Page 53 of Discovering Grace

With all of them growing older, going down separate paths, Jacob had missed the companionship of those who knew him best. Spending as much time as he had with Grace when she began her masquerade had been a relief.

“What if I am confusing friendship for deeper feelings?” he asked, looking to his mother and hoping that she might have the answers he needed.

“Dear boy.” Mother beamed fondly at him. “You must discover how much you care for Grace on your own. Given the behavior we have seen from her of late, I do not think she will keep you wondering about her feelings overly long.” She chuckled and settled back into her seat, giving her attention to the scenery.

He had made a fool of himself regarding Hope. Thankfully, few people were aware of that. But with Grace, Jacob was prepared to do more. She had proven herself a woman capable of bold action, and she deserved nothing less than a man who acted the same.

If he meant to court Grace, he must do so in earnest, with an open mind and heart. And he must begin at once.

Chapter 21

Grace sat in the carriage across from her father and mother, the two of them holding hands and speaking softly to one another. Grace tried not to watch them too closely, keeping her eyes averted to the darkening sky out the window. She sneaked a glance a time or two, admiring her parents’ obvious affection. They had missed each other during her mother’s absence.

The ball held in honor of Mr. Spratt’s departure was taking place in the Aldersy assembly hall. During larger community events, the upstairs rooms were all opened, creating one large area for dancing. The lower rooms would be spread with good food, tables, and chairs, allowing all members of the community to come and wish their retired vicar well while drinking to his good health.

The Everly family arrived at the hall in good cheer. Even Grace could not be nervous about her reception, given her anticipation for the entertainment of the evening.

No sooner did they step through the doors to the upper rooms than her parents were hailed by friends. She followed behind them, her eyes searching the crowds for Jacob. Or Isaac, she hastily reminded herself. Or any of her other friends.

Miss Parr found her first, stepping deftly between Grace and her parents to halt her following them.

“Miss Everly.” The young woman smirked and waved. “Oh, it is so good you have come. My mother was convinced you would not.”

“Was she?” Grace had no desire to enter into an exchange of insults. A deflection was in order. “How kind of you both to be concerned for my well-being. Mrs. Parr is certainly one of the most thoughtful women I know.”

“Yes,” Miss Parr said, stretching the one syllable out, her polite expression freezing a moment on her pretty face.

“Oh, and your gown this evening.” Grace could admire the dress honestly enough. “That is a perfect shade for you, Miss Parr. The green sets off your eyes to perfection.”

A blush rose in the young woman’s cheeks and she lowered her eyes to her dress, smoothing the front of it self-consciously. “Thank you.”

It was not the first time Grace had used kindness to thwart someone intent on speaking in a sly manner. Her quick tongue had spared Hope from exchanging petty insults in the past. “I do hope you are asked to dance a great deal this evening,” Grace added, her tone still cheerful. “I am certain you will be.”

The girl’s color deepened, and Grace gave her a friendly smile before walking onward. Miss Parr was young yet, barely out in society, and merely acting as she had seen others act. Perhaps making a friend of her would be wise, lest she turn out more like—

“Oh, Miss Everly. Miss Grace Everly.” Miss Keyes. It shouldn’t surprise her that Miss Keyes found her next. Where some young ladies did not learn the dangerous games of flirtation and conquest until they had been out for a time, Merriweather Keyes had started learning the rules and all the ways to break them while still in the school room.

“Miss Keyes.” Grace turned to the window where Miss Keyes stood, her fan languidly waving. “Good evening.” Miss Ashworth, her brother, and one of the Kimball sons stood with her, all staring at Grace as though their conversation had stopped rather abruptly.

The Keyes had been more intimate with Isaac’s family than her own, but in a country neighborhood, everyone knew each other quite well. What Grace knew of Miss Keyes made her ready herself for a different sort of verbal battle.

“I am so pleased you have joined the party,” Miss Keyes said, her eyes narrowing. “I had heard rumors that you were being kept prisoner, or doing penance, for your daring actions. Do tell us, what inspired the deed?”

Grace took a step closer, joining the small group as though she meant to stay. “Oh, I could hardly deprive my dear sister of her chance to see the world. She is much more interested in travel than I have ever been.”

“I certainly should not have liked a voyage,” Miss Ashworth said swiftly, her fan moving rapidly as her eyes darted around the little group. She issued a nervous giggle when Miss Keyes cast her a baleful glance.

“Nevertheless, to deceive us all in such a manner. It must have taken a great deal of determination.” Miss Keyes flicked her fan closed.

Grace considered her response. Anything she said would be met with vitriol. Miss Keyes either desired to cause a scene or find more ammunition for whatever gossip she wished to spread. At the moment, with her parents happy and the truth known at last, Grace had no intention of giving Miss Keyes the pleasure of taunting her.

“It took substantial determination.” Grace looked about at the others, widening her eyes as much as she could. “You were all at my picnic. I thought I must certainly be found out when surrounded by so many friends. How did none of you guess? I must be a superb actress, indeed.”

They laughed, and the tension Miss Keyes had created weakened.

“You certainly fooled me,” Mr. Kimball said most cheerfully. “Almost makes me jealous I haven’t a twin. It is the very sort of trick I should like to play. Had you ever done it before?”

“Switched places? Oh, long ago, when we were children intent on confusing our poor governess.” As easily as that, Grace earned their interest. Mr. Kimball and Miss Ashworth pressed her for other stories, and she obliged most cheerfully.