Chapter 9
When Peter walked out to the stables, Belle whinnied when she saw him. “Good morning, girl,” he said, rubbing her nose. “You seem to be settling in well this last sennight.”
Belle bobbed her head in apparent agreement.
Today, he wanted to go and visit some families on the far side of town.
It was a beautiful sunny day, and he wanted to take advantage of the fine weather.
He hitched Belle to the cart and brought it around the front of the cottage.
Some of the vegetables in the garden were ready for harvest, and he wanted to distribute them before they spoiled.
He loaded up some baskets and put them in the cart bed before climbing up on the seat and slapping the reins gently against Belle’s rump to get her moving.
He traveled through the town, intending to stop first at Mrs. Stillwell’s cottage. With the cart, it didn’t take long to reach the residence. He tied Belle to a post and knocked on the door.
Mr. Randolph opened the door. “Mr. Wallings?”
“Hello, Mr. Randolph.”
“Sir, let me get my coat, and I’ll report to the vicarage straight away.”
“Mr. Randolph, there’s no need for that today,” Peter said.
The curate looked stricken. “Am I to be let go, sir?” he said in a quivering voice. “I know I should have reported to the vicarage earlier, but—”
Peter held up his hand to stop the curate from berating himself further. “No, no, no. Rest assured, your position is not in danger. I’ve harvested some vegetables from the garden and wanted to distribute them to some of the parishioners.”
The curate seemed to shrink into himself with relief.
“Perhaps you’d like to accompany me so I may reach the neediest families,” Peter said. “I’m not yet familiar with everyone.”
“Of course, sir. I should be delighted to assist you. I’ll only need a moment to get ready,” the curate said, turning away.
“Mr. Randolph.”
The curate turned. “Yes, sir?”
“I think Mrs. Stillwell could use some of the bounty as well, don’t you?”
“Ah, yes. That would be most helpful,” he said, walking out to the cart with Peter and selecting some tomatoes, carrots, onions, and potatoes from the basket.
Mrs. Stillwell came to the door. “Good day, Mr. Wallings, would you care for tea?”
Peter turned. “Good day, Mrs. Stillwell. Thank you for your kind offer, but these vegetables need to be delivered.”
“Of course.” Her eyes widened when she saw the bounty of vegetables in her brother’s arms. “Thank you, Mr. Wallings, for such generosity. I hadn’t expected it.”
“No thanks needed, Mrs. Stillwell.”
“Lovely to see you again. Perhaps next time you can stay for tea,” she said.
Peter nodded. “Thank you. I certainly will.”
Mr. Randolph carried the vegetables into the cottage and came out a few minutes later dressed in his black coat and climbed up on the seat beside Peter.
“Your sister’s home is the farthest I’ve been so far, so it would be most helpful if you could direct me to some of the other cottages.”
“Of course, sir. There are a number of cottages at the far end of the village.”
“Excellent. Let us be off.”
Peter felt bad that the first thing the curate had thought was that he was being let go. He wondered if the former vicar had piled more and more work on the curate’s slender shoulders under the threat that if he did not do as he was told, another curate could be found without any fuss.
What a terrible way to live, always worrying that he could be fired at any moment. He wanted to reassure the curate that it was not his way.
“Mr. Randolph, could you enlighten me on what duties the former vicar undertook for the community?”
“He performed Sunday mass, sir.”
“I see. What other duties did he have?”
“None that I’m aware of, Mr. Wallings.”
“None?”
The curate shook his head.
“Am I to understand that you fulfilled all the other responsibilities for the parishioners?”
“Yes, that was my duty.”
“Hmmm… Mr. Randolph, I sincerely apologize for my predecessor’s behavior. It seemed he took great advantage of your generous nature.”
“Well…”
“Do not trouble yourself any further, Mr. Randolph. I want us to work as a team. There will be no need for you to handle everything and work your fingers to the bone.”
“Thank you, Mr. Wallings. That greatly relieves my mind, and without all the added duties, I’ll be able to help my sister more.”
“Absolutely. Family is our most important obligation. I encourage you, no, I expect you to help her as much as possible. She’s not in an enviable position with young children to care for and no husband.”
“Thank you, sir. Your generosity of spirit is greatly appreciated,” Mr. Randolph said.
After their conversation, the curate visibly relaxed and began to tell Peter about the parishioners who lived on the far end of town. They spent a good part of the day distributing the vegetables and inquiring about any other pressing needs the families had.
Mr. Randolph had a wealth of knowledge about the folks in Reading, and Peter was grateful to have him in his employ.
