Chapter 9 #2
Peter jumped down and helped the women to descend. “Please come this way,” he said, leading them inside and into the kitchen. “Let me put the water on for tea. Make yourselves comfortable while I get Belle some water.”
“Of course. We’ll be fine until you return,” Grace said.
“Ladies, you are my guests. There’s no need for you to put out the cups and sugar,” he said with a wave over the table.
“It was no trouble, Mr. Wallings,” Grace said. “Your home is very organized, and the tea essentials were easy to find.”
“Thank you. The curate was very efficient in organizing the cottage before I arrived. I’m also finding the more time I’m here, the more I enjoy my new post and the village,” Peter said, pouring the heated water into the teapot.
“Reading seems like a nice town,” Kathryn said. “Such lovely shops and people attending them, although so far, we’ve only visited the bookshop.”
“I agree. It is lovely here, and my parishioners have welcomed me with open arms. I do believe it’s been quite a while since old vicar regularly presided over Sunday services.
It seems Mr. Randolph has been handling more and more as the vicar’s health began to fade.
From what I understand, most of the responsibilities had fallen onto Mr. Randolph’s shoulders, which, in my opinion, was not right.
It is not the curate’s job to have so many responsibilities that belong with the vicar.
I want Mr. Randolph and I to be partners in this endeavor.
He’s quite knowledgeable about a great many things, and he’s already helped me tremendously when we visited the families in the parish. ”
“That’s very kind of you. I’m sure Mr. Randolph appreciates such cooperation,” Grace chimed in.
“Thank you, Miss Parker, but it’s the way I’ve always been. Partnerships are the key to achieving the most desirable outcomes,” he said, staring into her eyes.
Shall I pour?” Grace asked, swallowing the lump in her throat.
“Yes, thank you, Miss Parker.”
The trio talked a bit more about Peter’s goals for helping his parishioners lead the most spiritual and productive lives possible.
“It sounds like you’ve already made a good impression on the people of Reading,” Kathryn said.
“Thank you, Lady Kathryn. I’m trying. Being new in town, I feel there’s still a lot for me to learn.”
“I’m sure you’ll do well.”
“Miss Parker, would you care to observe the first class for the children? Everything should be ready in a couple of days. Lady Fletcher has done wonders in soliciting funds to stock the schoolroom. Each child will now have their own slate to practice on, and I managed to find a blackboard in the church basement. Once I cleaned off all the dust and cobwebs, a couple of local boys and I moved it to the parish hall.”
“That’s wonderful,” Grace said. “I would be happy to come by and observe and even answer any questions the children may have.”
“That would be most appreciated.”
“Mr. Wallings, have you thought about offering training to some of the older children?” Kathryn asked. “Learning to read and write is a great start, but unless there are opportunities for the children to use those skills, they may fade in their memories and not be used to their full potential.”
“I have not, but I’d like to hear more about your idea.”
“Perhaps some of the new funds can be used as a sort of apprenticeship for those children who show an aptitude, say, with a carpenter for the boys and at the modiste’s shop for the girls to learn how to sew properly.
That way, the shop owners will be compensated for their expertise and the children will gain valuable skills as well as a small stipend to help out their families while they’re working. ”
“What an excellent idea, Lady Kathryn. I shall endeavor to speak to some of the shop owners. I’m sure Mr. Brighton would be amenable to having a helper. He seems to be overly burdened these days.”
“Lady Kathryn and I could visit the modiste’s shop and ask the owner if she would be willing to sponsor a young lady or two,” Grace said.
“That would be wonderful. Thank you both so much.”
“I was wondering if perhaps I might see the garden?” Lady Kathryn asked.
“Of course, Lady Kathryn. Let me—”
“No need for you to escort me, Mr. Wallings. Finish your tea,” she said as she stood and walked out.
“Miss Parker, may I say how delighted I am to have run into you today?” Peter said when Kathryn had left.
“I am as well, Mr. Wallings. I hadn’t expected to see you again so soon.”
“Will I see you at Sunday services?”
“Yes, my family is planning to attend.”
“That’s good.”
“Mr. Wallings?”
“Yes?”
“May I ask you a question?”
“Of course. I’m at your service.”
“Well, then. As part of your service, do you think you’d like to kiss me again?” she asked with a cheeky grin.
Peter chuckled. “My dear Miss Parker, I do believe that’s one service I’d like to do over and over again,” he said, standing and pulling her into his embrace.
