“Here we are,” he said, putting the tray down on the table between the chairs. He proceeded to pour the tea out and handed her a cup.
“Thank you,” Grace said, taking her seat again.
She was so conflicted. She didn’t know which to address first: Peter’s aloofness of late or her mother’s letters. Both wereequally important to her, but sitting here with him made her realize how much she’d missed him over the past fortnight.
“It’s a lovely day today, don’t you agree?” Peter asked. “I must say, the vegetable garden has been thriving under Mr. Randolph’s loving care. He’s a wonder.”
Grace knew he was trying to set her at ease by discussing unimportant things, and she appreciated his approach as she sipped her tea, the hot liquid having a soothing effect on her.
Peter drank his tea without any more conversation. It was his style not to rush or pressure anyone who came to him for counsel, and Grace appreciated that very much today.
The frustration she felt at not seeing Peter of late spilled over, and she asked, “Have I done something to offend you?”
“Offend me? Of course not. Why would you ask that?”
“I’ve felt a distance growing between us over the past fortnight, and I have no idea why. I felt it when I came to visit the children on their first day of school, and after Sunday services, when I tried to talk with you, you seemed aloof.”
“My dear Miss Parker, trust me. You could never offend me.”
“Then why have you been ignoring me? I thought we had an understanding. Was I wrong? Or have you changed your mind about courting me? Please, I must know.” A silent tear rolled down her cheek.
Peter reached forward and wiped it from her face. “Please don’t cry. Let me explain. I have kept my distance because I saw how happy you looked when you were talking with Lord Dudley.”
“Lord Dudley?”
“Yes, it was obvious you were enjoying his company immensely.”
“You must have seen us together when he visited a couple of weeks ago. But when did you arrive? You didn’t announce yourself.”
“I stopped by to ask if I could take you for a drive, but when I saw how enthralled you looked in his company, I left. I thought it best if I retreated from your presence to allow you space to decide on whom you’d rather spend time with.”
“I never saw you.”
“I know. I left before you turned around. I didn’t want to intrude. It wasn’t my place.”
Grace leaned forward and grasped Peter’s hand. “Oh, Peter. You have the wrong impression. I have no romantic inclination toward Lord Dudley at all. I’ve met him a few times at church and once at Dandridge Manor. He’s quite witty and makes me laugh, but that is all.”
“Then… you aren’t developing atendrefor him? But I saw—”
“Notendreat all. Whatever you thought you saw, it wasn’t a romantic interest. Lord Dudley is like an older brother to me, a very funny and witty brother. There’s only one man who owns my heart.”
Peter’s smile lit up the room. “Truly?”
“Yes, most truly. You’re the only man I want to spend time with.”
“That relieves my heart greatly. I’m so very glad to hear that, Miss Parker.”
“Now, none of this ‘Miss Parker’ anymore,” Grace said.
“Of course, Grace. Do you wish me to call on you then? Perhaps we may ride out together again soon?”
“Yes, please do call on me. I would love that. I’ve greatly missed your company.”
“I’ve missed you as well, my dear sweet Grace,” Peter said, bringing her hand to his lips for a kiss. “You’ve made me very happy, and I most sincerely apologize for causing you any upset. It wasn’t my intention.”
“I know. You’re too kind and have too generous a spirit to intentionally ever cause anyone upset.”
“My darling, is it too soon for you to know what you want? Lord Fletcher did mention that you may wish to have a Season. I wouldn’t want to be the reason you don’t go back to London. I understand young women look forward to their first Season.”