Chapter 17
Grace sat fidgeting in the pew at Sunday services. Today would be the first reading of the banns for her and Peter. She had no idea why she was so nervous… except she hoped his parishioners would be pleased with their vicar’s choice of a bride.
Audrey took hold of her hand. “No need to fidget. All will be well, dearest,” she whispered.
Grace nodded and waited.
“Before I give the sermon today, there are a couple of announcements I’d like to make.
First, I would like to congratulate the children on all their hard work with their studies.
These past few weeks, they’ve shown tremendous progress.
The school will stay open until it’s time for the harvest to be brought in and then will resume after Christmastide.
We’ve also placed three older students in apprenticeships, and they are thriving.
Our most sincere thanks to Lord and Lady Fletcher for sponsoring these endeavors. ”
Many heads were nodding.
“I now have a personal announcement to make. I publish the Banns of marriage between Mr. Peter Wallings of St. Mary’s parish and Miss Grace Parker of St. Mary’s parish.
If any of you know just cause or impediment why these two persons should not be joined together in Holy matrimony, you are to declare it. This is the first time of asking.”
The congregation erupted in applause.
Grace breathed a sigh of relief.
“See, dearest, I told you all would be well,” Audrey said, patting her hand.
That morning, Kathryn had declined to attend Sunday services with the Fletcher family. She was going to take Audrey’s advice. It was time to be bold. She went in search of Mr. Clifford and found him sitting on the garden bench near the French doors of the drawing room.
“Mr. Clifford?” she asked.
Mr. Clifford looked up. “Lady Kathryn, you didn’t go to Sunday services with the family?”
Kathryn shook her head. “No. I needed to talk to you.”
He stood and held out his hand. “My lady, you look unsettled. Please have a seat beside me. How may I be of service?”
Kathryn took a deep breath and reminded herself to be brave. “My family will be here tomorrow.”
“I’m sure you missed them this summer,” Sam said. “I’ll be very sad to see you leave Dandridge Manor when it’s time for you to go home.”
“I did miss them, but…”
“My lady, what is it?”
“Sam, um… oh dear, I didn’t think this would be so hard.”
Sam took her hand and raised it to his lips for a light kiss. “My dear, whatever you have to say, please know you may confide in me. I would never betray your confidence.”
“Sam, I don’t want to leave here.” She saw his eyes widen. “I wish there was a way we could be together,” Kathryn continued, blinking furiously to keep the tears at bay.
“You want us to be together?”
“Yes. I’m afraid I’ve fallen hopelessly in love with you.”
“My darling Kathryn, you must know I feel the same, and I would propose to you in an instant, but I don’t see a way forward for us. You’re the daughter of an earl, and I’m the second son of a baronet.
Kathryn reached up and caressed his cheek. “Not a lowly second son to me.”
“I don’t believe your father would approve of us,” Sam said, taking Kathryn’s hand and bringing it to his lips once again. “Know this, my darling, I will always love you until my dying day. No one will ever be able to fill the void in my heart when you depart.”
Now her tears came in earnest, spilling down her cheeks.
“Please don’t cry.”
“I cannot help it. My heart is breaking. If I were a milkmaid, there would be no impediment to us marrying.”
“But you’re not a milkmaid, but the beautiful and talented daughter of the Earl of Devon.”
“I’m afraid you’re the only one who has ever seen me that way. I dread going back to London and facing the ton’s gossipmongers once more. I detest it there.”
“Kathryn, listen to me. You’re a strong and beautiful woman. Don’t let those petty women tear into your confidence. Show them your backbone and hold your head high.”
“Oh, Sam. If only I shared your confidence in my abilities.”
Sam leaned toward her and wiped the tears from her face before gently kissing her lips. “I know you can do it, my love.”
Kathryn knew what she had to do. She would use her newfound confidence to tell her parents that she loved Mr. Clifford and wanted to marry him. “I’m going to ask my father for permission to marry.”
Sam got down on one knee and held her hand. “My darling Kathryn, I know your father will disapprove of me, but I want you to know that I love you with all my heart and would be the happiest man in all of England if you would consent to be my wife.”
“Ahem,” came a voice from the doorway, startling them both.
Sam jumped up, and Kathryn looked over her shoulder, momentarily panicking when she saw her brother standing in the doorway. Had he heard their confession of love and Sam’s proposal? Would he tell Papa before she had a chance to plead her case?
“Easton, I…”
“Dear sister, I didn’t intend to eavesdrop on your private conversation.”
