When her feet touched the ground, he held onto her a moment longer before stepping back.
“Have a pleasant evening,” he said.
Jones had opened the door, and Kathryn walked inside, although Grace lingered a moment longer.
“Mr. Wallings?”
“Yes, Miss Parker.”
“I was wondering if you’d like to go riding with me tomorrow?”
“I would love to, but alas, I don’t have a suitable mount. I wouldn’t want to put that much strain on poor Belle.”
“We have plenty of horses for you to choose from.”
“Very well. I’d be delighted to join you. I have a few things to do at the vicarage tomorrow morning, getting the parish hall set up properly for the children, and then I’ll come by. Will that suit?”
“That would be lovely. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
“As do I, Miss Parker.” Peter leaned toward her and whispered, “I would like nothing more than to kiss you again.”
“I feel the same,” she said. “Good day, Mr. Wallings.”
“Good day, Miss Parker.”
Grace watched the vicar climb back on the bench and head down the drive until he was merely a speck before she entered the manor.
Later that evening, over dinner, Grace and Kathryn told the family about their idea of paying for a kind of apprenticeship for some of the older children.
“What a wonderful idea,” Audrey said.
“Kathryn and I want to visit the modiste to see if there’s a possibility she’d take on one or two of the older girls. Everyone always needs buttons sewn on, and it would be a good place for them to start their training.”
“I shall go with you. I haven’t had a chance to visit the modiste’s shop yet,” Audrey said.
“Neither have we,” Kathryn chimed in. “We’ve only visited the bookshop.”
“Shall we say the day after next?” Audrey said.
Both Grace and Kathryn nodded.
“May I come as well?” Mia asked.
“Of course, dearest. Your company would be most welcome,” Audrey said.
“I think you’ve come up with a grand idea,” Jacob said. “Let me talk with Mr. Johnston and Mr. Swifton and see if there is any need on the estate for apprentices.”
When the meal was finished, everyone headed to the drawing room. Grace pulled Kathryn aside and slowed their steps so they could talk privately. “Kathryn, thank you for giving me some time alone with Peter.”
“Peter?”
Grace felt her face flush. “I mean, Mr. Wallings.”
Kathryn chuckled. “I know you’ve grown quite fond of him. I thought I’d help that along a little. If you don’t wish my help, you only have to say so.”
“You’re so very kind, and yes, I am quite fond of him. I’ve asked him to go riding with me tomorrow.”
“You did?”