“Mr. Randolph, could you enlighten me on what duties the former vicar undertook for the community?”
“He performed Sunday mass, sir.”
“I see. What other duties did he have?”
“None that I’m aware of, Mr. Wallings.”
“None?”
The curate shook his head.
“Am I to understand that you fulfilled all the other responsibilities for the parishioners?”
“Yes, that was my duty.”
“Hmmm… Mr. Randolph, I sincerely apologize for my predecessor’s behavior. It seemed he took great advantage of your generous nature.”
“Well…”
“Do not trouble yourself any further, Mr. Randolph. I want us to work as a team. There will be no need for you to handle everything and work your fingers to the bone.”
“Thank you, Mr. Wallings. That greatly relieves my mind, and without all the added duties, I’ll be able to help my sister more.”
“Absolutely. Family is our most important obligation. I encourage you, no, I expect you to help her as much as possible. She’s not in an enviable position with young children to care for and no husband.”
“Thank you, sir. Your generosity of spirit is greatly appreciated,” Mr. Randolph said.
After their conversation, the curate visibly relaxed and began to tell Peter about the parishioners who lived on the far end of town. They spent a good part of the day distributing the vegetables and inquiring about any other pressing needs the families had.
Mr. Randolph had a wealth of knowledge about the folks in Reading, and Peter was grateful to have him in his employ.
After all the vegetables had been distributed, Peter dropped the curate back at his sister’s cottage. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Mr. Randolph. Enjoy your evening.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Peter steered Belle toward the center of town. He was mentally compiling a list of things the families needed when he spotted Miss Parker and Lady Kathryn emerging from the bookshop.
That morning, Grace hadgone in search of Kathryn, as she wanted to go to Reading and check out their bookshop. She knocked on Kathryn’s bedchamber door, but there was no answer. Perhaps she was already downstairs in the drawing room.
She found her friend practicing the pianoforte in the drawing room. No one else was in the room. “Kathryn, I was looking for you.”
Kathryn stopped playing and looked up. “You were? What may I do for you?”
“I’m going to Reading to check out their bookshop and wanted to know if you’d like to accompany me.”
“Oh, what a delightful idea. Let me fetch my bonnet and gloves, and I’ll return momentarily,” Kathryn said, rushing out of the room and up the stairs.
Grace went into the foyer to wait for her friend and saw Jones walking down the hallway toward the kitchen.
“Jones?”
The butler turned and walked back to her. “Yes, Miss Parker? Is there something you require?”
“Do you know where Lady Fletcher is?”
“Lord and Lady Fletcher, Miss Mia, and Mr. Johnston are visiting some of the tenants today.”
“I see. When they return, could you please inform them that Lady Kathryn and I have gone to Reading?”