Chapter7
“I’m so sorry for interrupting.Can you forgive me?” Kathryn asked after the vicar had left the garden.
“Oh, Kathryn. That was my first kiss!” Grace exclaimed, rushing to her friend. “It was absolutely magical. Every part of my body was tingling with delight. I never wanted it to end.”
“I didn’t realize you were so well acquainted with Mr. Wallings.”
“We met a few times in London, and I thoroughly enjoyed his company—he’s as passionate about nature as we are. But then he disappeared, and I thought I’d never see him again. I’m so pleased he’s been assigned here.”
“I’ve known him for a few years through my brother, although I didn’t know he had studied to join the church. He was always so respectful, but very quiet. At least, quiet compared to my brother,” Kathryn said with a chuckle. ““I’d never have thought Mr. Wallings to be so bold as to steal a kiss. That was surprising.”
“It wasn’t he who was bold; it was me. He leaned toward me, and I thought he might kiss me, but I didn’t want to wait any longer, so I stepped into his embrace and kissed him instead. Please don’t tell anyone. I’m sure Jacob or Audrey would not approve of such wanton behavior.”
“You kissed him?”
“Yes. He was standing so near and looking so handsome, I couldn’t help myself. It was the single most glorious moment of my life.”
“Grace, I’m so pleased for you, and rest assured, your secret is safe with me.”
“Thank you. Honestly, I can’t wait to kiss him again.”
“You can’t?”
“Oh, yes. Have you ever been kissed?”
Kathryn looked away with a sad expression. “No, unfortunately not. I’m afraid my time on the marriage mart was not very enjoyable, as I mentioned before.”
Grace squeezed her hand. “Oh, Kathryn, please forgive me. I didn’t mean to make you sad again. Please forgive my careless words.”
“Of course. I’m happy you’ve had a good experience with your first kiss. Not every lady can say the same,” Kathryn said. “I’ve heard whispers of things going horribly wrong.”
“I just know you’ll meet someone who will know what a wonderful person you are and sweep you off your feet. You must have faith that everything will work out for the best.”
Kathryn’s expression made it clear that she wasn’t the least bit sure of that based on her experience with gentlemen thus far. “Did he like the plans for the garden?” Kathryn asked, changing the subject.
“He did, and even offered a few suggestions. I do like talking with him ever so much.”
“Have you developed atendrefor him?”
“I started to feel something in London, and now, seeing him here, I find myself drawn to him even more than before.”
“Do you think you could be happy being a vicar’s wife?”
“I suppose so with the right man. I do enjoy helping people, and this area is so very beautiful.”
“It’s not a very glamorous life, being a vicar’s wife. Could you be happy with so much less than you have now?”
“Kathryn, what you may not know is that my sisters and I grew up with a father who drank and gambled away every shilling we had to our name. There were days when we all went to bed hungry because there was no money for food. After years of that, I think I could be very happy being a vicar’s wife.”
“Oh, Grace. I’m so sorry. I had no idea your family had endured so much.”
“It’s fine. No need to apologize. We have Jacob now, and he’s been wonderful, and overly generous in my opinion. He makes sure we want for nothing, and while I appreciate everything he does for us, I think I would enjoy being in the country, living a simpler life. I’m not enamored with London, as so many young ladies are, although I do thoroughly enjoy the British Museum.”
“Yes, I do as well, but you’re right, London can be harsh. Sometimes people are cruel just for the fun of it. I suppose it makes them feel superior in some way. I’ll never understand that way of thinking. I much prefer the country as well,” Kathryn said as the two women walked back to the drawing room.
A sennight after askingMr. Johnston’s help in finding a gardener for Dandridge Manor, Jacob was in his study interviewing his stablemaster’s cousin, Sam Clifford. “Mr. Clifford, your reference from Lord Ashford is very complimentary. May I ask why you left his employ?”
“Of course, Lord Fletcher. I’m the second son of a baronet and have always taken care of the garden at the family’s country manor. My father and I were close, and my brother Michael was jealous of our relationship, especially when my father praisedmy efforts in helping the family. Unfortunately, when my father passed, my brother did not share my father’s sentiments.”