Chapter16
Over the next sennight, Gracedid everything within her power to thrust Kathryn and Mr. Clifford together. Kathryn’s family was due to arrive in a few days, and Grace wanted to make sure they had a chance to confess their feelings for each other before Kathryn’s parents arrived. If she wasn’t brave enough to tell Mr. Clifford how she felt, Grace was sure that the gardener wouldn’t broach the subject on his own.
From what she’d observed, Mr. Clifford’s actions consisted of more longing looks and an occasional touch of Kathryn’s hand when she was pointing out something in the garden design. That wouldn’t be enough for Lord Devon to grant his permission for Kathryn and he to marry.
They had to declare their love for each other.
Two days before the Devons were set to arrive, Grace was watching them from the drawing room doorway that led to the garden. Kathryn and Sam were deep in conversation, pointing this way or that. They were obviously talking about the garden design and not their feelings.
“Grace?” Audrey said, walking into the drawing room.
“Yes? I’m here.”
“I didn’t see you. Are you finished with your instructions for the gardener today? It’s time to leave for your modiste appointment.”
Grace took one last look at Kathryn and Sam, sighed, and then turned away. Neither one of them seemed ready to declare their feelings. “I’m ready.”
“Good. The carriage is outside.”
Grace followed her sister to the foyer, where she grabbed her bonnet, gloves, and reticule.
Charles handed them up into the carriage before hopping on the back, and the driver whistled to the horses to get them moving.
“Grace, is something amiss? You don’t look happy to be going for the fitting of your wedding dress.”
Grace looked up. “Oh, it’s not that. I’m thrilled about the dress, actually. It’s just that…”
“What, dearest? You can confide in me, especially if you’re having second thoughts about marrying the vicar.”
“No, nothing like that. I cannot wait to become Mrs. Wallings, but I’m worried about Kathryn.”
“I don’t understand. What’s the matter with Kathryn? She hasn’t mentioned anything to me.”
“I doubt she will. Beyond that, I cannot say anything more.” Grace wanted to tell Audrey about Kathryn and Sam, but she’d told her friend that she wouldn’t speak of it to anyone. She did not want to betray her confidence.
“I see. Does it perhaps have anything to do with Mr. Clifford?”
Grace’s eyes widened. “You know?”
“I’m not sure what you think I know, but I have eyes and I can see how they look at one another when they think no one is observing them. Are they developing atendrefor each other?”
Now that Audrey had guessed Kathryn’s secret, Grace didn’t feel as conflicted about confirming her thoughts. “Yes.”
“Oh dear, I can see why that would be a problem. I doubt very much if her parents would approve of such a match. He’s far below her station as the second son of a baronet.”
“I thought if I put them together as much as possible of late, they may declare their feelings for one another, but I don’t think I’ve been very successful. Mr. Clifford wouldn’t overstep the bounds of propriety by telling Kathryn he loves her unless Kathryn tells him of her own feelings first,” Grace said.
“I agree. That is a dilemma. Kathryn is a very shy young woman, and Mr. Clifford would never presume to speak of his feelings to her unless he had encouragement to do so.”
“She is shy, but sometimes you need to be bold if you desire something enough.”
“I shall talk with her and see if I can persuade her to declare her feelings,” Audrey said.
“I’m not sure that’s wise. She’ll think I betrayed her confidence, and that’s the last thing I wish to do,” Grace said.
“Not to worry, dearest. I’ll find a way to broach the subject without mentioning you.”
“Thank you, Audrey. It would be wonderful to see Kathryn truly happy. I know she dreads going back to London and having to endure another Season.”