Three Weeks to Wed (13 page)

Patience's brows shot up. “That is certain to cause a deal of talk.”

The hell I will wait.
He scowled. If he had his way, they'd wed to-morrow.

“You will need to court her for at least a few weeks.” Patience straightened her shoulders. “Then we shall plan the wedding. St. George's, I think. We may have the ceremony in six weeks.”

She had lost her mind if she thought he'd wait weeks to have Grace to himself. Particularly now that he'd agreed to not bed her. “No.”

Grace had been nodding in agreement with everything his stepmother had said. Now she stared at him. “No?”

Patience's lips formed a thin line. “A scandal would affect your sisters, Grace, and Lady Charlotte.”

Think quickly.
An idea began to form. Matt sat back against the thick, soft cushions. “I do not intend to cause a scandal.” Allowing himself a smug smile, he said, “I shall tell everyone I've fallen madly in love, which happens to have the benefit of being the truth, and shall pursue her relentlessly, until she agrees to marry me.” He glanced over at Grace. “You, my love, will be suitably modest before you give in to my love-crazed desires.”

Grace, who'd been taking a sip of tea, made a choking sound, which she turned into a cough. She held her hand over her lips, pitching her voice so that only he could hear. “I've never been modest with you and you know it. If I had, we wouldn't be in this mess.”

He slapped her back a few times. “I beg to differ. It is not a mess.”

Patience's eyes narrowed. “I'm sorry. I was unable to hear either of you.”

“Grace said the tea went down the wrong way. Isn't that right, love?”

“Yes, thank you for your help,” she replied primly before turning to Patience. “I have at least one friend in Town who knows I had a tendre for Matt when I first came out.” Grace gave him a sidelong glance. “I think, with the proper placement of that knowledge, Matt's plan might work.”

That was news! Matt had trouble keeping his jaw from hanging open. “When was this, and why did I never know about it?”

“Six years ago. You even danced with me and were very charming.”

Charming and not in the market for a wife. What a fool he'd been. He searched her face. “Tell me about it.”

Grace's cheeks and neck turned a vibrant shade of deep rose. “Maybe later, but not now.”

Taking her hands, he said, “I'll hold you to that.”

She gazed into his eyes, and it was all he could do not to kiss her right there in front of Patience. “Two weeks.”

His stepmother cleared her throat, and Grace jerked her eyes away from him.

“Three,” Patience countered.

“Very well. Three, and not a day longer.” Three very long weeks. “Grace, do you agree?”

She hesitated a moment before answering. “Yes.”

He didn't trust that she wouldn't find some reason to put it off longer. There must be a way to wed her sooner.

“It might work,” Patience said. “Particularly after you followed Grace out of the ballroom the other evening, and the way you look at her. I must say, calling Lady Evesham to attend to her was inspired.” Patience took a sip of tea. “Grace, how do you intend to chaperone your sister while Matt is pursuing you?”

Grace picked up her cup. “My aunt Lady Herndon is sponsoring Charlotte. When we tell her, she will be more than happy to help. She's had a difficult time accepting my decision not to marry.”

“Very well”—Patience smiled with relief—“we may bring this off after all.”

Grace leaned forward a bit. “Would you like to dine with us this evening?”

“I would, my dear, but I think I shall use this evening to find out what the girls have been up to instead. Worthington, though, should dine with you.”

High voices and stomping feet echoed through the house.

Patience rose. “I shall extract my four from the menagerie and take them home.” She took Grace's hands. “I am very happy you will be joining our family. You do understand my concerns?”

Clearly relieved that the conversation had gone well, Grace smiled. “Indeed, I do. For I have the same ones. As you said, any scandal would affect Charlotte as well. Which I cannot allow.”

“You have a lady that is your companion, I believe?”

“My cousin, Jane Carpenter.”

“Good. If Worthington plans to haunt your house, which he should, we must ensure the gossips know you are not alone.”

“I am aware of that.”

The children entered the morning room in mass. Patience blinked as though stunned, then said, “Louisa, Augusta, Madeline, and Theodora, come with me.”

“But Mama, we've decided to dine together,” Louisa said.

Patience closed her eyes for a moment. “Not this evening. Come with me, if you please. You may meet again to-morrow.”

“Yes, Mama,” Louisa, Augusta, and Madeline said in unison.

Theodora's mouth had a familiar mulish cast. “Mama, I promised Mary I would stay.”

