“When I read them, I was upset initially, so I went to talk to Mr. Wallings about them.”
“You’ve read them?” Jacob asked Peter.
Peter nodded. “I did, but only so I could offer counsel to Miss Parker.”
Audrey nodded and untied the ribbon. As she read each letter, she handed it to Jacob. Her face showed a measure of shock as she continued to read. “Hugh? she asked.
“We believe it’s Lord Berkeley, and that’s why he thought you were Mama,” Grace said. “I was initially thinking Mama wasn’t who we thought she was, but Mr. Wallings explained that she was exactly who we thought.”
Jacob read the last letter and handed them back to Audrey. “I believe Mr. Wallings is correct. Your mother was a good and pious woman who thought of nothing but taking care of her family, despite any personal feelings she may have harbored for Lord Berkeley.”
Grace nodded. “Yes, although it’s quite tragic as well, don’t you think?”
“Indeed,” Jacob said.
When Grace glanced at her sister, Audrey had tears streaking down her face. “Oh my dear, I’m sorry to have burdened you with this. I wrestled with whether I should share them with you.”
Jacob handed his wife his handkerchief, and Audrey wiped the tears from her cheeks. “Dearest, I’m not crying because I’m upset only for the situation Mama found herself facing.”
“Do you think Papa found out about their attachment, and that’s why he would never bring us here?”
“Could be. I’m afraid we’ll never know now.”
“If I may say something?” Peter said. “It’s clear that Lady Fletcher was a woman devoted to her family, but in my humbleopinion, I don’t believe it would be wise to share the letters with Miss Mia.”
Audrey nodded. “My thoughts exactly. I wouldn’t want her to dwell on Mama’s sacrifice.” She retied the letters with the blue ribbon. “I’m not sure what to do about them now. Do you have any thoughts on that, sister?”
“I don’t believe these letters should be shared with anyone else. Perhaps it would be best if we burned them,” Grace said.
Audrey lovingly held the letters in her hand. “Perhaps. I want to hold onto them for a moment longer, and then I will do as you suggest and burn them.”
“I do hope I did the right thing in sharing them with you,” Grace said.
Audrey nodded. “You did, dearest. I’m just not ready to part with them yet.”
Jacob cleared his throat.“Wallings, perhaps you’d like to share a glass of something a little stronger than tea?”
“I would enjoy that.”
Jacob and Peter left the ladies to talk about the letters and how sad it was that her mother had to face such a predicament.
Once inside Jacob’s study, he went to the sideboard, poured two glasses of brandy, and handed one to Peter.
“I must say, when you asked to talk with me privately, I thought there was another topic on your mind.”
Peter took a sip of brandy before answering. “As a matter of fact, there is.”
“Oh, and pray tell, what is it?” Jacob asked. “I’ve not seen you come to see Miss Parker lately. Have you decided to call off the courtship?”
Peter shook his head. “No, that’s the furthest thing from my mind. The truth is, I thought she was developing atendrefor Lord Dudley and felt it best to stand back and see if she would choose him.”
“And?”
“She’s told me she has no interest in Lord Dudley, and I must tell you that made me very happy. We are of the same mind, and I would like to ask for your permission to propose to her.”
“What about London? Did you ask her about that? I wouldn’t want to deny her the opportunity if she wants a Season.”
“Nor I, and I did specifically bring up the subject. She told me that she has no desire to go to London for a Season.”