Chapter18
After the services, Grace wentoutside and stood next to Peter as the parishioners congratulated them on their engagement.
“Mr. Wallings, Miss Parker, I’m so pleased to hear you’re to wed,” Mrs. Stillman said. “I wish you happy.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Stillman. We’re both thrilled,” Peter said.
Mr. Randolph offered his hand. “I wish you happy, vicar. I would be most pleased to preside over the ceremony if you wish.”
“I would like that very much, Mr. Randolph. Neither of us wishes for a long engagement, so the wedding will happen very soon after the final reading of the banns.”
“I shall be ready,” Mr. Randolph said, taking hold of his little niece’s hand. “Come along, Emily.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Stillman,” Grace said.
“Good day, Miss Parker.”
Family after family offered their best wishes to the young couple.
“Vicar, what a wonderful announcement,” Lord Dudley said. He bowed to Grace. “I wish you both happy.”
“Thank you, my lord. Tell me, how is your father?” Peter asked.
“About the same. He has good days and bad days.”
“I shall come by and see him soon.”
“That would be most welcome. Good day to you both.”
Grace was thrilled that everyone was pleased about their upcoming marriage. She could hardly wait to become Mrs. Wallings and help Peter as he administered to the parishioners.
“Mr. Wallings, do you wish to come to Dandridge for luncheon?” Audrey asked when it was their turn to congratulate the couple.
“Lady Fletcher, thank you for your kind offer.” He turned to Grace. “My darling, I shall see you in a bit, once I finish with a few things here at the church.”
Grace turned to Audrey. “I want to help Mr. Wallings first, and then we’ll come for luncheon. Will that suit?”
“Of course, dearest. We’ll see you both soon,” Audrey said.
When the family returnedhome, Kathryn and Easton were in the drawing room. Kathryn went out to the foyer to greet them. “Lady Fletcher, my brother has arrived.”
Audrey, Jacob, and Mia followed her into the drawing room.
Jacob extended his hand. “Easton, good to see you.”
“Fletcher, the pleasure is all mine. I came a day early; I do hope it’s not an inconvenience. I couldn’t stomach another night on a lumpy inn mattress.”
“Lord Easton, you’re always most welcome,” Audrey said. “The rooms for your family have been prepared.”
“Thank you, Lady Fletcher. Might I say you’re looking as beautiful as ever?”
“You are too kind, sir. You remember my youngest sister, Miss Mia?”
“Yes, of course. Good day to you, Miss Mia,” Easton said with a bow.
Mia curtseyed. “Lord Easton.”
“Miss Mia has become quite proficient on the pianoforte this summer,” Kathryn said, having noticed her brother’s gaze lingering on Mia. At six and ten, Mia was becoming a stunning young woman with her sun-kissed blond hair and startling blue eyes. “Perhaps she will consider playing something for us later.”