Patience's lips formed a line. “Theodora . . .”

Matt glowered. “Theodora, mind your mother.”

“Yes, Matt.” His sister pouted, but turned to Mary. “I'm sorry.”

Mary hugged Theo. “I understand. I'll see you in the morning.”

“We can all go to the Park together again.” She returned Mary's hug and followed her sisters out the door.

Patience glanced at Matt and Grace. “Since Theodora's been born, I've earned my name.”

Grace's brothers and sisters followed Matt's sisters into the corridor. There was much hugging on the part of the girls. Matt hid his smile when the girls tried to embrace the boys who instead offered to shake hands.

Raising her brow, Patience asked, “How long do you think this comradeship will last?”

“I wish I knew. Hopefully for the duration.” He kept his eyes on the children. “Try to find out what they've been up to. I'm sure whatever it is, is well intended, but we might need to nip a few plans in the bud.”

“I shall most certainly need to discover their plans. I shudder at what they could come up with.”

“I have to say, I agree.” Grace grimaced. “They are all bright and imaginative.”

“As you say,” Patience watched the children for a moment. “Grace, please come to visit me to-morrow.”

“Thank you. I shall.”

The ladies bussed each other's cheeks.

Matt blew out a breath. So far, so good. He just hoped the rest of his plan to marry Grace quickly was as much of a success. He glanced around. Something was missing.
The dogs!
Where had they got to?

Once back at Worthington House, Patience took the girls to the children's parlor. “I take it you are pleased with the prospect that Matt and Grace will marry?”

“We have never been so delighted,” Madeline said. “Mama, isn't it so romantic?”

Patience nodded, romantic indeed. Though she worried it was too soon for the couple to know their minds.

“I agree,” Louisa said. “Grace had decided not to marry because of her brothers and sisters. I think it was a very good notion Matt had of falling in love with her, because he is just what the boys require.”

“Yes,” Augusta added. “You should have seen him break up the fight Walter was in to-day. Not that Walter started it. It was that other horrid boy.”

Patience didn't have to ask Theodora. For years, her youngest daughter had wanted a younger sister. Patience studied them for a few moments. “You seem to have given this some thought.”

“We did.” Louisa smiled and glanced at her sisters. “We had a meeting with Charlotte and the others and decided how to resolve any disputes that may arise.”

Here it was. Afraid her knees would give out with shock, Patience sank into the old rocking chair and inquired in a tone fainter than she would have liked, “Did you indeed? How is that?”

“Well,” Augusta replied, “we shall negotiate the disputes between the two families. Right now, Louisa and Charlotte are the oldest, so they shall help resolve any arguments. As the older ones leave, the next oldest of each family will step in.”

“Yes,” Madeline piped up. “That way, neither Grace nor Matt will have to be involved. They will just be responsible for their own family and you for us.”

“I see.” That wasn't as bad as Patience had thought. Although she wondered how long their good intentions would actually work, and what Matt and Grace would have to say about it. Obviously Charlotte and Louisa were destined to be political or diplomatic wives. “Is there anything else?”

Louisa nodded. “Next we must decide where we should live.”

Patience could not keep her lips from twitching slightly. “I'm sure you will take everything into consideration.”

“Thank you, Mama, we shall,” Theodora said solemnly.

“Now then.” She rose. “You should all go wash and dress for dinner.”

Her daughters obediently left the room. Patience tugged the bell-pull and gave orders that the girls would eat up here, and she'd have a tray in her chambers. If the children planned to dine together, this might be the last quiet meal she would have for quite some time. What else would they decide to help with?

She went to her parlor and poured a glass of sherry. This marriage would change all their lives. Still, Worthington was bound to have married at some point, and she liked Grace. The woman was down to earth and knew how to take on responsibilities. Matt had never looked happier. Patience tried her hardest not to be envious of the feelings he had for Grace. Not that she was jealous of Matt. He had always been like a brother to her. She only wished she could have experienced that type of love with a husband. Well, there was no use thinking about what would never happen. After all, she had her daughters.

* * *

Grace's brothers and sisters followed Worthington's sisters out of the morning room, where Grace and he remained. “Where are the Danes?”

Her eyes widened. “The last I knew, you'd told Hal to take them outside.”

“I also told some of the children to go with them,” he replied ruefully. “That clearly didn't last long.”

She moved to the French windows overlooking the garden. “Look.”

