“I’ll have Charles bring the packages upstairs.”
“He can put them all in Miss Parker’s room.”
Jones nodded and went to assist Charles with their bounty.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m parched. A nice cup of tea sounds heavenly,” Audrey said.
“Yes, it does.”
Once they had divested themselves of their bonnets and gloves, Grace and Audrey walked into the drawing room, where Mia was practicing the pianoforte with Kathryn turning the pages for her.
Grace and Audrey took their seats to listen. After a few rough patches, Mia finished the piece.
“I’m afraid that wasn’t very good this time,” Mia said to Kathryn.
“Nonsense, it was much improved over the last time you attempted that song. If you keep practicing, you’ll soon master it.”
“Bravo,” Grace said.
Both Mia and Kathryn looked over and saw Audrey and Grace. They walked over and joined the sisters.
“How was your shopping trip?” Mia asked.
“It was good. I have something for each of you.”
“You bought me something?” Mia exclaimed. She threw her arms around Grace, hugging her tightly. “Thank you, sister, that was very kind of you, especially since you were supposed to be shopping for your trousseau.”
“I did that as well.”
“Grace, there was no need for you to buy me anything,” Kathryn said.
“When you see what I found for you, you may think differently,” Grace said, smiling.
Jacob joined them for tea and kissed Audrey. “Was your shopping trip successful?”
“Oh, yes, my darling. You’ll see how much when you receive the invoices,” Audrey said with a chuckle.
“As long as you and Grace enjoyed yourselves, then it doesn’t matter how large the invoice is.”
Grace stood and kissed her brother-in-law on the cheek. “Jacob, I can’t thank you enough for your generosity.”
“I’m happy to help,” he said. “By the way, I rode out with Mr. Johnston while you were in town. All the repairs to the tenant cottages have been completed.”
“That’s wonderful, darling,” Audrey said. “And the harvest?”
“So far, it’s looking like a good one this year.”
After an hour of catching up with them, Jacob left the ladies and returned to his study.
“Shall we go see what’s in the boxes?” Grace asked.
Mia jumped up. “Yes.”
Grace chuckled, and everyone followed Mia up the staircase and down the hallway to Grace’s bedchamber, where there were multiple boxes piled on the bed.
“Which one is mine?” Mia asked.
Grace sifted through the boxes and pulled one from the bottom. “Here you are. I hope you like it.”