Chapter 16
Over the next sennight, Grace did everything within her power to thrust Kathryn and Mr. Clifford together.
Kathryn’s family was due to arrive in a few days, and Grace wanted to make sure they had a chance to confess their feelings for each other before Kathryn’s parents arrived.
If she wasn’t brave enough to tell Mr. Clifford how she felt, Grace was sure that the gardener wouldn’t broach the subject on his own.
From what she’d observed, Mr. Clifford’s actions consisted of more longing looks and an occasional touch of Kathryn’s hand when she was pointing out something in the garden design. That wouldn’t be enough for Lord Devon to grant his permission for Kathryn and he to marry.
They had to declare their love for each other.
Two days before the Devons were set to arrive, Grace was watching them from the drawing room doorway that led to the garden. Kathryn and Sam were deep in conversation, pointing this way or that. They were obviously talking about the garden design and not their feelings.
“Grace?” Audrey said, walking into the drawing room.
“Yes? I’m here.”
“I didn’t see you. Are you finished with your instructions for the gardener today? It’s time to leave for your modiste appointment.”
Grace took one last look at Kathryn and Sam, sighed, and then turned away. Neither one of them seemed ready to declare their feelings. “I’m ready.”
“Good. The carriage is outside.”
Grace followed her sister to the foyer, where she grabbed her bonnet, gloves, and reticule.
Charles handed them up into the carriage before hopping on the back, and the driver whistled to the horses to get them moving.
“Grace, is something amiss? You don’t look happy to be going for the fitting of your wedding dress.”
Grace looked up. “Oh, it’s not that. I’m thrilled about the dress, actually. It’s just that…”
“What, dearest? You can confide in me, especially if you’re having second thoughts about marrying the vicar.”
“No, nothing like that. I cannot wait to become Mrs. Wallings, but I’m worried about Kathryn.”
“I don’t understand. What’s the matter with Kathryn? She hasn’t mentioned anything to me.”
“I doubt she will. Beyond that, I cannot say anything more.” Grace wanted to tell Audrey about Kathryn and Sam, but she’d told her friend that she wouldn’t speak of it to anyone. She did not want to betray her confidence.
“I see. Does it perhaps have anything to do with Mr. Clifford?”
Grace’s eyes widened. “You know?”
“I’m not sure what you think I know, but I have eyes and I can see how they look at one another when they think no one is observing them. Are they developing a tendre for each other?”
Now that Audrey had guessed Kathryn’s secret, Grace didn’t feel as conflicted about confirming her thoughts. “Yes.”
“Oh dear, I can see why that would be a problem. I doubt very much if her parents would approve of such a match. He’s far below her station as the second son of a baronet.”
“I thought if I put them together as much as possible of late, they may declare their feelings for one another, but I don’t think I’ve been very successful.
Mr. Clifford wouldn’t overstep the bounds of propriety by telling Kathryn he loves her unless Kathryn tells him of her own feelings first,” Grace said.
“I agree. That is a dilemma. Kathryn is a very shy young woman, and Mr. Clifford would never presume to speak of his feelings to her unless he had encouragement to do so.”
“She is shy, but sometimes you need to be bold if you desire something enough.”
“I shall talk with her and see if I can persuade her to declare her feelings,” Audrey said.
“I’m not sure that’s wise. She’ll think I betrayed her confidence, and that’s the last thing I wish to do,” Grace said.
“Not to worry, dearest. I’ll find a way to broach the subject without mentioning you.”
“Thank you, Audrey. It would be wonderful to see Kathryn truly happy. I know she dreads going back to London and having to endure another Season.”
“Let me think on it. I also desire to see Kathryn happy. It was the reason I invited her to join us for the summer. I know she didn’t have a good experience on the marriage mart this Season.”
Neither Grace nor Audrey talked for the rest of the journey into Reading, each lost in their own thoughts about how to help Kathryn.
When the carriage stopped, the footman opened the door and handed them down.
“Thank you, Charles,” Audrey said.
“Lady Fletcher, Mrs. Greenleaf has given me a list of supplies she needs. If I might go make those purchases now, I shall return to the carriage shortly.”
“Of course,” Audrey said, nodding before she and Grace entered the modiste’s shop.
“Lady Fletcher, Miss Parker, good day to you,” Mrs. Spencer, the modiste, said.
“Good day, Mrs. Spencer.”
“Miss Parker, your dress is coming along splendidly. Are you ready for your fitting?”
