Discovering Grace by Sally Britton

Author:Sally Britton
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2019-08-12T21:00:00+00:00

THE DRESS GRACE wore to Sir Isaac’s dinner party was one of Hope’s particular favorites. The yellow satin fabric was perfectly complimented by a deep purple shawl. At least, Hope had always thought the two perfect together. For Grace’s part, she much preferred softer colors to bold. Perhaps the bright colors gave her sister an added measure of confidence. Perhaps they drew the eyes of others more often, making Hope stand out as she wished.

Perhaps one of the reasons Jacob had more affection for Hope was due to her cheery wardrobe.

Grace stepped into Sir Isaac’s foyer, releasing her father’s arm to make her curtsy to her friend. Had she been herself, Grace would have shared a quiet smile with him before exchanging greetings. As Hope, she instead had to beam as though vying with the chandelier for brilliance.

“Sir Isaac.” She imitated her sister’s fond manner of speaking to their dear friend. “I am thankful you invited us, as it saved me from having to storm your home in a quest to ascertain your well-being. I have not seen you in such a long time.”

Isaac grinned back at her, his spirit as adventurous as Hope’s. “When one goes to war, it leaves a great many things undone at home. I am attempting to put everything to rights and I’ve had little time for visits. Soon, though, I should like to call upon you for one of our rambles.”

“That would be delightful.” She waited for her father to make his greetings to the host. Then she looped her arm through Papa’s and walked into the parlor off the dining room. Isaac’s mother had been the last woman to decorate the house, which meant a great many of the rooms were out of date in terms of fashion. The familiar pink and gold furnishings did something to steady Grace’s nerves, however, so she could not think ill of them.

Mr. and Mrs. Parr were present, with their daughter, Miss Bettina Parr, newly come out. Although not part of Miss Parr’s set, to see another young lady present gave Grace leave to relax. In fact, since Miss Parr did not know Grace or Hope particularly well, that gave Grace more room to make mistakes.

She had barely exchanged greetings with the Parrs when the Barnes entered the room, followed by Isaac. Mrs. Barnes, tall and stately, floated gracefully into the room. Matthew Barnes, the head of the family, escorted his mother with easy confidence. Then came Miss Elizabeth Barnes on Jacob’s arm, her sister Mary behind them.

Jacob. He cut a fine figure in his dark blue waistcoat, a pristine white cravat at his throat. When she met his eyes, he winked.

Her heart stammered and stuttered, though her mind immediately berated it. The wink was naught more than a friendly offer of support, meant to bolster her confidence. Still, she had to turn away to keep her composure.

Nothing about the ruse she acted out met with Jacob’s approval. Not really. Believing that Hope had orchestrated the entire switch was the only reason he had ceased to speak against the plan.

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