Page 35 of Discovering Grace

Rather than allow another difficult moment between them, Jacob threw out his own suggestion. “What if you let some of your guests name their favorite games? We might get more variety that way.”

“That is not a terrible idea.” Grace tapped her bottom lip with her inky finger, and he watched carefully to see if it left a mark. The ink had already dried, so her lips remained perfectly pink. For some reason, that disappointed him. “I will ask for suggestions but keep my selections at hand in case people are not quick to remember their nursery days.” She pursed her lips thoughtfully.

Jacob started, realizing he still stared at her mouth. What had come over him? He had thought the strangeness in the air a product of their conversation. But now, meeting her gaze, Jacob came to an incredibly different conclusion.

No. He couldn’t allow his thoughts down that path. Wouldn’t allow them to wander in that dangerous and tempting direction. Changing affections from one sister to another—Grace would be insulted. Besides, it had been folly to allow himself feelings greater than friendship for Hope. He’d known both Everlys too long.

Prudence urged him to leave, before he said or did something to cause any more strange tension between them. He cared about Grace too much to make her uncomfortable. He needed to get hold of himself and stop acting like a fool.

“I had best go, now that you have this sorted out.” He stood before she could respond. “I have other visits to make today.” Not precisely true, but he could stop in and see Isaac or Mr. Spratt. Or any number of people. Paying visits to others, looking in on his neighbors, was precisely what he needed to put his thoughts back in order.

The wrinkle appearing just above her nose again, Grace rose from her chair. “I am sorry to see you leave so soon, but thank you for stopping in. I will see you at the picnic tomorrow.”

“Yes, of course. Tomorrow. Good day, Grace.” He bowed and fled the room. Almost immediately after clearing the doorway, he skidded to a stop.

Mr. Everly stood in the passageway, spectacles on the end of his nose and hands behind his back. He did not appear surprised to see Jacob.

“Mr. Barnes,” he said, more precise than usual. “I did not know we were to expect a visit from you today.”

Unaccountably, Jacob’s stomach dropped in the manner it had when he was a boy, about to be taken to task for misbehaving. Had Mr. Everly heard Jacob use Grace’s name instead of Hope’s?

“Mr. Everly.” He bowed after a brief hesitation, his heart thudding rapidly with his guilt. “I only meant to see if Miss Everly needed help with the picnic. It seems she has things well in hand.”

“Does she?” Mr. Everly glanced over Jacob’s shoulder to the open parlor door, then back to Jacob. “I am pleased to hear it. You are a good friend to her, Mr. Barnes. A good man. Thank you for coming.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you.” It did not feel like the correct response but remaining in the hall another moment would likely lead to disaster. “Good morning, sir.” Jacob bowed again and stepped around the older gentleman, hurrying down the steps.

The day had turned strange, and his mind with it.

Chapter 13

Despite Grace’s confident conversation with Jacob, she could hardly stop her fingers trembling given her nervousness on the day of the picnic. She stood in the garden to greet her guests, who were brought through the house by the butler and a footman. Wearing one of Hope’s day dresses, the color of which reminded her of a cherry tart, Grace prepared for her place at the center of all the attention.

The servants had worked all morning, under her direction, setting up tables for lemonade and refreshments, and laying out blankets, cushions, and chairs beneath the apple trees for those who wished to rest out of the sun.

Mr. King and Sir Isaac were among the first to arrive, the two of them nearly as fidgety as she was. Perhaps it came from being in the army so long; they were used to movement and action, not the quieter life of the country.

“You will enjoy the orchards,” Isaac said to his friend. “They are the finest old trees.”

“It is a pity it is not late enough in the year to pick apples.” Mr. King glanced in the direction of the orchards and then back to Grace. “I wish to sample their fruit for myself, after hearing Sir Isaac talk of spending every fall eating his fill of them.”

Grace did not even try to conceal her amusement, one of her favorite childhood memories immediately coming to mind. “He made himself rather sick one year. He challenged our friends, Lord Inglewood and Mr. Jacob Barnes, to see who could eat the most apples in one afternoon.”

“Not one of my finest hours,” Isaac admitted, his eyes dancing merrily. “That was the same summer Inglewood fell out of a tree after challenging us to see who could climb the highest.”

“The summer of young male stupidity,” a new voice said, drawing their attention to Jacob as he came down the steps from the house.

The trembling started up again, necessitating that Grace swiftly take hold of her skirts to keep her fingers hidden. Jacob came closer before making his bows, then shook hands with the other gentlemen. “Mr. King, I hope the day is to your liking.”

“It has been far too long since I have enjoyed a country picnic. I look forward to putting myself in our hostess’s capable hands.” Mr. King’s tone, warm and genuine, did nothing to ease Grace’s anxiety. What if she muddled the whole thing by being an inferior hostess? Then the gentleman turned to her. “Miss Everly, I hope you will give me a tour of the orchard this afternoon.”

The question startled her, but Grace nodded her agreement without reservation. “Of course, Mr. King. It would be my pleasure.”

His eyes lit up and he touched the brim of his hat before following Isaac out of the garden and to the orchard.

Jacob stepped closer to her side, turning to face the house. “He seems a good sort of fellow.” He spoke the compliment with an odd lilt in his voice.

“I suppose so. If Isaac likes him, that speaks highly of his character.” Grace faced the house as well, waiting for her next guests. Why was Jacob standing so close? Why had he not gone with the other gentlemen? His nearness did nothing to alleviate her anxiety.