Alice seemed more excited than George at the prospect of attending school, but Peter didn’t prod him any further. Instead, he turned his attention to his curate. “Mr. Randolph, I have no need of you for the rest of the day. Enjoy the afternoon with your family.”
Mr. Randolph nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Wallings. I shall see you tomorrow.”
Peter continued to greet the parishioners until only the Fletcher family was left.
“A fine sermon today, Mr. Wallings,” Fletcher said.
“Good day, Lord Fletcher, Lady Fletcher, Miss Parker, Miss Mia, Lady Kathryn.”
“Good day, Mr. Wallings,” Grace chimed in after Audrey had greeted the vicar.
After chatting for a moment, the family started to move on, walking toward their carriage.
Peter wasn’t usually the nervous type, but today wasn’t a normal day. “Lord Fletcher, may I have a moment of your time?”
Fletcher nodded. “Go to the carriage, my darling. I’ll be with you momentarily,” he said to Audrey.
The ladies all headed toward the carriage.
“Peter, what may I do for you? Do you have another request on behalf of your parishioners?” Fletcher asked.
Peter gave him a sheepish smile. “It’s actually a request that concerns me personally, my lord.” He looked around to make sure their conversation would not be overheard.
“Oh?”
“Yes, well… uh…”
“Peter, spit it out. I don’t bite,” Fletcher said with a chuckle.
Peter took a deep breath, and the words spilled forth. “I would like your permission to court Miss Parker. She’s a lovely young woman and has a zest for life that I greatly admire.”
“I see,” Fletcher said as he looked over to his carriage, where the ladies stood. Grace was watching them intently. “What about Miss Parker? Does she share your sentiment?”
Peter looked over to the carriage and smiled. “Yes, my lord. I do believe she does.”
“I see. My sister-in-law is supposed to have her Season next spring. Did she mention that to you?”
“No, not exactly, although she’s mentioned that she’s not fond of London’s foul air.”
“Well, I see no issue in granting my permission for you to court her, as long as you realize she may decide she wants a Season after all.”
“Thank you. I will, of course, acquiesce to whatever Miss Parker desires, whether it is to stay in the country or go back to London for a Season’s entertainments.”
“You’d be willing to let her go to London?”
“Not willingly, no, but her happiness is paramount to me. I would never want to cause her any upset or unhappiness.”
“Good, then we understand each other. As long as the choice is left up to Miss Parker, you may court her,” Fletcher said, extending his hand.
Peter grasped his hand in a firm handshake. “Thank you. Good day, Lord Fletcher.”
“Good day, vicar.”
Grace watched Fletcher andMr. Wallings talking, trying to determine from their body language what they were talking about. Neither seemed upset, so she could only hope that it was something good. At least Peter was smiling. That had to be good, right?
Jacob walked to the carriage and started handing the ladies inside.
“Jacob, is something amiss?” Grace asked.