Chapter 21 #2
“It won’t be the same. At least with you there I had someone else to turn to, a chum of sorts. Now it will just be me and Mama.”
“You’ll have Bradley and Diana.”
Prudence rolled her eyes. “Yes, the lovebirds. What a comfort.”
Grace smiled. “It is not all that bad. Besides, now I will be able to invite you to Engalworth whenever I wish. Just think of all the time you’ll be able to spend here.”
Her sister’s face lit up. “Would you do that?”
Grace sat down beside her, the reality of their near separation finally sinking in. “Absolutely. I would miss you too much otherwise.”
Prudence bumped her with her shoulder. “I doubt you’ll miss me pestering you to go on a morning constitutional.”
She grinned. “And I doubt it is just me you wish to come to Engalworth to see. I’ve seen the way you skip off to the stables every chance you get.”
A dreamy expression covered Prudence’s face. “I do believe I am in love.”
Grace’s eyebrows lowered swiftly, real concern filling her. She’d meant it as a jest. “With Owen?”
“No.” Prudence fanned her face. “With Apollo.”
A peal of laughter burst from Grace as relief washed over her.
Prudence chatted with her while she dressed.
When she finished, however, her sister excused herself, claiming she’d already broken her fast and wished to spend a little time with her lover.
Grace snickered, knowing how much Prudence truly cared for horses.
Perhaps in her new position, she could return the favor to her sister and make one of her secret dreams come true.
Making her way down the stairs toward the breakfast parlor, she intercepted Mr. Clayton, who seemed to be in the process of just arriving or just leaving.
“Are you coming or going?” she asked with a smile.
He returned her smile and said, “I am on my way out, but I was overjoyed to hear the happy news.”
When she stepped onto the small landing, he cupped one of her hands. “I must thank you, my dear.”
Her brow knit together. “Thank me? Whatever for?”
“For bringing back the light and life to my nephew’s eyes. It does this old heart good to see him so happy.”
She ducked her head, embarrassed at the praise. “I have done little but return his love.”
“On the contrary,” Mr. Clayton said. “As a vicar, it is my life’s work to teach others about the grace of God.
Since Glad’s return to England, I have tried to help him see beyond his past, and yet somehow you have taught my nephew more about grace in a few short weeks than I ever shall. Truly, your parents named you well.”
Grace’s cheeks burned with warmth.
His wrinkled hand gave hers a gentle pat. “I see I have embarrassed you, but I only wished to extend my thanks from the bottom of my heart.”
She met his warm gaze. “You are welcome, but I believe I am the one who is benefiting most from this arrangement.”
“Oh, in what way?”
“I will get to live within walking distance of one of the kindest vicars I know.”
A hearty laugh escaped him. “A benefit to us both, my dear.” He patted her hand again. “A benefit to us both.”
After bidding Mr. Clayton a good day, she made her way to the breakfast parlor, passing Anthony with little George in his arms. Greetings were exchanged before Anthony climbed the stairs to the upper level with an extra amount of bounce in his step that made his little son giggle.
Grace couldn’t help but dream of a day when she’d be able to do the same with her own children. A day that might be closer than she’d realized when she came to Engalworth nearly two weeks ago.
Inside the breakfast parlor, she found Lady Hamdon rising from the table. Alan rose from his seat at the head of the table to bid her farewell before his gaze settled on Grace. A soft smile lit his face, lending a sparkle to his pale blue eyes that had not been there yesterday.
“Good morning, Miss Lenning,” Lady Hamdon said, laying a gentle hand on Grace’s sleeve to draw her attention.
Grace smiled down at her. “Good morning.” Then, drawing on her newfound bravery, she asked, “Since we are to be sisters, might we dispense with formality?”
Lady Hamdon’s gaze softened. “Sisters. That is something I have never had the pleasure of before.” Then her face broke into a wide smile. “I would love nothing more than to use your given name, Grace. And you must call me Emma.”
“Thank you, Emma.”
After a short embrace, Emma excused herself, casting a knowing look over her shoulder at her brother.
Grace stared at Alan for a moment. It was only the two of them. It felt odd, and yet there was nothing wrong with the situation. As her intended, she would be spending ample amounts of time alone with Alan.
“May I fix you a plate?” He gestured to the sideboard.
She nodded and he rushed to do her bidding as the footman helped her take her place at the table and poured her a cup of tea.
With her pointer finger, she traced the scrolled carving on the edge of the table as she waited.
The tiny action helped to calm the butterflies dancing around in her stomach.
Alan set a plate of kippers with buttered toast and eggs in front of her, then settled in his seat to her right.
“Thank you for the flowers,” she said. “They are beautiful.”
He lifted his teacup. “I had a little help.”
She gave a half laugh. “Yes, Prudence already claimed credit.”
The comment broke the unease that had permeated the air, making conversation more comfortable.
Alan told her about the hothouse he’d sent to for the flowers and about his early morning ride.
She relayed to him her interaction with Mr. Clayton, expressing how much she liked the older man.
They talked of the nearby hamlet and some of his neighbors he thought she’d like to meet.
Then the discussion turned to scheduling.
“How soon might the banns be read?” Grace asked.
Alan took a sip of his coffee. “Mr. Clayton already has his orders.”
She nodded. “I met him on his way out. All that is left then, is to contact the rector at Venworth.” Grace sucked in her breath. “I forgot to write to my mother.”
He chuckled. “Your brother sent word this morning after I met with him to obtain formal consent.”
She tipped her head. “Your morning has been far more productive than mine. If I am going to keep pace with you, it seems I will have to rise earlier.”
He slipped his hand over hers on the table. “Sleep is productive too. If I could have rested more, I would have.”
She turned her hand over and gripped his, her eyebrows pinched together. “Did you have a nightmare?”
He grinned. “Not this time. I was simply too excited to stay in bed.”
She smiled back, liking this lighter side of him.
His expression intensified and the air in the room changed.
He let go of her hand and trailed his fingers up her arm until they cupped her elbow.
A pleasant tingle accompanied the touch, and she willingly leaned forward when he gave her arm a tiny tug.
His lips met hers over the corner of the table, soft and warm. He tasted like sweet jam and tea, two of her favorite things… three if she included him.
Someone cleared their throat, and they broke apart quickly.
Anthony stood at the door, his hand over Bradley’s eyes. With great theatrics, he removed his hand, but Bradley’s eyes were still firmly closed.
“Are they done yet?” He asked.
“I believe so, but one can never be certain with newly engaged people.” Anthony shook his head.
Grace laughed. “Stop it, you two. One would think you’d never seen anyone kiss before with all this tomfoolery.”
Anthony gave her a look of mock affront. “Don’t you know? Tomfoolery is what I do best.”
“I can attest to that,” Alan said.
Grace grinned at him. “As can I. Are you certain you want to marry into all this ridiculousness?”
He held up his teacup as if to give her a toast. “Too late. Emma has already done that for me.”
“Yes, but now you shall have twice as much.”
Anthony and Bradley snickered. “Three times actually. You forget that our friend Fredrick is his cousin.”
Alan laughed. “You see, if I am going to be stuck with them anyway, I might as well enjoy it.” He waggled his eyebrows flirtatiously.
She giggled. “Anthony, you might want to cover Bradley’s eyes again, because I am going to kiss my intended.”