Page 10 of Discovering Grace

For once Grace had to put herself first in her thoughts. She could not sail across an ocean into uncertainty. It was not her nature and the furthest thing from her desires. Somehow, she must change her father’s mind or….

An idea came to her, as suddenly as a bolt of lightning falls from the sky.

Grace said very little the remainder of the evening, though she watched her mother’s expression with a heavy heart, and she could not ignore Hope’s tear-stained face. With her lips pressed shut, she stayed in her thoughts, making her arguments and plans. As she considered the consequences to the action she would take, Grace realized something that nearly made her grin when she slipped into her bed that night.

Perhaps she and Hope were not so different after all.

Chapter 4

Mrs. Barnes rarely insisted that her children attend her when guests came visiting. But Jacob and his sisters, Elizabeth and Mary, were all present today while they bid the Carlburys farewell. It was not every day a prominent family left for voyages, after all.

The quarter-hour visit had not been extraordinary, and though Jacob wished to listen to their plans for Hope’s sake, they did not say a word about her. Not until they prepared to take their leave.

Miss Irene Carlbury was bidding his sisters goodbye, taking their hands up in hers briefly, when she suddenly sighed. “Please, both of you, do visit Hope once we have left. She is gravely disappointed that she will not be joining us.”

Jacob stiffened, hardly believing his ears.

“She is not?” Elizabeth asked, sounding as surprised as he felt. “Why ever not? I thought it was all decided.” He would have to be certain to save her an extra tart for dessert, asking the questions he most wished to ask.

“Oh, did you not hear of the incident?” Miss Carlbury asked, looking between his sisters in a most dramatic fashion. “There was that terrible carriage accident, and then Mr. Everly said Hope’s punishment would be to remain at home. Grace will accompany me instead.”

Jacob heard no more, too busy with his tumbling thoughts.

Grace, on her way to the Caribbean? Such a thing struck him as almost cruel. Grace was quiet, unimposing, and happy with her place in her home and community. Hope possessed a wild spirit and a wandering heart, and being sentenced to remain home after setting her eyes so firmly on the horizon would be like clipping the wings of a hawk.

Mr. Everly had somehow managed to punish both his daughters in the most excruciating manner possible.

Jacob barely registered the Carlburys’ departure enough to bow to them when they left. Mary and Elizabeth followed them from the room, still chatting about the excitement of the Carlburys’ plans.

Hope remained at home for the foreseeable future. He had not lost her to an adventure beyond his ability to travel. Indeed, she would be home and heartbroken without her sister, her closest confidante. Though knowing how she would grieve pricked his heart, Jacob could not help but realize that her change in circumstances benefited his cause.

Jacob retook his seat, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees and his hands clasped before him as he pondered on the situation.

He had been praying for some time for help in securing Hope’s heart, if she was the right woman for him. He had nearly given up on such a possibility when he learned she would be gone for a year, off on an exciting journey far from him. Perhaps his prayers had been answered, though not in the way he had hoped. The carriage accident—he had heard about Lord Neil’s injury. Though they were not his friends, Jacob could not wish such harm upon anyone.

Mother’s voice penetrated his thoughts. “I know exactly what you are thinking, young man.”

Jacob blinked and looked up. She stood directly in front of him, her hands clasped and arms loose before her.

“Do you?” he asked, remaining in his hunched position. “And what do you have to say on the matter?”

Her lips turned down and she released a deep sigh. “I think it unkind to send Grace away. I cannot imagine she desired it. But her father has done what he thinks best. Hope will be rather upset, and likely so for some time. If you wish to be a comfort to her, be so as a friend first. Tread carefully.”

He tilted his head to one side at that. “What do you mean?”

His mother bent double, bringing her eyes level with his. She studied him, the wrinkles on either side of her eyes deepening. “You have a good heart, Jacob. You are about to take orders to be a man of God first and foremost. Approach Miss Everly with compassion, because she is your friend. Be careful about making any declarations too soon. She has been hurt, after all, and disappointed.”

“She will need time,” Jacob agreed with a nod. “I can give her that.”

“Good.” His mother’s expression did not relax as he thought it would. If anything, her frown grew deeper as she straightened her posture. “Poor Grace. I cannot imagine how she is taking this decision. Let us hope the Carlburys will be mindful of her. She hasn’t the spirit for adventure her sister possesses.”

Jacob leaned back in his chair, watching his mother carefully. “You have known the Everlys for a long time, but you have never tried to encourage me to pursue their daughters. Come to think of it, you have never encouraged any of us to make matches. Why is that?”

His mother’s smile finally reappeared, though it was soft. “My dear boy, I know my children and I know your hearts. You will each find your way to a match and happiness in time. Why should I worry and fret over something that is not my choice, but yours?" She gave his shoulder a pat. “Do not brood for long, dear. You have an appointment with Mr. Spratt today, do you not?”

Jacob rose and straightened his coat. “I do. Thank you for the reminder.” He checked the time on the mantel clock. “He is to show me the parish records today.”

“I am proud of you for working so hard to be worthy of the position.” She gave him a fond kiss on the cheek. “You had best be on your way.”