Matt joined her. Daisy and Duke were rolling around together, playing, while Hal looked on. “It appears everyone is getting along well.”

“At least the dogs won't make plans.” She smiled up at him. “I am afraid to ask what the children have been up to.”

“Leave it to Patience. She'll get it out of my sisters.” He took Grace's hands and proceeded to kiss each finger one by one. “You know, they only want to see you happy.”

Tears pricked her eyes. “I do know.”

“Grace.” His strong arm pulled her to him. “I'll be a good guardian. We will raise them together.”

Taking her chin between two fingers and tilting it up, he dabbed the corners of her eyes with his handkerchief. “Trust me, please. I would never do anything to hurt either you or the children.”

How much she wanted to trust him. Grace did believe that he would never do anything to purposely hurt any of them. If he did, it was her fault. Due to her own behavior, she had no choice but to pray he would keep his word. “I'll try.”

A knock came on the door, and Jane peeped in. “I shall go if I'm disturbing you.”

Worthington kissed Grace's lips lightly and stood. “Not at all, I must leave to change for dinner.”

Casting Grace a reassuring look, he left the room.

Jane's eyes sparkled in merriment. “Am I to understand that Lord Worthington refused to take no for an answer?”

Lowering her gaze, Grace swallowed. She hadn't
actually
said yes. Then again, they could not go on as they were. As soft as his last kiss had been, her lips still tingled. He made everything sound so easy. Yet, three weeks to the ceremony was not long at all.

Smiling for her cousin, she raised her head. “Just so. His fortunes changed to-day. Daisy got away from the footman, and he was able to save her. Then he stopped a mill Walter was involved in and brought all the children back here to plead his case. I also took your advice to heart.”

Jane wrapped her arms around Grace. “My dear, I am extremely happy for you. I do think you're making the right decision, and I am sure your parents would have approved.”

Everyone seemed to be happy for her. Maybe if she could be sure she could trust him, she'd be happy as well. “Thank you. I never thought I would find a man who was just as concerned about the children as I am.”

As she said the words, she realized it was true. Perhaps her fears had no basis in reason.

Taking a seat on the chair, Jane asked, “When will you marry?”

Grace gave a short laugh. “To-morrow, if Worthington had his way. But Lady Worthington has talked him into waiting for three weeks.”

“You must tell me when you wish me to leave.”

Her eyes flew open. “Oh, no, Jane, why would you? Do you want to go?”

“No, but you will no longer need a companion.” Jane smiled gently.

“Jane, you are so much more than that.”

Jane patted her hands. “Don't worry, my dear. We can discuss it later, when you are closer to your wedding.”

Grace nodded as her cousin left the room. She had never considered that Jane might leave her. Her cousin had been a stalwart supporter since her father had died after he'd been thrown by his horse, and her pregnant mother fell ill. Perhaps Grace shouldn't marry. It had all been so sudden. She'd not been able to give this marriage as much thought as she should have. How was this going to affect her staff, many of whom had been with the family for years, and Jane?

Several minutes later, she approached the grand staircase.

Royston bowed. “The senior staff would like to wish you happy, my lady.”

Summoning a smile, she thanked him and proceeded to her chamber. Of course her senior staff would have figured it out before she'd told them. The younger members of the staff probably knew as well. It had most likely even made it out to the stables.

She tugged the bell-pull for her maid, but just as she brought the pull down, Bolton appeared carrying one of her new gowns. “I think this one for dinner tonight.”

“Perfect.” Grace washed with the warm water already in the basin. She wished she could be as excited as everyone else seemed to be. After all, for years she had wanted to marry Worthington. Bolton put the gown over her head and Grace stood as her maid adjusted it. But was it the right thing to do now? Passing a hand over her eyes, she berated herself for not only making love to him the first time, but not being able to control herself once his arms were around her. Still, she hadn't actually agreed to the marriage. She just hadn't said no the last time he asked or when he'd announced it.

“My lady, do stop fidgeting.” Bolton tied the laces.

It had finally dawned on Grace that when she'd not protested, she had inadvertently agreed. “Do you think I've made a mistake agreeing to marry Lord Worthington?”

“No, my lady, I do not.”

Grace turned around. “But Jane talked about leaving.”

“You have to allow folks to make their own decisions. If there is a place in the household that makes her happy, she'll stay, if not, she'll go. You can discuss all that with his lordship.”