Grace nodded, and Mrs. Spencer led her to the dressing room. Her blue wool dress was hanging on the hanger, and Grace walked over and felt the soft fabric. “It’s stunning. Mrs. Spencer, you and your seamstresses have done a wonderful job. So lightweight. I love it.”
“That pleases me, Miss Parker. The final lace around the bodice and cuffs will be added after the fitting today, and the dress will be ready soon.”
While Grace was being attended to by one of the seamstresses, Mrs. Spencer went out to the main room. “Lady Fletcher, may I help you with anything?”
Audrey held up a bolt of finely woven white cotton. “My sister will need petticoats and night dresses. Will you be able to complete them before the wedding?”
Mrs. Spencer took the bolt and nodded. “Yes. That can be done. How many?”
“Perhaps two of each, or at least one completed by the wedding.”
“Of course, Lady Fletcher. I’ll put my best girls on it.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Spencer. By the way, how is Camille doing?”
“I’m very grateful you brought her to my attention through your scholarship program. She’s a hard worker and a quick learner. I can see her becoming one of my regular seamstresses if that’s the path she’d like to take.”
“Excellent. I’m happy to hear that.”
“You’ve done a wonderful thing for the children, Lady Fletcher. With their schooling, they have a better future.”
“Yes, I hope so too. By the way, my sister and I will also need new gloves and stockings.”
“Of course, I’ve recently received a new shipment of gloves. Please come this way.”
After an hour in the shop, Audrey and Grace emerged carrying a number of packages. Charles quickly took them and secured them to the back of the carriage.
“One more stop at the milliner’s,” Grace said to Audrey.
“Of course, dearest, and perhaps some new ribbons to weave in your hair?”
“Audrey, I don’t need any new ribbons, but shall we pick some out for Mia? She’ll want to look her best for the wedding.”
“That’s a wonderful idea,” Audrey said, linking their arms as they walked down the street to the milliner’s shop.
By the time they arrived home, it was almost time for tea.
“Good day, ma’am. I trust your shopping trip was successful?” the butler said.
“It was indeed.
“I’ll have Charles bring the packages upstairs.”
“He can put them all in Miss Parker’s room.”
Jones nodded and went to assist Charles with their bounty.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m parched. A nice cup of tea sounds heavenly,” Audrey said.
“Yes, it does.”
Once they had divested themselves of their bonnets and gloves, Grace and Audrey walked into the drawing room, where Mia was practicing the pianoforte with Kathryn turning the pages for her.
Grace and Audrey took their seats to listen. After a few rough patches, Mia finished the piece.
“I’m afraid that wasn’t very good this time,” Mia said to Kathryn.
“Nonsense, it was much improved over the last time you attempted that song. If you keep practicing, you’ll soon master it.”
“Bravo,” Grace said.
Both Mia and Kathryn looked over and saw Audrey and Grace. They walked over and joined the sisters.
“How was your shopping trip?” Mia asked.
“It was good. I have something for each of you.”
“You bought me something?” Mia exclaimed. She threw her arms around Grace, hugging her tightly. “Thank you, sister, that was very kind of you, especially since you were supposed to be shopping for your trousseau.”
“I did that as well.”
“Grace, there was no need for you to buy me anything,” Kathryn said.
“When you see what I found for you, you may think differently,” Grace said, smiling.
Jacob joined them for tea and kissed Audrey. “Was your shopping trip successful?”
“Oh, yes, my darling. You’ll see how much when you receive the invoices,” Audrey said with a chuckle.
“As long as you and Grace enjoyed yourselves, then it doesn’t matter how large the invoice is.”
Grace stood and kissed her brother-in-law on the cheek. “Jacob, I can’t thank you enough for your generosity.”
“I’m happy to help,” he said. “By the way, I rode out with Mr. Johnston while you were in town. All the repairs to the tenant cottages have been completed.”
“That’s wonderful, darling,” Audrey said. “And the harvest?”
“So far, it’s looking like a good one this year.”
After an hour of catching up with them, Jacob left the ladies and returned to his study.
“Shall we go see what’s in the boxes?” Grace asked.
Mia jumped up. “Yes.”
Grace chuckled, and everyone followed Mia up the staircase and down the hallway to Grace’s bedchamber, where there were multiple boxes piled on the bed.
“Which one is mine?” Mia asked.
Grace sifted through the boxes and pulled one from the bottom. “Here you are. I hope you like it.”
“I’m sure I will. Thank you for thinking of me,” Mia said as she opened the box. A smile lit up her pretty face as she pulled out a pair of soft kidskin gloves and several ribbons in a variety of colors. She immediately went to Grace and hugged her. “You’re too kind, sister. Thank you.”
