“Mr. Wallings, how lovely to see you,” Lady Kathryn said.
“Lady Kathryn, Miss Mia,” Peter said with a nod.
“Shall I play another song?” Mia asked.
“Yes, if you like,” Grace said while she and Peter took a seat on the sofa.
Halfway through the tune, Jacob and Audrey strolled into the room. They listened until Mia finished and gave her a round of applause. “Bravo, dearest. That was excellent,” Audrey said.
Jacob extended his hand to the vicar. “Mr. Wallings, good to see you.”
“Thank you. Miss Parker invited me for tea,” he said, grasping Jacob’s hand in a firm handshake.
“Mr. Wallings, you’re always welcome,” Audrey said.
Peter bowed. “Lady Fletcher, you’re too kind.”
“Shall we all take a seat? The tea tray will be delivered soon,” she said.
While the ladies took a seat, Peter turned to Jacob. “Miss Parker and I would like a private word with you and Lady Fletcher after tea.”
Jacob nodded, and the men took their seats.
Betsy soon brought in the tea tray, and Mia offered to pour.
“The garden is much improved,” Peter said, looking out the French doors to the garden beyond.
“Yes. Mr. Clifford and his workers have done a marvelous job clearing out all the weeds,” Kathryn said.
“We’re now in the fun designing stage,” Grace chimed in.
After chatting for an hour, Lady Kathryn excused herself. “I have some letters to write, and then I’ll rest before dinner. Good day, Mr. Wallings.”
Peter stood. “Good day, Lady Kathryn.”
Mia also took the chance to leave the drawing room and closed the door behind her.
“So, I’m curious about why you need a private word,” Jacob said, looking between Peter and Grace.
“I’m going to let Miss Parker explain,” Peter said.
“Grace, is something amiss?” Audrey asked. “Why are you wringing your hands?”
“Um… I have something to tell you, but I don’t want you to be upset, Audrey.”
“I’m sure I won’t be. What is it?” Audrey asked.
Peter reached over and squeezed Grace’s hands. “All will be well. Show her.”
Grace nodded and reached into her reticule. If her sister had thought it strange that she still had it with her during tea, she hadn’t said anything. Grace pulled out the letters and handed them over.
“I found these quite by accident earlier today when I was looking for paper,” Grace explained.
Audrey looked at the stack of letters tied with a blue ribbon. “What are these and where did you find them?”
“In the desk over there. I wanted to sketch something for Mr. Clifford and was opening all the drawers, looking for paper. I found those hidden in a secret compartment in the bottom drawer.”
“I see.” Audrey held the letters but made no attempt to untie the ribbon.