She handed Grace a missive that arrived. Breaking it open, Grace read the lines. Phoebe and Marcus would join them for tea this evening. Perhaps Grace would consult her friend. Phoebe always gave good advice.

Standing, she gave herself one last look in the mirror before she went down to the drawing room. Her gown was one of the new ones. A salmon-colored tussore silk with a deep V neckline in front and back. A braided cord in deeper salmon and gold was fastened by a brooch under her breasts. The three-quarter-length sleeves were unadorned. Two flounces decorated the bottom of her skirt. Madame Lisette knew her work. Grace thought she looked very well indeed.

* * *

Matt was handing his hat to the butler when Grace descended the stairs. His heart stopped as he sucked in a breath. Every time he'd met her before, except at the inn, when she'd worn a well-made but out-of-date twill gown, he'd been so intent on speaking to her, or kissing her, he hadn't paid attention to her clothing. Now that he had her promise, he could take the time to appreciate her beauty. It took his breath away. Her hair glowed under the candles and her gown, a silk, moved with her, discreetly accentuating her figure as she gracefully descended toward him. His chest swelled knowing she was his. A few curls spilled over her shoulders from a knot high on the back of her head. Every part of his body tightened. Yet his love appeared distracted and unsure. He needed to take her into his arms and kiss all her doubts away.

Then Charlotte, Walter, and the twins appeared on the stairs. He held out his hand to Grace. “Chaperones?”

She placed her fingers in his palm, but she was tense. “We usually all dine together.”

Tucking her hand in his arm, he grinned. “I think that's a wonderful idea, much better than you dining alone.” What would dinner with seven, no ten, children be like? “You'll have to show me where to go.”

She led him to the drawing room, where he noticed Jane already in residence sitting in a chair near the fireplace, speaking with a man and woman, both in their midtwenties. Jane rose. “My lord, good evening.”

He bowed, and not knowing who the couple was, replied formally as she had. “Good evening. Miss Carpenter.”

Jane grinned. “I'm glad you are joining us.”

“Worthington.” Grace directed his attention to the two other people, who'd risen. “Miss Tallerton, I must introduce you to Lord Worthington. Worthington, Miss Tallerton is the children's governess, and this is their tutor, Mr. Winters.”

Matt inclined his head as the governess curtseyed and Winters bowed. The governess lived up to her name; she was indeed a long meg, but handsome in a firm sort of way. Winters was only slightly taller than she and had a very pleasant countenance. “A pleasure to meet you.”

“And you, my lord,” Miss Tallerton said.

Matt shook Winters's hand.

The rest of the children arrived and were given glasses of lemonade, while he and Grace had wine. They were remarkably well behaved. More so than his younger sisters. Even little Mary seemed to know how to go on.

She came to sit next to him on the sofa Grace had led him to. “We're glad you're here.”

His heart tugged, and he gently pulled one of her braids. “I'm glad to be here too.”

Bringing a chair closer to the sofa, Walter sat. “Sir, will you teach me more about boxing?”

Matt glanced at Grace, who gave what appeared to be a resigned shrug. He might have to go a little slowly when it came to teaching the boys the masculine arts. “If Grace doesn't mind.”

“I am sure she doesn't. Do you, Grace?”

She'd been taking a sip of wine and lowered her glass. “Not at all. I suppose if Papa would have lived, he would have instructed you as he did Charlie.”

Walter went off to tell Philip, and Matt glanced at his love. “If you don't want me to . . .”

Shaking her head, Grace sighed. “No, you were right. They need a gentleman to teach them how to go on. Though I don't approve of fisticuffs, I do realize it is one of those sports which gentlemen enjoy.”

“Thank you. I appreciate your faith in me.”

She pulled her full bottom lip between her teeth. Ah, maybe not so much trust yet, and possibly a reluctance to give up full control of her brothers and sisters. After all, they had been her entire life for the last few years.

Royston announced dinner, and Matt escorted Grace to the dining room, taking his place on her left. As he finished each course, he couldn't remember when he'd had such a tasty meal. They dined on
soupe à l'oignon,
followed by poached salmon, lobster en croûte, and roasted guinea-fowl. He did justice to all the dishes. The removes included French beans and peas tossed with a butter-thyme sauce, escalloped carrots and leeks, and pureed potatoes. He wondered if his cook could do half as well and gave up the thought. Not that he'd ever faulted Patience for it, but she was not the housewife Grace was. Various creams, jam tarts, grapes, and cheeses made up the last course.