“Please don’t tell Papa. I need to convince him to let me marry Mr. Clifford. He loves me, Easton, and I love him. No man has ever looked at me the way he does. He makes me feel beautiful and cherished.”
“I can certainly see that, and I’m not here to ruin your chance at happiness. I will help you plead your case with Father.”
“You will? Mr. Clifford is the second son of a baronet, not a servant. He’s his brother’s heir until his brother marries and has a son of his own.”
“I see. That makes the situation a little better, but not by much.”
“I understand if you don’t want to speak on our behalf.”
“Sister, please know I also love you and want you to be happy. I will speak with Father.”
Kathryn stood up and threw her arms around Easton’s neck, hugging him. “Thank you. You’re the best brother a girl could ever wish for.”
Mr. Clifford held out his hand. “I’m Sam Clifford, my lord.”
“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Clifford,” Easton said, shaking his hand. “I approve of any man who can put the light back in my sister’s eyes. I knew she’d find someone someday who’d see her true worth.”
“Your sister is an amazing woman, my lord. I’ll extend my thanks as well for any help you can offer in this situation.”
“Don’t thank me yet. I only said I would try. Our father can be quite stubborn about appearances and proper alliances.”
“I know, and that’s what worries me,” Kathryn said. “Oh, Easton, what if he refuses to allow us to marry?”
“Let’s worry about that when the time comes. They’ll arrive tomorrow, so we must think of a good strategy to make him bow to your love.”
“I’ll take my leave so you may converse with your brother. Until later, my love,” Sam said.
Kathryn turned to Sam. “I’ll see you soon.”
Sam nodded and left the garden while Easton led Kathryn into the drawing room.
“You must be parched,” Kathryn said. “The family will return shortly, and luncheon will be served soon. Shall I order you some tea to tide you over until then?”
“That would be most welcome.”
Kathryn went over and pulled the bellpull, and Betsy appeared within minutes.
“Yes, my lady. Do you require something?”
“Lord Easton has just arrived. Please have Mrs. Greenleaf send up a pot of tea.”
“Right away, my lady,” Betsy said. She bobbed a quick curtsy before leaving the room.
“It will only be a few moments. Come and sit with me and tell me what you’ve been doing all summer,” Kathryn said.
“Not much, really.”
“Come now, Easton. I know that’s probably not true.”
Easton chuckled.
Betsy soon returned with a pot of tea and some lemon biscuits.
Kathryn poured him a cup while Easton spent the next hour regaling her with stories of his summer in London.
“I don’t think Father is very happy with me these days.
My name has appeared in the scandal sheets once too often for his taste. ”
“The scandal sheets? Whatever for?”
“Seems a certain young lady has been telling wild tales about me. She only stopped spreading the malicious gossip when she was caught in an outright lie about my whereabouts on a particular evening.”
“Oh dear, that doesn’t sound good. What was she saying?”
“Nothing for your tender ears to hear, my dear. To put it mildly, her parents were not pleased with her. They’ve taken her to the country, and I’m not sure she’ll be back in London next Season.”
“Well, that certainly sounds scandalous.”
“It was, but luckily her lies were found out by two of my friends, who confirmed my whereabouts on the night she said I’d compromised her. I couldn’t imagine myself leg-shackled to that harridan.”
“That does sound dreadful. Now, dear brother, I have news.”
“Besides the fact you’re in love with a commoner and I witnessed his proposal?” he asked with a wink.
“Yes, besides that, although that’s the most important news. You’ll be pleased to hear your friend, Mr. Wallings, is the new vicar here at St. Mary’s parish.”
“What? Wallings is here? No wonder I couldn’t find him at his London parish. No one could tell me where he’d gone.”
“That’s not all. He and Miss Parker have formed an attachment and are engaged to be married.”
“Now that I’m not surprised about. Wallings went on and on about Miss Parker at the end of the Season, saying how much he enjoyed her company. At the time, I thought it was merely an infatuation.”
“Not at all. They’re very much in love and so happy together.”
“Have the banns been read?”
“Yes. The first one should have been read earlier today at services.”
“How wonderful. Do you know if they intend to marry right away? I’d love to be here for the wedding.”
“Yes, Grace told me she doesn’t wish to have a long engagement.”
“Excellent. I’m very pleased for my friend.”
“As am I. All of the Fletchers have been so kind to me over the summer. I’ve had the most wonderful time here.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“They’ll be returning soon. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mr. Wallings joins the family for luncheon, so you’ll have a chance to catch up with him.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”