Page 36 of Discovering Grace

Tucking his hands behind his back, Jacob shifted as though settling into his stance. “No parasol for you today?” he asked.

“Hope abhors parasols even on days when they are necessary,” Grace answered, watching him from the corner of her eye. “And this bonnet ought to be all the protection I need.” She reached up to touch the wide brim with her gloved finger. “I produce all my own shade while wearing it.”

He met her gaze a moment, amusement twinkling in his eyes, before he turned his attention back to the house.

The chattering of more guests announced the arrival of Jacob’s sisters, his elder brother, and his brother’s particular friend, Mrs. Muir. When would Matthew get on with it and ask the beautiful widow to marry him? She greeted everyone properly and they went on to the orchard, but Jacob remained at her side.

Miss Parr and the Ashworths, a brother and his two sisters, arrived next. Then the Kimballs and the Keyes. There were seventeen young people in all, including Grace herself, and her guests were divided evenly between men and women. A few parents had come as well, including Mr. and Mrs. Parr, Mrs. Keyes, and Mrs. Kimball. They would act as chaperones for the group, taking their ease beneath the trees with glasses of lemonade.

After the last guest arrived, Grace gathered all her courage and confidence.

Jacob had remained at her side. “You look as though you are marching into battle.” His words were colored with humor, though he spoke them gently.

“I feel as though I might be.” Forcing a cheerful expression, Grace touched the ribbons at her neck nervously.

“Come now. Everything will be fine.” Jacob offered her his arm. “We will enjoy the afternoon with our friends. Everyone will have a splendid time.” Grateful for his encouragement, she rested her hand upon his arm, accepting his escort. At last her fingers stopped their anxious shaking.

The familiar sight of the hundreds of trees, planted in neat rows years ago by her grandfather, lightened her step. This was her home, her land, her beloved orchard. The weather was glorious, and friends surrounded her. It did not matter that everyone, saving Jacob, thought she was Hope. She was perfectly capable of giving them all an afternoon to remember.

They started with refreshments as Grace made certain everyone had been introduced to Mr. King, the only new face in their midst. Jacob remained at her side, walking with her from one guest to another, his presence steadying her as it had in the past. His pointed attention would likely go unnoticed by the others. Most of the neighborhood was used to seeing him in company with Hope and Grace. Grace appreciated the kind gesture and unspoken support.

“Let us come to order,” she said at last, raising her voice as Hope would, to be heard over all their conversation. “Thank you all for coming. The order of the day is to recreate our fondest childhood games. On the table over there—” She pointed to a smaller side table beneath a tree. “—there are slips of paper and a bowl. Please write down your favorite game and put it in the bowl to be drawn out at random. Some of our entertainment will come from the suggestions, and other activities I have planned for later.”

The little crowd made its way to the table, the ladies chattering with pleasure while the gentlemen began to brag of childhood achievements. No one had thought the idea silly, it would seem.

It took time for everyone to think of something and scribble upon the slips of paper with their pencils. At last Grace took up the bowl with sixteen suggestions waiting inside. She eagerly took out the first and read aloud, “Two Hats.” She blinked at the paper. “I am afraid I am not familiar with that one.”

“Ah, it is my suggestion.” Mr. King stepped forward. “It is one we played all the time in the village where I grew up.” He glanced around, but no one else appeared to know the game. “I am happy to teach it to the group. It is best if we sit in a circle.”

“To the trees, then.” Grace pointed to the cushions, chairs, and blankets prepared for their use. “Mr. King can teach us a game about hats.” There was a smattering of giggles, but everyone complied. The Misses Ashworths hurried to claim places on either side of the gentleman about to explain the game.

They all took seats upon the ground or in chairs, Mr. King standing in the middle of their ill-formed circle. “This is a game in which you are required to be contrary.” He pointed to his hat. “And it is called Two Hats because two people play at a time until a winner is determined. Everyone need not take part, but I think you will all be amused. Miss Everly, as our hostess, would you assist me in demonstrating how to play?”

Grace, on the ground between Jacob and his sister Mary, pretended to consider. “I suppose it is my duty. Very well.” She held her hand out and Mr. King came forward to take it, assisting her to her feet. He led her into the center of the circle again.

“This is how the game is played. There is one person who is the first hat.” He touched his chest and bowed theatrically, the little group clapped their hands while Grace shook her head. “And another who is the second hat.” He held his hand as if presenting Grace to an audience, and she curtsied.

“The first hat says a common phrase, or performs a gesture, and the second must react in a manner completely opposite of what is expected and proper.” He took two empty chairs and placed them in the middle. “For instance. If I sit—” He demonstrated. “—Miss Everly stands. And if I stand, she sits.” He stood, and Grace did as he directed.

“If I say good day to you, miss, you say—”

Catching the idea, she did not hesitate to answer. “Good evening to you, sir.”

His expression was most approving. “That is the game. The winner is the last player who can be contrary every time. Should Miss Everly respond appropriately, instead of contrarily, she is out. Would you like to try a real round?”

Grace glanced about to make certain the others liked the game. Miss Keyes appeared bored, and Jacob… He was frowning. But as everyone else seemed interested, she agreed. “Very well. Everything contrary. I am ready.”

Mr. King grinned and began at once. “The weather is fine today.”

That one was easy. “I believe it shall rain tonight.”

He looked up, she cast her eyes down, he moved to the left, she to her right. He commented that the lemonade was refreshing, she told him it was boiling, he asked her to dance, she refused, he bowed and she saluted as she had seen military men do. Grace, while enjoying herself, began to fear that no one else might have a turn.

“Do not shake my hand,” he said, holding out his. She quickly put her gloved hand in his palm. Then he bent and kissed her knuckles.

Grace froze. The impertinence! Yet it was a compliment. Or was it part of the game? She did not know what to do and stood, gaping at him, until he grinned and turned to the others at the same moment he released her hand. “I won. She hesitated too long, would you agree?”

There was laughter and applause. No one seemed to think the moment strange. Grace went back to her seat, still uncertain. She met Jacob’s eyes to see his frown had deepened.