Chapter 18
After the services, Grace went outside and stood next to Peter as the parishioners congratulated them on their engagement.
“Mr. Wallings, Miss Parker, I’m so pleased to hear you’re to wed,” Mrs. Stillman said. “I wish you happy.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Stillman. We’re both thrilled,” Peter said.
Mr. Randolph offered his hand. “I wish you happy, vicar. I would be most pleased to preside over the ceremony if you wish.”
“I would like that very much, Mr. Randolph. Neither of us wishes for a long engagement, so the wedding will happen very soon after the final reading of the banns.”
“I shall be ready,” Mr. Randolph said, taking hold of his little niece’s hand. “Come along, Emily.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Stillman,” Grace said.
“Good day, Miss Parker.”
Family after family offered their best wishes to the young couple.
“Vicar, what a wonderful announcement,” Lord Dudley said. He bowed to Grace. “I wish you both happy.”
“Thank you, my lord. Tell me, how is your father?” Peter asked.
“About the same. He has good days and bad days.”
“I shall come by and see him soon.”
“That would be most welcome. Good day to you both.”
Grace was thrilled that everyone was pleased about their upcoming marriage. She could hardly wait to become Mrs. Wallings and help Peter as he administered to the parishioners.
“Mr. Wallings, do you wish to come to Dandridge for luncheon?” Audrey asked when it was their turn to congratulate the couple.
“Lady Fletcher, thank you for your kind offer.” He turned to Grace. “My darling, I shall see you in a bit, once I finish with a few things here at the church.”
Grace turned to Audrey. “I want to help Mr. Wallings first, and then we’ll come for luncheon. Will that suit?”
“Of course, dearest. We’ll see you both soon,” Audrey said.
When the family returned home, Kathryn and Easton were in the drawing room. Kathryn went out to the foyer to greet them. “Lady Fletcher, my brother has arrived.”
Audrey, Jacob, and Mia followed her into the drawing room.
Jacob extended his hand. “Easton, good to see you.”
“Fletcher, the pleasure is all mine. I came a day early; I do hope it’s not an inconvenience. I couldn’t stomach another night on a lumpy inn mattress.”
“Lord Easton, you’re always most welcome,” Audrey said. “The rooms for your family have been prepared.”
“Thank you, Lady Fletcher. Might I say you’re looking as beautiful as ever?”
“You are too kind, sir. You remember my youngest sister, Miss Mia?”
“Yes, of course. Good day to you, Miss Mia,” Easton said with a bow.
Mia curtseyed. “Lord Easton.”
“Miss Mia has become quite proficient on the pianoforte this summer,” Kathryn said, having noticed her brother’s gaze lingering on Mia.
At six and ten, Mia was becoming a stunning young woman with her sun-kissed blond hair and startling blue eyes.
“Perhaps she will consider playing something for us later.”
“Yes, I would be delighted,” Mia said.
“Excellent. I look forward to it,” Easton said. “Have you enjoyed your summer, Miss Mia?”
“I have, and I’ve even learned how to ride.”
“You have? Well now, that’s quite an accomplishment.”
“It was Lady Kathryn who helped me get over my fear of horses.”
“My sister has many talents,” Easton said.
“Mr. Wallings and Miss Parker will be here shortly,” Jacob said. “Care to join me in my study until they arrive, Easton?”
“Of course,” said, bowing to the ladies as he followed Jacob out of the room.
“I shall return in a moment,” Mia said, leaving as well.
“Is Mia well?” Kathryn asked. “She looks quite flushed.”
Audrey shrugged. “Perhaps it’s your handsome brother’s attention that has brought color to her cheeks.”
“I did notice that his gaze lingered for a few moments longer than necessary.”
“Doesn’t matter at the moment. Mia will not have her debut for two more years. I’m sure Lord Easton’s interest will be elsewhere by then.”
Kathryn wondered about that. Her brother didn’t seem in any hurry to marry. She would like nothing better than if he and Mia actually did fall in love when she had her Season. “Perhaps.”
“Are you looking forward to seeing your parents tomorrow?”
Kathryn sighed. “Yes and no. Easton actually witnessed Mr. Clifford’s proposal earlier.”
“He did?”
“Yes, I was talking with Mr. Clifford, and I confessed my feelings to him, and he did the same before bending the knee and proposing. Easton said he hadn’t meant to eavesdrop and then told me he’d help convince Papa to let us marry.”
