Chapter 6
Peter headed back to the vicarage after a few more visits around town to have a quick luncheon before heading over to Dandridge Manor.
He had found out that the manor was about two miles from town, so it shouldn’t be too long a walk.
He was excited to see Miss Grace again, that was, if she had in fact accompanied Lord Fletcher to the country.
If he was going to be making regular visits throughout the parish, he would need to acquire a horse, and a cart to help deliver much-needed goods to the parishioners.
He hoped Lord Fletcher could offer some advice on where to obtain those.
He’d always enjoyed having horses around and was sad when his father refused to let him take his stallion with him to Reading.
There was no sense arguing with the earl once his mind was made up, so Peter had to leave the majestic animal behind.
After a quick luncheon of bread and cheese, he began the walk to Dandridge Manor. It was a glorious summer day with a light breeze keeping the temperature pleasant. Even so, he was ever so glad when he turned into the long drive because he was becoming quite warm in his black cassock.
Dandridge Manor was a beautiful stone house, much bigger than he’d expected, and the grounds could use some work. He walked up to the front door and let the knocker bang down.
A tall man opened the door within moments. “Good day, vicar. How may I help you?” the butler asked.
“I’m Mr. Wallings, the new vicar of St. Mary’s, and I’ve come to pay my respects to Lord Fletcher.”
“Of course, sir. I’m Jones. Please do come in. I’ll see if Lord Fletcher is receiving guests.”
“Thank you, Jones.” Peter waited in the foyer while the butler went to check.
It didn’t take long for him to return. “If you’ll follow me, sir, Lord Fletcher will see you now.”
Jones gave a quick knock on the door before opening it and announcing, “Mr. Wallings, St. Mary’s vicar, to see you, my lord.”
Fletcher looked up from the ledger he was reviewing, and his eyes widened in surprise. “Wallings! I thought the name was familiar. You’re the new vicar? Do come in and have a seat.”
Peter extended his hand. “Lord Fletcher, a pleasure to see you again.”
“Oh, none of this ‘my lord’ stuff. Please call me Jacob,” he said, taking Peter’s hand in a firm handshake.
Peter nodded. hiding his surprise. Reminding himself that Fletcher was American and much less formal as a result, he said, “Thank you, I’m Peter.”
“I had no idea when we met in London that you were a vicar,” Jacob said.
“I wasn’t at the time. I was a curate for a London parish before my elevation to the position here. We met while I was spending my last few days in London with Lord Easton before I took up my new post.”
“Ahh… now that makes sense. Would you care for a brandy?” Jacob asked.
Peter nodded. “That would be most welcome. Thank you.”
Jacob went to the table and poured two glasses of the amber liquid before handing one to Peter.
“Thank you. I am a bit parched.”
“How are you settling in at the vicarage?”
“It’s been going quite well so far. I’ve been visiting the parishioners to try to ascertain what they may need.
After a quick assessment of the parish books, I did find the poor fund is dangerously low.
Many of my parishioners need help before the winter sets in.
Would you be willing to contribute more to that fund? ”
“Of course, I’m happy to contribute one thousand pounds. No one should go without repairs to their homes.”
Peter expelled a breath, shocked at the generosity. “That’s so kind of you. I can’t thank you enough. I’ll be able to help a great many people with your contribution.”
“It’s my pleasure. I’m sure you’ll do good work with the funds.”
“Thank you again. May I ask one more favor?”
“Of course. What do you need?”
“Do you know the best place to buy a horse and cart? Having a cart will make it easier to deliver goods and supplies to the people.”
“Peter, today is your lucky day because, as it happens, there are two very serviceable carts in my stables. I can’t imagine why there are two, but I certainly don’t need both on the estate.
There are also several horses to choose from.
Let’s go consult with Mr. Swifton to see which horse is best suited for your purposes. ”
“Jacob, I don’t know what to say. You cannot imagine how helpful this will be.”
“I’m glad to be of help. Now, let’s go see Mr. Swifton.”
Peter nodded and followed Jacob out to the stables.
“My lord, how may I help you today?” Mr. Swifton asked when the two men reached the stables.
“This is Mr. Wallings, the new vicar at St. Mary’s. I wish to gift him one of the carts, and he’ll need a suitable horse to pull it.”
“Of course, my lord. I would recommend he take Belle. She’s a sweet mare and would be quite suitable for the task.”
“May I see her?” Peter asked.
“She’s in the last stall.”
Peter walked down to Belle’s stall while Jacob conversed with the stablemaster. When he reached the last stall, he held out his hand so the horse could sniff him. “Hello, sweet girl. You and I are going to have some great adventures together.”
The horse snorted as if in agreement, and Peter rubbed her neck.
“What do you think, Mr. Wallings? Is she suitable?” Mr. Swifton asked, walking up to the stall.
“She’s perfect.”
“Excellent, glad that’s settled,” Jacob said. “Wallings, would you care to join the family for tea?”
“Yes, thank you. I’d be delighted.”
Jacob turned to Mr. Swifton. “Mr. Wallings will be here for a bit longer; please have the horse and cart ready for his departure.”
“Of course, my lord.”
Peter and Jacob walked back to the manor and into the drawing room, where Lady Fletcher, Lady Kathryn, Miss Parker, and Miss Mia had already gathered.
“We have a guest for tea,” Jacob announced.
Audrey looked up and smiled. “Mr. Wallings, what a pleasant surprise. Welcome to Dandridge Manor.”
Jacob went to Audrey and kissed her cheek. “Wallings, you may not have heard, but this dear sweet lady and I were married a few weeks ago.”
Peter bowed. “I had indeed not heard. My heartiest congratulations, Lady Fletcher.”
