“Mr. Wallings, though the fever has broken, you must rest for the next few days to regain your strength,” Dr. Thicke said.
Peter shook his head. “That’s not possible. I have responsibilities.”
“I shall take over until you’re well, Mr. Wallings,” Mr. Randolph said from the doorway.
“Thank you, Mr. Randolph. That would be much appreciated,” Grace said as she looked over her shoulder at the curate. “As you can see, my husband has a bit of a stubborn streak.”
Mr. Randolph chuckled. “I shall do whatever is needed. Please don’t worry.”
“I’m not worried, Mr. Randolph,” Peter said. “You will do wonderfully well. I have complete faith in you.”
“High praise indeed, Mr. Wallings. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I shall take my leave to work on Sunday’s sermon.”
“Please, no fire and brimstone,” Peter said with a chuckle.
“Not at all, sir,” the curate said as he left the room.
The doctor also took his leave. “Call me if anything changes.”
“Thank you, Dr. Thicke,” Peter said.
“Now, my darling, you must rest,” Grace said.
“I’d much rather talk with you.”
“I’ll be back very shortly. I’m expecting Lady Kathryn, Lady Devon and my sisters this afternoon to go over the wedding breakfast plans.”
Peter gasped, a stricken look on his face. “How long have I been sick?”
“Four days, my darling, but each day, you’re getting stronger.”
“But I was supposed to marry Lady Kathryn and Clifford yesterday. Did Mr. Randolph perform the service?”
“Not to worry. They’ve postponed the wedding until next week. They wanted to ensure you’re well enough to preside over the ceremony.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Grace kissed Peter’s forehead. “Sleep now. I’ll return later.”
It wasn’t long before Kathryn, Audrey, Mia, and Lady Devon arrived at the vicarage. Grace went out to greet them as Charles handed them down from the carriage.
Audrey was the first to greet her. “Dearest, how are you? Peter?”
“He’s getting stronger every day. I’m much relieved. Please come in and I’ll make tea.”
The ladies sat at the kitchen table while Grace heated the water for tea.
“My dress arrived from Mrs. Spencer while Peter was sick, and it’s more beautiful than I could have ever imagined,” Kathryn said.
“I’m so pleased to hear that. You’ll make a beautiful bride,” Grace said.
“At the very least, I’ll be wearing a beautiful dress.”
Lady Devon grasped Kathryn’s hand. “My darling daughter, you will make a beautiful bride no matter what dress you wear, although I agree with you. Mrs. Spencer did a magnificent job on it. It’s as stunning as any dress a London modiste could create.”
The women talked about the wedding arrangements for the next two hours, and Kathryn agreed that the wedding would be Tuesday next to give Peter enough time to fully recover his strength.
Each day, Peter grew a little stronger. After two more days of bed rest, Grace allowed him to venture downstairs.