“Dearest, I’m so proud of you for confessing your feelings.”
Kathryn nodded. “I never thought I could ever be brave.”
“Wait. You said Mr. Clifford proposed already?”
“Yes.”
“How wonderful. You’re engaged,” Audrey said, squeezing Kathryn’s hands.
“Not exactly wonderful yet.”
“Dearest, you must have hope. Will you confide in your mother before you approach your father?”
“I’m not sure. Do you think it’s a good idea? If she’s opposed as well, then there’s no hope that my father will agree to the match.”
“You won’t know that unless you speak with her. I believe you should try. Your mother only wants the best for you. Would you like me to be with you when you broach the subject with her?”
“No. This is something I must do on my own.”
Easton followed Fletcher down the hall and into his study.
“Care for something stronger than tea?” Fletcher asked.
“Absolutely.”
Fletcher went to the sideboard, poured a splash of brandy into two glasses, and handed one to him.
“Thank you. So, tell me. How has it been here at Dandridge Manor? From what I’ve seen of it so far, which isn’t much, it’s a lovely country home,” Easton said.
“It is indeed, and I’m glad we ventured here this summer. It’s been a pleasure being out of London.”
“Quite idyllic out here, unlike London, although it’s been quiet in Town for the last month, now that most of the ton has headed off to the country to avoid the heat.”
“What have you been doing to keep yourself entertained these days?” Fletcher asked.
Easton recounted the story about his near miss being leg-shackled to one of the most ruthless young ladies he’d ever had the misfortune to meet in far greater detail than he’d shared with his sister
“Blast, man, that sounds dreadful.”
“Believe me, it was. I was so thankful when Melrose and Harrington refuted her story. I owe them my life.”
“I’ve met Harrington, but I’m not acquainted with Melrose. Have you known him long?”
Easton nodded. “Yes, we went to university together. It’s good to have friends.”
“Indeed it is. Your father has become one of my dearest friends. He’s been very helpful with all the parliamentary business,” Fletcher said.
Easton chuckled. “My father likes nothing more than sharing his opinions on the bills that come up for review.”
“I’ve learned a great deal from him, and I’m eternally grateful for my solicitor introducing us.”
Easton sipped his brandy while Fletcher told him about the family’s time at Dandridge Manor.
“Tell me, how has my sister fared this summer?”
“What do you mean? She seems quite happy here.”
“I’ve noticed that myself,” Easton said.
“Oh? Care to elaborate?”
“I witnessed my sister and Mr. Clifford together in the garden today. They didn’t notice me at first, but after he proposed, I made my presence known.”
“Proposed? I wasn’t aware that was going to happen, although my dear wife informed me not long ago of their growing attachment to each other.”
“I told my sister I would help plead her case to Father. You know how he is—such a stickler about propriety and appearances. Even as the heir to a baronetcy, Mr. Clifford is far below my sister’s station.”
“Yes, I do know Lord Devon is concerned about appearances.”
“What kind of man is Mr. Clifford? I will not try to help them if he isn’t worthy of her.”
“Mr. Clifford told me about his circumstances concerning his relationship with his brother when I first met him. He’s not a servant, and is the heir to the Faulkner Baronetcy.
Mr. Clifford needed some place to stay, and I needed someone to oversee the garden design here.
It was beneficial to both of us. One thing I have observed is that Lady Kathryn smiles a lot more and seems more at ease here than when she was in London. ”
“That’s good to know. I worried for her after her difficult time this past Season.”
Fletcher took a sip of his brandy before continuing. “Did you know Mr. Clifford was helping out Lord Ashford.”
“Our old London neighbor?”
“The very one. Evidently, Lady Kathryn and he were somewhat aware of each other from that time.”
“Really? How so?”
“From what my wife has told me, when she first introduced Mr. Clifford to Miss Parker and Lady Kathryn, he already knew who your sister was.”
“My sister used to spend a great deal of time in our London garden. Perhaps she saw him working.”
“Could be. In any case, I do hope you’re able to convince your father to let them marry. They seem well suited to one another.”
“I hope so, or else I fear my father will find some old crony to marry her and sentence my sister to a life of misery.”
“If I can help in any way, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thanks, Fletcher. I may indeed take you up on your offer. My sister’s future happiness may depend on it.”