After all the vegetables had been distributed, Peter dropped the curate back at his sister’s cottage. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Mr. Randolph. Enjoy your evening.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Peter steered Belle toward the center of town. He was mentally compiling a list of things the families needed when he spotted Miss Parker and Lady Kathryn emerging from the bookshop.
That morning, Grace had gone in search of Kathryn, as she wanted to go to Reading and check out their bookshop. She knocked on Kathryn’s bedchamber door, but there was no answer. Perhaps she was already downstairs in the drawing room.
She found her friend practicing the pianoforte in the drawing room. No one else was in the room. “Kathryn, I was looking for you.”
Kathryn stopped playing and looked up. “You were? What may I do for you?”
“I’m going to Reading to check out their bookshop and wanted to know if you’d like to accompany me.”
“Oh, what a delightful idea. Let me fetch my bonnet and gloves, and I’ll return momentarily,” Kathryn said, rushing out of the room and up the stairs.
Grace went into the foyer to wait for her friend and saw Jones walking down the hallway toward the kitchen.
“Jones?”
The butler turned and walked back to her. “Yes, Miss Parker? Is there something you require?”
“Do you know where Lady Fletcher is?”
“Lord and Lady Fletcher, Miss Mia, and Mr. Johnston are visiting some of the tenants today.”
“I see. When they return, could you please inform them that Lady Kathryn and I have gone to Reading?”
“Of course, Miss Parker. One moment, and I shall arrange for Charles to accompany you.”
“There’s no need. We’ll be fine.”
“Miss Parker, I would be remiss in my duties if I let two fine young ladies go into town unescorted. Charles will escort you.”
Grace smiled. “Thank you, Jones. His company would be most welcome.”
When Kathryn came downstairs, Grace asked. “Do you mind if we walk? It’s such a lovely day out.”
“Not at all.”
Charles walked into the foyer, and the trio set out for town. It was a lovely summer day—not too hot, and there was a gentle breeze blowing.
“Such beautiful countryside,” Kathryn said. “It’s so pretty out here. Not like the grime in London that seems to cling to everything.”
“I agree. I do love it here as well.”
After a leisurely stroll, they reached the bookshop.
“I shall wait here,” Charles said as he took up a position outside the doorway.
“Thank you, Charles. We won’t be long.”
“What book are you looking for?” Kathryn asked.
“Oh, nothing in particular, but I am curious as to what kind of inventory they carry.”
As they perused the selection, Grace spotted a treasure. “Lady Kathryn, they’ve got some landscape bookss. Look, here are two of the volumes,” she said, holding up the books.
“That’s wonderful. They could be just the inspiration we need for the garden’s design.”
“I agree. What a fabulous find.”
After spending another twenty minutes looking through the shop, Grace brought the two Red books to the counter.
“Ah, a fan of landscape design, I see,” the shopkeeper said.
“Oh yes. We both are,” Grace said.
“Well, I’m pleased that I had these for you. Will this be all?” he asked.
“Yes, although I’m sure we’ll be back again soon. You have a lovely selection of books.”
“Thank you, miss.” The shopkeeper wrapped up the books, and Grace handed him the coins. “Good day, ladies. I hope to see you both again soon.”
Grace nodded, and she and Kathryn walked out of the bookshop. She handed the package to Charles.
“Shall we head back to the manor? Unless there is something else you’d like to see?” Grace asked Kathryn.
“Not today. I’m anxious to return so we may look through the books.”
Just as they were about to head back to Dandridge Manor, Grace heard her name being called.
“Miss Parker, Lady Kathryn, what a delightful surprise,” Mr. Wallings said, pulling his cart to a halt across the street from the bookshop.
A huge smile split Grace’s face. “Good day, Mr. Wallings. How wonderful to see you again.”
“I’m on my way back to the vicarage. May I offer you ladies some tea?”
Grace looked at Kathryn, who nodded. “Thank you. We would be delighted.”
“I’ll be happy to give you a ride to Dandridge Manor after tea,” Peter said.
Grace turned to the footman. “Charles, you may return to the manor. Thank you for accompanying us. Let Jones know the vicar will see us home.”
“Very good, Miss Parker,” Charles said. He assisted Kathryn and Grace onto the seat next to Peter, then bowed and took himself off. Peter clicked Belle into motion again, and the ride to the vicarage. The ride to the vicarage only took a few minutes.
“What a lovely cottage,” Grace said as they pulled up in front.
“Yes, it is. I was most surprised to see it when I first arrived. I’d had no idea I would be living in such a grand place.”