Peter bowed. “Thank you, Lady Fletcher. Miss Parker has invited me to stay for tea.”
“Excellent. I’m delighted you’re here because I wanted to talk to you about our efforts for the community thus far.”
“Oh? It hasn’t been that long since we talked about the idea. Do you have news already?”
Audrey nodded as she led them into the drawing room, where Lady Kathryn and Mia were already seated.
“Lady Kathryn, Miss Mia, a pleasure to see you today,” Peter said with a bow.
“Mr. Wallings, always a pleasure,” Lady Kathryn said.
“Good day, Mr. Wallings,” Mia said.
They all took their seats, and Audrey looked at Mia. “Dearest, would you like to tell the vicar the good news?”
Mia puffed up her chest. “Indeed. Mr. Wallings, my sisters talked about what would help the most and we decided to knit woolen mittens and scarves for the children. Everything will be ready in time for Christmas.”
“Oh my, that is indeed good news. I don’t know how I can thank you for everything your family is done for my congregation.”
“Vicar, it’s our pleasure,” Audrey said. “Actually, it was Miss Mia who was most excited about the project. She has beensorting the yarn for the different projects. She’s truly been an asset to our efforts.”
“Miss Mia, I don’t know what to say, except thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Mia beamed at the vicar’s praise.
While they conversed, Betsy wheeled in the tea tray. “Will there be anything else, Lady Fletcher?”
Audrey shook her head. “No. That will be all. Thank you, Betsy.”
The maid curtseyed and left the room as Jacob strode in.
“Wallings, good to see you again.”
“Lord Fletcher, the pleasure is mine. And I want to thank you for allowing me to ride Midnight.”
“He’s magnificent, isn’t he?”
“Oh, indeed he is.”
“You’re welcome to ride him whenever you wish. My stablemaster has been informed to make him available whenever you wish to ride. He’s a spirited animal and requires a lot of exercise, and I don’t always have time to ride him as much as I would like.”
“Thank you. I shall be happy to take you up on your offer.”
Grace poured out the tea, and everyone sat around discussing some of the other things that are being done to help the less fortunate parishioners in Reading.
After a pleasant hour, Peter stood. “Well, I must take my leave. It’s been a delight seeing you all today.”
Grace stood as well. “I’ll walk you out.”
Peter held out his arm, and Grace placed her fingertips on his sleeve. She was relieved to see that Jones wasn’t manning the door when they walked into the foyer.
“I’ve had a most lovely afternoon,” she said.
“As have I, Grace,” he said. He leaned toward her and gave her a sweet and quick kiss. “I hope to see your family at Sunday services.”
Grace nodded. “You will, although the three days until then suddenly seem like an eternity,” she said.
Peter squeezed her hand. “I shall be counting the hours until our next meeting,” he said as he strode out the door and turned toward the stables.