Chapter 11
After they returned home from the morning call, Grace was still feeling a bit unsettled.
She had no idea why she’d agreed to allow Lord Dudley to call on her, especially since she was enamored with Mr. Wallings.
Unfortunately, his request had caught her off guard, and she hadn’t known what else to say, so she’d agreed.
She hoped he wouldn’t call on her anytime soon.
She was looking forward to seeing Mr. Wallings this afternoon.
She changed into her riding habit and went to wait in the drawing room.
The hours slowly ticked by, and she tried to concentrate on her embroidery, that is, until she finally heard wheels crunch on the gravel drive.
She jumped up and raced into the foyer as Jones was opening the door.
“Mr. Wallings, good day to you, sir,” the butler said.
“Jones, good day to you. I’m here to see—”
“I’m here.”
Mr. Wallings looked over the butler’s shoulder and smiled at her—that irresistible smile she’d come to cherish. Today, he was dressed in black breeches, a gray waistcoat and jacket. He looked devastatingly handsome, and her heart did a little flip-flop at the sight of him.
“Good day, Miss Parker. Are you ready for our ride?”
“Absolutely.”
Mr. Wallings held out his arm, and Grace slipped her hand inside the crook of his elbow.
As soon as they were outside and away from the manor, Grace said, “Oh, Peter, I’m so pleased to see you today.”
“Thank you. I’m thrilled to be in your company as well. May I say that color suits you well?” Peter said, admiring her green riding habit.
“I wish I could kiss you right now,” she said.
“I know. Perhaps we’ll find a secluded spot on our ride to indulge a little,” he said.
“As much as I’d like nothing better, Jacob ordered a groom must accompany us.”
“I understand. He’s merely looking out for you, as a good guardian should.”
“I know, but it doesn’t make it any easier to grab a moment or two of privacy.”
They reached the stables, and Grace called out, “Mr. Swifton, are you here?”
The stablemaster came out of a stall at the back, leading a beautiful black stallion. “Miss Parker. I was just saddling Midnight for Mr. Wallings.”
Peter walked to the stallion, admiring the magnificent creature. “Whoa, there, big fella. Aren’t you the handsome one?” he said, holding out his hand so the horse could sniff him.
The stallion sniffed and bobbed his head, and Peter stroked the animal’s neck. “There, see. I think we’re going to be great friends.”
“Miss Parker, Blaze is saddled for you as well,” Mr. Swifton said, handing the stallion’s reins to Peter. “Let me get the mounting block, and you can be on your way.”
In short order, both Grace and Peter were atop their horses and trotting out of the stable yard with James, the young groom, trailing behind at a respectable distance.
Once in the open meadow, they gave the horses their heads. Their hooves pounded across the ground, but there was no way her mare could keep up with Midnight. That stallion was perfection in its stride and soon pulled ahead of her and James.
The wind started pulling some of the pins out of her strawberry-blond hair, but Grace didn’t care. It was glorious having the wind blowing through her hair.
They raced until they came upon the stream that ran along the edge of the property.
Blaze had done an admirable job trying to keep up with Midnight, and Grace patted her neck. “Shall we let the horses drink for a moment?” she asked.
Peter nodded and jumped off Midnight. He placed his hands around her waist and lifted her as though she were light as a feather. As she slid down his strong body, she stole a quick kiss.
Peter’s eyes widened. “My dear lady, that was quite unexpected.”
“Shall I not do that ever again, sir?” she asked with a saucy wink. “I was afraid I wouldn’t get to kiss you at all. James is right on our heels.”
Peter chuckled. “You may do that whenever the mood strikes you, although probably not in the company of others,” he said. He let her go and took up the horses’ reins so he could guide them to the stream.
James soon joined them.
“James, I’m sure your horse would care for a drink as well,” Peter said.
The groom nodded and slid off the horse, leading the mare to the stream and staying with all three horses while Peter and Grace walked a little way off.
“Peter, may I ask you a question?” Grace said.
“Of course.”
“It’s a bit awkward, but…”
Peter brought her hand to his lips for a kiss. “My darling, what would you like to know?”
“Why did you not look at me during Sunday services? I’ve noticed that you avoided eye contact with me.”
“Um…”
“Is there something wrong? Have I done something to upset you?”
“No, not at all,” Peter said, shaking his head. “The truth is, I cannot think clearly when you are around. My mind goes blank, the sermon flies out of my mind, and I can think about nothing but you, your sweet lips, and how much I want to kiss you.”
Grace’s lips curved up in a smile, but before she had a chance to answer, James walked over to them, leading the three horses. “Excuse me, Miss Parker, the horses have drunk their fill and are getting a little restless.”
“Of course. Thank you, James.”
Peter lifted her up into the saddle before he took his seat on Midnight, and they set an easy pace back to the stables.
Mr. Swifton came out into the yard when he heard them. “I trust you had a good ride today?”
“It was lovely,” Grace said.
“Thank you, Mr. Swifton. Midnight is a magnificent horse, and I very much enjoyed riding him.”
“He is indeed, Mr. Wallings. He’s Lord Fletcher’s personal mount,” the stablemaster said, taking the reins and leading the horses back inside the stable.
“That’s very generous of him; I must thank him for doing me the courtesy of allowing me to ride Midnight,” Peter said.
“Yes, Fletcher is quite accommodating,” Grace said.
Mr. Wallings tucked her hand inside his elbow and walked her back to the manor. “Thank you for the invitation today. It was a most enjoyable afternoon.”
“I’m glad you were available.”
“I’m always available for you, Grace,” he said, kissing her hand before striding away to ask the stablemaster to hitch Belle to the cart.
“Mr. Wallings, wait!”
Peter turned. “Miss Parker?”
