Grace looked at Kathryn, who nodded. “Thank you. We would be delighted.”
“I’ll be happy to give you a ride to Dandridge Manor after tea,” Peter said.
Grace turned to the footman. “Charles, you may return to the manor. Thank you for accompanying us. Let Jones know the vicar will see us home.”
“Very good, Miss Parker,” Charles said. He assisted Kathryn and Grace onto the seat next to Peter, then bowed and took himself off. Peter clicked Belle into motion again, and the ride to the vicarage. The ride to the vicarage only took a few minutes.
“What a lovely cottage,” Grace said as they pulled up in front.
“Yes, it is. I was most surprised to see it when I first arrived. I’d had no idea I would be living in such a grand place.”
Peter jumped down and helped the women to descend. “Please come this way,” he said, leading them inside and into the kitchen. “Let me put the water on for tea. Make yourselves comfortable while I get Belle some water.”
“Of course. We’ll be fine until you return,” Grace said.
“Ladies, you are my guests. There’s no need for you to put out the cups and sugar,” he said with a wave over the table.
“It was no trouble, Mr. Wallings,” Grace said. “Your home is very organized, and the tea essentials were easy to find.”
“Thank you. The curate was very efficient in organizing the cottage before I arrived. I’m also finding the more time I’mhere, the more I enjoy my new post and the village,” Peter said, pouring the heated water into the teapot.
“Reading seems like a nice town,” Kathryn said. “Such lovely shops and people attending them, although so far, we’ve only visited the bookshop.”
“I agree. It is lovely here, and my parishioners have welcomed me with open arms. I do believe it’s been quite a while since old vicar regularly presided over Sunday services. It seems Mr. Randolph has been handling more and more as the vicar’s health began to fade. From what I understand, most of the responsibilities had fallen onto Mr. Randolph’s shoulders, which, in my opinion, was not right. It is not the curate’s job to have so many responsibilities that belong with the vicar. I want Mr. Randolph and I to be partners in this endeavor. He’s quite knowledgeable about a great many things, and he’s already helped me tremendously when we visited the families in the parish.”
“That’s very kind of you. I’m sure Mr. Randolph appreciates such cooperation,” Grace chimed in.
“Thank you, Miss Parker, but it’s the way I’ve always been. Partnerships are the key to achieving the most desirable outcomes,” he said, staring into her eyes.
Shall I pour?” Grace asked, swallowing the lump in her throat.
“Yes, thank you, Miss Parker.”
The trio talked a bit more about Peter’s goals for helping his parishioners lead the most spiritual and productive lives possible.
“It sounds like you’ve already made a good impression on the people of Reading,” Kathryn said.
“Thank you, Lady Kathryn. I’m trying. Being new in town, I feel there’s still a lot for me to learn.”
“I’m sure you’ll do well.”
“Miss Parker, would you care to observe the first class for the children? Everything should be ready in a couple of days. Lady Fletcher has done wonders in soliciting funds to stock the schoolroom. Each child will now have their own slate to practice on, and I managed to find a blackboard in the church basement. Once I cleaned off all the dust and cobwebs, a couple of local boys and I moved it to the parish hall.”
“That’s wonderful,” Grace said. “I would be happy to come by and observe and even answer any questions the children may have.”
“That would be most appreciated.”
“Mr. Wallings, have you thought about offering training to some of the older children?” Kathryn asked. “Learning to read and write is a great start, but unless there are opportunities for the children to use those skills, they may fade in their memories and not be used to their full potential.”
“I have not, but I’d like to hear more about your idea.”
“Perhaps some of the new funds can be used as a sort of apprenticeship for those children who show an aptitude, say, with a carpenter for the boys and at the modiste’s shop for the girls to learn how to sew properly. That way, the shop owners will be compensated for their expertise and the children will gain valuable skills as well as a small stipend to help out their families while they’re working.”
“What an excellent idea, Lady Kathryn. I shall endeavor to speak to some of the shop owners. I’m sure Mr. Brighton would be amenable to having a helper. He seems to be overly burdened these days.”
“Lady Kathryn and I could visit the modiste’s shop and ask the owner if she would be willing to sponsor a young lady or two,” Grace said.
“That would be wonderful. Thank you both so much.”