“Are you happy, my dear?” Peter asked.
“I am now. I can hardly contain my happiness.”
“I feel the same. I know how hard it was to share those letters with your sister, but you handled it well.”
“You were right—my sister needed to read them to make up her own mind about Mama.”
“And she came to the same conclusion—that your mother was a good and pious woman who put her family above all else, even above her own desires.”
“Thank you for your support. I’m not sure I could have done it alone,” Grace said. Her dearest mother was indeed the woman they’d believed she was.
“It was my pleasure. I’ll see you again when Fletcher informs me the solicitor has arrived to discuss the marriage contracts.”
“Yes. I’d like that very much,” Grace said, looking around. There wasn’t anyone near the front of the manor, so she stepped into Peter’s embrace and kissed him soundly. When she stepped back, he was smiling.
“I wish I could kiss you properly, my darling, but I certainly don’t want to scandalize anyone.”
“I know, but we’re engaged now. At least we won’t need a chaperone when you come to call.”
Just then, a groom came around the corner. “Vicar, are you ready to leave?”
“Yes.”
“It will only be a moment to hook Belle up to the cart,” the groom said, sprinting away.
Peter nodded. “Thank you.” He turned to Grace. “Good day, Miss Parker. I shall visit again soon.”
“Good day, Mr. Wallings,” she said before turning and walking back into the house. It had been a most glorious afternoon, and she could hardly wait to tell Kathryn her news.
She hurried up the stairs and down the hall, taking a deep breath before knocking on Kathryn’s door.
“Come.”
When Grace walked into her bedchamber, Kathryn was sitting at the desk. “Am I disturbing you?”
“Not at all. I’ve just finished writing to my sister. Is there something you needed?”
Grace shook her head. “No.” She couldn’t contain her excitement any longer. “I’m engaged!”
“What?”
“Mr. Wallings proposed a few moments ago, and I said yes.”
“But what about your Season?”
“We can leave the Season to Mia. She loves London. I don’t want one and would prefer to stay here with Mr. Wallings.”
Kathryn stood and hugged her. “I’m so very pleased for you and wish you happy.”
“Thank you. The first banns will be read on Sunday.”
“Will you marry here?”
Grace nodded. “Yes, I’d like to be married at St. Mary’s. I think Mr. Wallings would love to share the day with his parishioners.”
“My family will be here soon, and I’ll ask Papa if we may stay until after the wedding.”
“I would love that. Kathryn, would you stand with me as a witness?”