Page 12 of Discovering Grace

“Nothing bad will happen.” Hope squeezed her hand. “Go to bed. We begin the finest acting anyone has ever seen tomorrow morning.”

Grace barely stifled her laugh before slipping out of the bed, back across the hall, and between her cold sheets. Though her heart had been relieved of its burden, sleep did not come quickly.

As her sister had said, switching places would be an adventure all on its own. But it could not be too difficult, given how well Grace knew Hope’s mannerisms. Her younger siblings might not be fooled for long, but she had every confidence she could win their silence if they guessed. There was also the matter that Hope, if she had been constrained to stay home, would not wish to talk or go about in society. This would keep Grace from having to practice her deception on too many people.

Deception. Dishonesty. Lies. She abhorred such actions, yet over the past day and a half had committed herself to performing them. It was a matter of self-preservation, she argued with herself, and doing the right thing. The terrible accident with Lord Neil and Lady Olivia should not rule the next year of her life or Hope’s. People made mistakes, and Hope expressed true sorrow for it.

When her father realized what had happened, if he was angry, so be it. At least she would be home and not a world away on an island.

The sun rose at last, permitting Grace to do the same. Her head had started to throb, protesting her lack of sleep, but she fought through the discomfort. If she appeared haggard, it would help her appear more as a heartbroken Hope.

Susan, the maid who helped both young ladies prepare for each day, appeared with Hope right behind her. Hope’s dark circles mirrored Grace’s, proving that neither of them had been able to sleep. Hope was already dressed, too. Most plainly, in fact, with her hair pulled back and up in a simple style.

“Susan,” Hope said after Grace’s traveling gown had been laid out. “I wonder if you might allow me to help Grace today? Surely there are other things you must see to, and I would like to say goodbye to my sister.”

The maid, only a few years younger than they, considered Hope with sympathy. “Of course, Miss Everly. I have sisters of my own. I understand what it is to have to say goodbye.”

“Thank you, Susan,” Grace said, another prick of guilt pressing into her. As soon as the door shut behind the maid, Grace and Hope met each other’s gazes.

Hope came forward swiftly and embraced Grace. “This really is goodbye, for a very long time.”

Grace held her sister close. “I know. But we will be together again, and we will have so much to talk about when we are.” Tears sprang to Grace’s eyes and when she parted from her sister, she saw Hope had started crying, too.

“We have no time for this,” Hope said. “Hurry. Let’s get you dressed as me first.”

Chemises, stays, ribbons, and gowns flew about the room as they hurried to switch their identities. They whispered reminders to one another as they went.

“Remember,” Hope said as she adjusted a pin in her hair, “that I cannot abide to eat parsnips, while you love them.”

“Remember that Miss Carlbury knows of my simple tastes. Be careful what you purchase in London.”

Back and forth they spoke their instructions until the transformation was complete. Grace wore the gown Hope had taken off, a deep green, striped dress more subdued than Hope’s usual choices. Her hair had been styled by her sister as well. Hope wore Grace’s periwinkle traveling gown, with a bonnet to match.

They stared at each other, inspecting the small touches that made the transformation complete.

“It will be fine,” Grace whispered.

A knock at the door startled them both. “The Carlbury carriage has arrived. Cook has breakfast in a basket for you.” Father’s deep voice made Grace bite her lip.

“Coming,” Hope answered quickly, giving Grace a crooked smile. “It’s time. Hurry.”

Hope’s steps were light, though she managed to keep her expression neutral. Grace lowered her head and slumped her shoulders, easily able to appear dejected when she imagined it really was her who must leave that day.

Papa waited for them downstairs, without his spectacles in place. He tried to only wear them when he read or worked on his business letters. This worked to their advantage.

“Dear Grace,” he said, raising his arms to take Hope’s shoulders. “My sweet girl. I know you think me unkind to send you away, but this will be a good experience for you. You will thank me, in the end.” Then he hugged her to him, kissed her cheeks, and opened the door to lead her out.

Grace followed slowly, hanging back as Hope stepped into the carriage. She raised her hand in farewell, calling out, “Goodbye, Grace. God go with you.” Could God go with two women lying to their parents? Were their actions so terrible He might not hear their prayers?

Somehow, Grace had not thought to worry about such a thing until that very moment.

The carriage pulled away, Hope waving out the window, and Grace standing an arm’s length from her father. He stood watching one daughter’s departure, then turned slowly to look at the one left behind.

“Hope,” he said, his voice slightly gruff. “Let this be a lesson to you, my girl. You will not be rewarded for acting as anything less than a lady. In time I think you will understand that this is for your own good. We must curb your behavior.”

Grace lowered her eyes and nodded, whispering as though gravely disappointed, “Yes, Papa.” He sighed heavily and walked past her. “Come, let us have breakfast.”

Her adventure begun, Grace did not relish the challenge ahead as Hope had seemed to, but she gritted her teeth and followed her father. She would not give them away. She could not.