She felt his desire and passion pour into their shared kiss. Her head was spinning, and she couldn’t get enough of him. She felt a fierce, unexpected arousal between her legs that nearly seared her bones where she stood. And then he did something most unexpected.
He ran his tongue over the seam of her lips, and she sighed, relishing the delicious sensation. His tongue swept inside her mouth, tasting every inch. When he pulled her closer, her curves fit snugly against his chest, and they began a sensational dance of tongues.
They were a perfect fit, and she couldn’t seem to get close enough to him.
Their kisses seemed to go on and on, and she never wanted to stop, but finally he stepped back. She touched her lips, which were swollen from his kisses.
“You’re so beautiful, Miss Parker.”
“Thank you. Would you call me Grace? Seems silly to be so formal now that we’ve kissed so passionately.”
“I would be happy to, Grace, and I’m Peter.”
“Peter. I like the sound of that.”
Before either of them could say anything more, Kathryn walked back inside. “Your garden is quite beautiful, Mr. Wallings.”
Grace took a step back, although she knew Kathryn would never say anything about their closeness when she returned inside.
“Thank you, Lady Kathryn, but the credit goes to Mr. Randolph. He was the one who tended the garden before I came here. Would you care for more tea?”
Kathryn shook her head. “Thank you, no. I think we must be heading home before Lady Fletcher wonders where we are.”
“Of course. I’m ever so pleased to have run into you lovely ladies today.”
“We are too,” Grace said.
“Come. I’ll drive you home,” Peter said.
It was a short drive to Dandridge Manor from the vicarage. After pulling up at the front door, Mr. Wallings jumped down and handed down Lady Kathryn. Grace stood, and instead of offering her his hand, his hands encircled her waist, and he lifted her from the bench as if she were light as a feather.
When her feet touched the ground, he held onto her a moment longer before stepping back.
“Have a pleasant evening,” he said.
Jones had opened the door, and Kathryn walked inside, although Grace lingered a moment longer.
“Mr. Wallings?”
“Yes, Miss Parker.”
“I was wondering if you’d like to go riding with me tomorrow?”
“I would love to, but alas, I don’t have a suitable mount. I wouldn’t want to put that much strain on poor Belle.”
“We have plenty of horses for you to choose from.”
“Very well. I’d be delighted to join you. I have a few things to do at the vicarage tomorrow morning, getting the parish hall set up properly for the children, and then I’ll come by. Will that suit?”
“That would be lovely. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
“As do I, Miss Parker.” Peter leaned toward her and whispered, “I would like nothing more than to kiss you again.”
“I feel the same,” she said. “Good day, Mr. Wallings.”
“Good day, Miss Parker.”
Grace watched the vicar climb back on the bench and head down the drive until he was merely a speck before she entered the manor.
Later that evening, over dinner, Grace and Kathryn told the family about their idea of paying for a kind of apprenticeship for some of the older children.
“What a wonderful idea,” Audrey said.
“Kathryn and I want to visit the modiste to see if there’s a possibility she’d take on one or two of the older girls. Everyone always needs buttons sewn on, and it would be a good place for them to start their training.”
“I shall go with you. I haven’t had a chance to visit the modiste’s shop yet,” Audrey said.
“Neither have we,” Kathryn chimed in. “We’ve only visited the bookshop.”
“Shall we say the day after next?” Audrey said.
Both Grace and Kathryn nodded.
“May I come as well?” Mia asked.
“Of course, dearest. Your company would be most welcome,” Audrey said.
“I think you’ve come up with a grand idea,” Jacob said. “Let me talk with Mr. Johnston and Mr. Swifton and see if there is any need on the estate for apprentices.”
When the meal was finished, everyone headed to the drawing room. Grace pulled Kathryn aside and slowed their steps so they could talk privately. “Kathryn, thank you for giving me some time alone with Peter.”
“Peter?”
Grace felt her face flush. “I mean, Mr. Wallings.”
Kathryn chuckled. “I know you’ve grown quite fond of him. I thought I’d help that along a little. If you don’t wish my help, you only have to say so.”
“You’re so very kind, and yes, I am quite fond of him. I’ve asked him to go riding with me tomorrow.”
“You did?”
“Yes, and he agreed.”
“I’m very happy for you. Does Mr. Wallings share your feelings?”
“I believe he does.”
“I’m very pleased for you then. Shall we join the family and play for them?”
“Absolutely.”
The longer they spent at Dandridge Manor, the happier Grace was. She hadn’t given a single thought to London since they arrived and noticed that Kathryn also seemed much happier in the country.
She knew neither of them was looking forward to the day they had to return to Town.