“Would you care to stay for tea?”
Peter’s devastating smile nearly undid her.
“That would be most appreciated.”
They walked back into the house together as Audrey was coming down the stairs. “Mr. Wallings, a pleasure to see you.”
Peter bowed. “Thank you, Lady Fletcher. Miss Parker has invited me to stay for tea.”
“Excellent. I’m delighted you’re here because I wanted to talk to you about our efforts for the community thus far.”
“Oh? It hasn’t been that long since we talked about the idea. Do you have news already?”
Audrey nodded as she led them into the drawing room, where Lady Kathryn and Mia were already seated.
“Lady Kathryn, Miss Mia, a pleasure to see you today,” Peter said with a bow.
“Mr. Wallings, always a pleasure,” Lady Kathryn said.
“Good day, Mr. Wallings,” Mia said.
They all took their seats, and Audrey looked at Mia. “Dearest, would you like to tell the vicar the good news?”
Mia puffed up her chest. “Indeed. Mr. Wallings, my sisters talked about what would help the most and we decided to knit woolen mittens and scarves for the children. Everything will be ready in time for Christmas.”
“Oh my, that is indeed good news. I don’t know how I can thank you for everything your family is done for my congregation.”
“Vicar, it’s our pleasure,” Audrey said. “Actually, it was Miss Mia who was most excited about the project. She has been sorting the yarn for the different projects. She’s truly been an asset to our efforts.”
“Miss Mia, I don’t know what to say, except thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Mia beamed at the vicar’s praise.
While they conversed, Betsy wheeled in the tea tray. “Will there be anything else, Lady Fletcher?”
Audrey shook her head. “No. That will be all. Thank you, Betsy.”
The maid curtseyed and left the room as Jacob strode in.
“Wallings, good to see you again.”
“Lord Fletcher, the pleasure is mine. And I want to thank you for allowing me to ride Midnight.”
“He’s magnificent, isn’t he?”
“Oh, indeed he is.”
“You’re welcome to ride him whenever you wish. My stablemaster has been informed to make him available whenever you wish to ride. He’s a spirited animal and requires a lot of exercise, and I don’t always have time to ride him as much as I would like.”
“Thank you. I shall be happy to take you up on your offer.”
Grace poured out the tea, and everyone sat around discussing some of the other things that are being done to help the less fortunate parishioners in Reading.
After a pleasant hour, Peter stood. “Well, I must take my leave. It’s been a delight seeing you all today.”
Grace stood as well. “I’ll walk you out.”
Peter held out his arm, and Grace placed her fingertips on his sleeve. She was relieved to see that Jones wasn’t manning the door when they walked into the foyer.
“I’ve had a most lovely afternoon,” she said.
“As have I, Grace,” he said. He leaned toward her and gave her a sweet and quick kiss. “I hope to see your family at Sunday services.”
Grace nodded. “You will, although the three days until then suddenly seem like an eternity,” she said.
Peter squeezed her hand. “I shall be counting the hours until our next meeting,” he said as he strode out the door and turned toward the stables.
She loved watching his long-legged stride. When she walked back into the drawing room, Audrey was smiling. “Grace, dear, did you enjoy your afternoon with Mr. Wallings?”
Grace didn’t want to tell anyone except Kathryn of her growing feelings for the vicar. “It was quite enjoyable. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to change out of my riding habit.”
“Of course. We’ll see you at dinner.”
Grace nodded and left the room. She wanted the quiet sanctuary of her room to relive every moment of today’s outing. She walked into her bedchamber and rang for Selena.
“Are you ready to change?” Selena asked a few moments later.
“Yes, thank you, Selena.”
“It was a lovely day for a ride. Did you enjoy it?”
“Yes, it was delightful.”
“Would you like to rest before dinner?” Selena asked, removing the habit and her stays.
Grace nodded and removed her half-boots.
“I shall see you later to help you dress for dinner, my lady.” Selena scooped up the habit and boots and left Grace to her solitude.
Grace lay down on the bed, closed her eyes, and thought about her afternoon. Peter had said he couldn’t breathe when he was near her. Could he be falling in love with her?
After Grace left the drawing room, Kathryn and Mia also took their leave.
“Would you care for another cup of tea, darling?” Audrey asked.
Jacob shook his head. “No, I’m fine. My dear sweet wife, have I told you how much I love you?” he asked.
Audrey tapped her chin. “Let me think. No, I haven’t heard those words in nearly an hour. Whatever am I to do? I’m so distraught.”
Jacob chuckled and pulled her onto his lap. “I’ve been remiss in my husbandly duties, then. Let me remedy that,” he said, kissing her long and deep.
When they broke apart, both were smiling. “I did want a moment to talk with you privately, though,” she said.
“Oh? I thought you only wanted my earth-shattering kisses,” he said with a chuckle.
“Yes, well, that too, of course. I always welcome your kisses. Did you notice how Mr. Wallings could barely keep his eyes from straying to Grace during tea? I do believe they may be developing a tendre for each other.”
“Are you sure?”
Audrey nodded. “I am if their looks are any indication; it’s a wonder the drawing room didn’t ignite in flames.”
“Now, that is interesting. I’m afraid I didn’t notice, but Wallings is a good man, and if he makes Grace happy, then I see no impediment to their courtship.”
“Has Mr. Wallings asked your permission to court Grace?” Audrey asked.
“Not yet, but if what you say is true, I think that may happen after Sunday services.”
“Good. I think that would be the perfect time for him to ask.”
“Now that that bit of business is done, I don’t think I’ve made up for my folly in not declaring my love for you. Come, my love,” he said, setting her on her feet.
“Whatever do you mean, my lord?” Audrey said with a chuckle as her husband took her hand and led her up to their bedchamber.