Chapter21
At breakfast the next morning,Grace waited for Kathryn to join her. She hadn’t wanted to intrude on her friend the previous evening, although she desperately wanted to know if Kathryn had had the courage to talk to her parents.
It didn’t take long before Kathryn joined her in the dining room.
“Good morning, Kathryn. Are you well?” Grace asked, sipping her tea.
Charles stepped forward and poured Kathryn a cup of tea.
“Well enough, I suppose.”
“Oh, would you like to talk about it?”
Kathryn nodded.
“Charles, you may go,” Grace said. After the footman left the room, Grace turned to her friend. “I don’t mean to pry. Do you want to talk about it.”
“Oh, Grace, I’m so conflicted, and I don’t know if Papa will agree to let me marry Mr. Clifford.”
“Did Lord Devon forbid the marriage?”
Kathryn shook her head. “Not exactly,” she said, explaining how Easton and even her mother had supported her.
Grace listened with rapt attention, not speaking until Kathryn finally became silent. “I must say that that went better than I expected. Do you think your mother will prevail with your father?”
“I do hope so. My nerves are on edge, wondering what might happen.”
“I understand. Please let me know if I may be of any help to you.”
“Oh Grace, your family has been wonderful to me during my stay here. I can never repay you for your kindness.”
“Nonsense, there’s nothing to repay. We all adore you.”
“Thank you. You’re a wonderful friend. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I find I have no appetite this morning. I must find Mr. Clifford and tell him what happened last night.”
“Of course. I’ll see you later,” Grace said. She hated to see her friend upset, but there wasn’t much she could do until Kathryn’s father made his decision beyond offering her support.
Soon, the rest of the household came into the dining room, except for Lady Devon, who’d opted to have a breakfast tray delivered to her room.
“Good morning,” Easton said as he went to the sideboard and piled his plate with eggs, bacon, and toast.
Charles had returned to the dining room and now poured tea for everyone.
“Lord Devon, I hope you had a restful night,” Audrey said.
“I did,” Devon responded, piling his plate with food.
“And you, Easton? I trust you are well,” Jacob asked.
“Indeed, although the quiet took some getting used to.”
Jacob chuckled. “Indeed it does. I thought I’d take my stallion out for a run this morning. Would you gentlemen care to join me?”
Both men nodded.
“Dearest, are you excited for your final fitting today?” Audrey asked Grace while the men talked about riding out later.
“I am.”