Grace smiled. “It is not all that bad. Besides, now I will be able to invite you to Engalworth whenever I wish. Just think of all the time you’ll be able to spend here.”
Her sister’s face lit up. “Would you do that?”
Grace sat down beside her, the reality of their near separation finally sinking in. “Absolutely. I would miss you too much otherwise.”
Prudence bumped her with her shoulder. “I doubt you’ll miss me pestering you to go on a morning constitutional.”
She grinned. “And I doubt it is just me you wish to come to Engalworth to see. I’ve seen the way you skip off to the stables every chance you get.”
A dreamy expression covered Prudence’s face. “I do believe I am in love.”
Grace’s eyebrows lowered swiftly, real concern filling her. She’d meant it as a jest. “With Owen?”
“No.” Prudence fanned her face. “With Apollo.”
A peal of laughter burst from Grace as relief washed over her.
Prudence chatted with her while she dressed. When she finished, however, her sister excused herself, claiming she’d already broken her fast and wished to spend a little time with herlover. Grace snickered, knowing how much Prudence truly cared for horses. Perhaps in her new position, she could return the favor to her sister and make one of her secret dreams come true.
Making her way down the stairs toward the breakfast parlor, she intercepted Mr. Clayton, who seemed to be in the process of just arriving or just leaving.
“Are you coming or going?” she asked with a smile.
He returned her smile and said, “I am on my way out, but I was overjoyed to hear the happy news.”
When she stepped onto the small landing, he cupped one of her hands. “I must thank you, my dear.”
Her brow knit together. “Thank me? Whatever for?”
“For bringing back the light and life to my nephew’s eyes. It does this old heart good to see him so happy.”
She ducked her head, embarrassed at the praise. “I have done little but return his love.”
“On the contrary,” Mr. Clayton said. “As a vicar, it is my life’s work to teach others about the grace of God. Since Glad’s return to England, I have tried to help him see beyond his past, and yet somehow you have taught my nephew more about grace in afew short weeks than I ever shall. Truly, your parents named you well.”
Grace’s cheeks burned with warmth.
His wrinkled hand gave hers a gentle pat. “I see I have embarrassed you, but I only wished to extend my thanks from the bottom of my heart.”
She met his warm gaze. “You are welcome, but I believe I am the one who is benefiting most from this arrangement.”
“Oh, in what way?”
“I will get to live within walking distance of one of the kindest vicars I know.”
A hearty laugh escaped him. “A benefit to us both, my dear.” He patted her hand again. “A benefit to us both.”
After bidding Mr. Clayton a good day, she made her way to the breakfast parlor, passing Anthony with little George in his arms. Greetings were exchanged before Anthony climbed the stairs to the upper level with an extra amount of bounce in his step that made his little son giggle.
Grace couldn’t help but dream of a day when she’d be able to do the same with her own children. A day that might be closer than she’d realized when she came to Engalworth nearly two weeks ago.
Inside the breakfast parlor, she found Lady Hamdon rising from the table. Alan rose from his seat at the head of the table to bid her farewell before his gaze settled on Grace. A soft smile lit his face, lending a sparkle to his pale blue eyes that had not been there yesterday.
“Good morning, Miss Lenning,” Lady Hamdon said, laying a gentle hand on Grace’s sleeve to draw her attention.
Grace smiled down at her. “Good morning.” Then, drawing on her newfound bravery, she asked, “Since we are to be sisters, might we dispense with formality?”
Lady Hamdon’s gaze softened. “Sisters. That is something I have never had the pleasure of before.” Then her face broke into a wide smile. “I would love nothing more than to use your given name, Grace. And you must call me Emma.”
