to linger on such romantic notions. Elizabeth’s betrayal had hurt him deeply, even if he claimed not to love her . . . and his words had confirmed there was little want in his heart for anyone else.
    Jane looked at Jeannie and smiled, forcing away her melancholy. “You are welcome to join me as I look for work, Jeannie. Or if you prefer to stay at the house and look after things there, I will be happy with that decision too. The choice is entirely yours.”
    Jeannie grinned. “Thank you, miss . . . Jane. I am too excited to think of what I want to do just now. The city seems so vast . . . so intimidating.”
    Jane laughed. “I’m certain we’ll become accustomed in no time.”
    As they continued their journey toward the more moneyed side of town, where her father’s—now Jane’s—house was located, the stench from the river Avon lessened. Her visits here during the seasons had been filled with balls, dinners, fun, and