“Mr. Wallings, you’re a vicar now?” Grace asked, eyeing his cassock.
Peter turned to her, and his heart swelled at the sight of her.
She was as beautiful as ever. Her green eyes lit up with wonder, and a few wisps of her strawberry-blond hair had escaped her chignon and framed her face.
She was perfection in his eyes. “I’ve been newly assigned to St. Mary’s parish, Miss Parker. ”
Grace clapped. “How wonderful!”
Peter didn’t know if she really thought it was wonderful to have a familiar face in town or if she was actually happy to see him. “Lady Kathryn, Miss Mia, a pleasure to see you again,” he said.
A knock on the door interrupted their greetings.
“Come,” Audrey said.
A maid carried in the tea tray and placed it on the table. “Lady Fletcher, will there be anything else?”
“No. You may go.”
The maid curtseyed and exited the room.
“May I do the honors today?” Grace asked Audrey.
“Of course, dearest. Thank you.”
“Mr. Wallings, how do you take your tea?”
“One lump of sugar, please.”
“If you’re amenable, I’d like to show you the garden after tea and share my thoughts on a new design.”
“I would be delighted, thank you,” Peter said.
“Mr. Wallings, how are you liking your new position?” Mia asked.
“Very well so far. I’ve only been here for a few days, so there’s a lot to familiarize myself with.
From what I understand, there hasn’t been a vicar in residence for quite some time.
My first duty is to find out what my parishioners need.
Lord Fletcher has graciously agreed to contribute to the poor fund to help in that endeavor. ”
“I’m sure you’ll do very well,” Lady Kathryn said. “My brother has said on numerous occasions that you’re the smartest man he knows.”
“I’m not so sure about that, Lady Kathryn,” Peter said, blushing. “Thank you for the compliment.”
“Believe me, my brother doesn’t give out such compliments about everyone.”
“Mr. Wallings, is there anything you need for the parish?” Audrey asked.
“Lady Fletcher, your husband has already agreed to add to the parish coffers for repairs and such.”
“Perhaps I can solicit support from the gentry in the area for a specific project you have in mind?”
Peter sat quietly for a moment, contemplating her request. “That’s very generous, my lady.
I’ll sincerely consider it. One thing I would like to accomplish is to ensure that all the children in Reading have a chance to receive some form of education, specifically how to read and write.
I’m not sure what programs, if any, are available right now. ”
“Excellent choice. I will gladly try to help with that endeavor,” Audrey said. “At the very least, we will be able to provide books and slates for the children to use.”
“Thank you, Lady Fletcher. That would be most welcome.”
“Is there a schoolroom in town?” Audrey asked.
“That I don’t know yet, but I’ll definitely look into it. I’m not sure how many children there are in the parish, but I would be happy to open the church hall for such an endeavor if there isn’t a dedicated schoolroom.”
“What an excellent idea, Mr. Wallings. I can well imagine you’re making a difference in the parishioners’ lives already,” Grace said, handing him a cup.
“You’re too kind, Miss Parker,” Peter said, taking the tea. When their hands briefly touched, it felt so right, like she was meant to always be with him.
“Perhaps I can help too,” Mia said. “Maybe mittens and scarves for the children to ward off winter’s chill. I’m pretty proficient in knitting.”
“Thank you, Miss Mia. That’s a wonderful idea. I’m sure the parishioners would appreciate such generosity,” Peter said.
She nodded before sipping her tea. “Sister, may we go to the shop to get more yarn soon?”
Audrey nodded. “Of course.”
After tea, Grace led Peter out to the garden. “As you can see, it’s quite overgrown. Fletcher will hire a gardener to help out, but here are my ideas,” she said, pointing out the different areas she wanted to improve.
“I can’t wait to see all the improvements. It’s going to be quite beautiful.”
“Thank you, Mr. Wallings. Your good opinion means so much to me.”
“Miss Grace, I mean Miss Parker, I can’t tell you how pleased I am to see you again. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations in London.”
Grace smiled. “As did I.”
“When I received notice that I was to be transferred, I was afraid I’d never see you again, and that made me sad.”
“It did?”
Peter nodded and took a step closer. His heart was beating wildly in his chest. He wanted to kiss her so badly, but he wasn’t sure she would welcome his attentions. “May I—”
Before he could finish his sentence, Grace stepped forward and pressed her lips against his. He was shocked for a moment, but soon, he was kissing her sweet lips. When she sighed, he deepened the kiss and pulled her into his embrace until they heard someone clear their throat behind them.
They jumped apart and turned to see who was in the garden. This was bad, very, very bad, especially if it was Jacob.
“I’m sorry to disturb you,” Kathryn said. “Mr. Swifton wanted you to know the cart is ready for you, Mr. Wallings.”
“Of course. Thank you, Lady Kathryn. Miss Parker, good day to you,” Peter said as he strode out of the garden and around toward the front of the house. Today had been the most perfect day of his life. He’d kissed the woman of his dreams, and he couldn’t be happier.
When he reached the front drive, he found Mr. Swifton holding Belle’s reins. “Take good care of her, vicar. I’ve also loaded a few bales of hay and a container of oats for her in the back of the cart to tide you over until you can get more.”
“Thank you, Mr. Swifton. That was very kind of you.” Peter stroked Belle’s neck. “Come on, girl. It’s time to go home.”
Mr. Swifton handed Peter the reins. “Good day, vicar.”
“Good day, Mr. Swifton. I hope to see you at Sunday services,” Peter said, hopping up on the bench.
The stablemaster nodded.
As Peter took the reins and clicked Belle into motion, he thanked God for the twists and turns his life had taken thus far, which had enabled him to once more see the woman he desired above all else.