Chapter15
Now that Grace had discussedthe letters with Peter, she felt better, but she was still a bit unsettled. How could she tell Audrey? Did she even want to reveal the letters’ contents? It was all in the past, but she couldn’t help but think that her sister had a right to know about them as well.
“My darling, I can see your mind churning. What can I do to help?” Peter asked, handing the letters back to Grace.
“If you have no engagements at present, would you care to join us for tea?”
“I would be happy to. Are you planning to share the letters with your sister?”
“Yes, after talking with you, I think it’s best if she knows our mother was the wonderful and pious woman we knew growing up,” she said, slipping the letters in her reticule.
“I think that’s a wise decision. Lady Fletcher has a right to know about the letters, although I’m glad it was you who found them first.”
“You are?”
“Indeed. And most especially that you came to talk with me about them instead of following whatever your first instincts might have been.”
“I’m thankful I had enough courage to come here. My first instinct was not kind to my mother, but after talking with you,I can see the sacrifice she made for the family. My sister should know this as well.”
“Why don’t you rest a moment while I go and hitch Belle to the cart?”
“Thank you. That would be lovely.”
After thinking through everything and finishing her tea, Grace went outside to wait for Peter. Her nerves were still on edge, even though she believed she was doing the right thing. She planned to ask Jacob and Audrey for a private moment after tea and hoped that Kathryn and Mia would believe it had something to do with their courtship. That would be for the best.
It didn’t take long for Peter to bring the cart around. He jumped down from the bench and handed her up. “You mustn’t worry. All will be well.”
“I wish I had your confidence. The last thing I want is to hurt my sister, but I cannot keep this secret from her.”
“I understand. How would you like to handle it?”
“I’m not really sure. Could you ask both my sister and brother-in-law for a word in private after tea?”
“I can certainly do that. They’ll probably think it’s related to our courtship.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
Jones opened the door when Peter stopped Belle in front of Dandridge Manor. A groom came and took Belle to the stable.
“You can unhitch her. I’ll be staying for a bit,” Peter said.
“Very good, vicar,” the groom said, leading Belle away.
“Hello, Jones,” Peter said.
“Mr. Wallings,” Jones said with a bow.
When Grace and Peter strolled into the drawing room, Mia was playing the pianoforte while Kathryn turned the pages and offered encouragement. “Yes. That’s it, Mia. You’re doing wonderfully well.”
Mia smiled when she finished the piece. “You’re a good teacher. I never had much enthusiasm for it before, but with your help, it’s very entertaining.”
Grace and Peter had clapped when Mia finished. Everyone turned to see who had clapped as Grace and Peter were standing in the drawing room.
“You’re much improved, sister,” Grace said. “That was lovely.”
“Thank you. It’s all thanks to Lady Kathryn’s help. I find I don’t mind practicing so much anymore.”
“Well, bravo to both of you ladies,” Peter said.