“Of course. I’d be delighted.”
“Thank you.”
“Grace, may I share a secret with you?”
“Of course. I would never betray your confidence.”
“I’m falling in love with Mr. Clifford.”
“Ah, I had a feeling you might be by the looks I’ve seen you two share. Does he feel the same?”
“I believe he does, but he hasn’t told me in so many words.”
“What about your parents? Will they consent to let you marry a commoner?”
Kathryn wrung her hands. “That I do not know. They would not consider Mr. Clifford a suitable match, but I hope I can convince him. It may take quite a bit of convincing for Papa to believe that Mr. Clifford isn’t a fortune hunter.”
“I can ask Jacob to talk with your father. He can be quite persuasive.”
“I don’t know. Mr. Clifford hasn’t spoken to me of marriage yet. This may all be for naught.”
“Have you told him of your feelings? Perhaps he believes there’s no future for you, and that’s why he hasn’t said anything.”
“You may be correct, but I wouldn’t even know how to go about telling him that I have feelings for him.”
“Let me think on it. If Mr. Clifford truly does love you, then he must be told that you feel the same.”
Kathryn hugged her. “Thank you. You are a true friend.”