“Mia, it was my pleasure,” Grace said, pulling another box out of the pile and handing it to Kathryn.
Kathryn opened the box and gasped. Nestled in a bed of satin was the most exquisite silver-gilt filigree hair comb. “Oh my goodness, it’s stunning. Thank you, Grace.”
“As soon as I saw it, I knew it was perfect for you,” Grace said.
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll wear it and think of me.”
Kathryn hugged her. “Thank you. I agree with Mia; you’re too generous.”
“I think we can all thank Jacob,” Grace said.
That made Audrey smile. “Yes, my husband is quite generous. I’ll be sure to give him all your thanks.”
“What’s in the rest of the boxes?” Mia asked.
“Wait until you see,” Grace said. “I’m so excited to show you.”
The women spent the next half-hour oohing and aahing over the purchases.
When Kathryn excused herself to return to her chambers, Audrey walked out with her.
“Kathryn, may I have a moment of your time?”
“Of course,” she said, leading Audrey into her bedchamber and closing the door.
“Audrey, what may I do for you?”
“There’s nothing you can do. I merely wanted a moment to talk with you.”
“Oh?”
“I hope you’ve been enjoying yourself these past months? It’s good to see you so relaxed.”
“It’s been wonderful being here with all of you. I do love the country and cannot thank you enough for inviting me.”
“I’m glad. How are you feeling about your family coming in two days?”
“It will be good to see them.”
“Of course. I’m sure you’ve missed them.”
Kathryn nodded. “I have, but…”
Audrey took her hand and brought her over to the settee in front of the fireplace. “Come sit with me a moment. You seem unsettled.”
“Perhaps a little.”
“Are you looking forward to returning to London?”
“No, not at all.”
“Oh?”
“Audrey, I’m so conflicted, and I don’t know what to do.”
“About what? Please share your burden with me. Perhaps I can offer some assistance.”
Tears leaked from Kathryn’s eyes and rolled down her cheeks. “I don’t think anyone can help me.”
“Why do you say that? There’s always a choice to be made.”
“Not for me, I’m afraid.”
“Kathryn, may I speak plainly?”
“Of course. You are a very dear friend, and I value your counsel.”
“Are you unsettled because of Mr. Clifford?”
Kathryn gasped. “No… um… why would you think that?”
Audrey squeezed her hand. “My dear friend, I have eyes in my head, and I’ve seen your enthusiasm when talking with him about the garden design, as well as all the longing in your faces when you look at each other. Have I guessed wrong? I don’t wish to overstep.”
Kathryn jumped up and began pacing. “Everything is all wrong. It’s an impossible situation.”
“Why is it wrong? If you’ve developed a tendre for him and he feels the same, then I don’t see why that is wrong. Love should be celebrated, should it not?”
Kathryn slumped down on the settee once again. “Don’t you see? Mr. Clifford is far below my station. My father would never approve of a match between us.”
“I see. However, I believe my question to you is much more important than either of your stations in life.”
“What question?”
“Do you love him?”
Kathryn started to deny it and then nodded.
“With all my heart. He’s the only man who has ever wanted to spend time and talk with me.
He makes me feel so special. No gentleman in London ever took the time to converse beyond bland tidbits about the weather when they danced with me.
I know I only attracted their attention because of my dowry. ”
“Have you told Mr. Clifford of your feelings?”
“I could never.”
“Why? Does he not share your feelings?”
“I believe he does.”
“Well then, there’s only one thing for you to do.”
“Really? What do you recommend?”
“Kathryn, it’s time to be bold and declare your feelings. Mr. Clifford will never mention his feelings unless you give him some encouragement. If you want to have a life with him, you must act, or I fear your father will deny your request without argument.”
“I fear Papa will deny it no matter what. My father values appearances amongst the ton above all else.”
“Maybe, but you’ll never know if you don’t try. Perhaps if you spoke to your mother about your feelings first.”
“I could never do that. She wishes me to marry a peer. I would hate to disappoint her.”
“I’m sure your mother wishes you to be happy, and if you tell her how happy Mr. Clifford makes you, then she may be able to convince your father to allow the marriage.” Audrey stood and kissed Kathryn’s cheek. “Think of what I’ve said, my dear.”
“I will. Thank you, Audrey.”
After Audrey left her bedchamber, Kathryn thought about everything her friend had said. She’d never been brave, but she’d never wanted anything so much as she wanted to be with Mr. Clifford.
He was her heart, and she could be brave for him.