Three Weeks to Wed (25 page)

Bentley bowed. “Lady Louisa, will you . . .”

She stuck out her hand. “Yes, I'd be delighted.”

Charlotte whispered to Louisa, “Let him finish.”

Placing her hand on Bentley's arm, she murmured back. “He was taking too long.”

Grace pressed her lips firmly together to keep from laughing and made the mistake of glancing at Matt, who was also struggling with his countenance. She took his arm and held him back, allowing Patience and the girls to precede them. “From the mouths of babes.”

Shaking his head he replied, “I'm not sure I'm up for this.”

Grace patted his arm. “We will become accustomed. After all, it's only the beginning of the Season.” Grace glanced ahead and back to him. “What do you know about the young men?”

“Bentley is heir to the Duke of Covington. Harrington is heir to the Marquis of Markham. They are both in their late twenties. Old enough to think of settling down. Bentley is dependent on his father. Harrington has his own funds as well as the expectancy. I'll find out more if their interests are serious.”

“They must have met the girls at an earlier party. I'll look to see if they've left cards. We were out and about so much to-day, I didn't have a chance.”

A footman came up with a note on a silver salver. “Lady Grace Carpenter?”

Her hand began to tremble, and she braced herself in the event it was bad news. “Yes, what is it?”

The man bowed. “A message for you, my lady. Would you like me to wait?”

“Please.” Grace's heart pounded rapidly against her chest as she opened the letter. Thank God. She took a breath and calmed herself. “Charlie is home safely. They ran into some problems with the state of the roads, but he is home now.” She glanced up at the servant. “There is no reply.”

“Thank you, my lady.”

After the man left, Matt glanced down. “You looked frightened for a moment.”

Terrified
would have been a more accurate word. Taking a deep breath, she was glad for the comfort he brought. “I've never received a message at a party before. I—I thought for a moment some accident had occurred.”

He placed her hand on his arm and they entered the supper room. “Would you like me to take you to the house?”

She did want to go home and see her brother, but Grace needed to think of the girls as well. “We'll have to ask Patience. I don't want to drag them home if they wish to remain.”

“Let me get you something to eat and a glass of champagne. We will see how our sisters are doing.”

Relieved to have him to share her thoughts and concerns, Grace glanced up. “Thank you. That's perfect.”

Matt escorted her to the table where Patience and their sisters sat.

Patience looked at Grace. “What is it?”

“Nothing bad. Charlie is home safely. They were delayed due to the weather.”

“Charlie's here?” Charlotte's face broke into smiles. “Oh Grace, may we go?”

Grace was relieved her sister would rather leave, but there were the proprieties to consider. “Charlotte, you know better. Now that you've accepted Lord Harrington's escort, you must remain with him through supper. We shall remain for a little while longer and then take our leave.”

Charlotte sighed. “Yes, of course. I just so want to see Charlie.”

“I know you do.” Grace squeezed her sister's shoulder. “I do as well.”

“I imagine all the children will be up now.” Charlotte turned to Patience. “This is his first year at Eton. None of us is used to having him gone.”

Patience smiled. “I understand. If Louisa wishes to stay, I shall, of course, remain here. If not, we may depart after supper.”

Louisa leaned over the table. “I want to go as well.”

Worthington, followed by Harrington and Bentley, came back with a footman in tow. “I think we've selected the choicest of the offerings for you.”

Charlotte accepted the plate Lord Harrington offered. “Thank you, my lord. This looks delightful.”

He took the seat next to her. “We got to the lobster patties before anyone else did, and snagged several of them. I hope you like them. Worthington didn't seem to know.”

Looking at Louisa, Grace was pleased to see Lord Bentley hover solicitously over her, making suggestions.

“My love,” Matt murmured, leaning over, “will you also try a lobster patty?” His lips grazed her ear. “You can finish it this time, as well as your champagne.”

Rogue! How dare he have reminded her? Still, she smiled and was so happy tears started in her eyes. The last time she'd been in a supper room eating a lobster patty and drinking champagne was the evening he'd found her. “Yes, I would love to.”

With the young couples settled, Patience turned to Grace and Matt. “It has occurred to me that our living arrangements will seem very odd to our neighbors.”

Matt leaned back in his chair and toyed with his champagne glass. “Yes, well, I suppose as long as we're not crossing the square in our nightclothes, they should be happy.”

Grace choked. “That would certainly give rise to talk. Patience, are you settled in?”

She took a sip of champagne and nodded. “Most of my clothing and other items arrived by the time we returned this afternoon. I think all of Louisa's things are there. Grace, Louisa's chamber is lovely, and it was a wonderful idea to have Charlotte and her share a parlor between them. They seem to have so much in common and have become great friends.”

Matt had arranged to have most of the work done while they'd been out to-day. Grace shot him a sidelong glance to find him grinning at her. “They actually chose the room. Still, I am pleased you agree. How are your apartments?”

“Perfect. I have even more room than I had at Worthington House.”

She'd been worried that Patience might not feel at home at Stanwood House. “I'm so glad. Please tell me if you'd like to have your rooms at Worthington House redecorated or remodeled.”

Patience smiled. “What a lovely offer. I shall take you up on it. Yet first, let's take care of the wedding and the children.”

Grace glanced up to see Phoebe and Marcus coming to join them. She stood and hugged Phoebe.

After she'd seated herself, Phoebe grinned. “It has been so busy, I've not had an opportunity to look for you. You will be pleased to hear, I was barely asked a question about you. It seems as if the
ton
has a new interest.”

Marcus caught Matt's eye. “I see you have prospects.”

“Yes, I don't know who is more nervous, them or me.”

“I am very pleased I have time before my nieces come out.” Marcus chuckled.

Matt spoke to Marcus in a low voice, but not so low Grace couldn't hear. “Marcus, how do you like married life?”

“There is nothing better.”

“I think it will be the same for me.”

Phoebe nudged Grace. “You look far away.”

“I was just thinking, to-morrow I'll be wed to the gentleman I always wanted to marry and everything is going so well.”

Her friend nodded. “And you feel as if it cannot all be true?”

Maybe that was the fear she had tonight when the note came. “Precisely. As if something will come along to ruin it.”

Phoebe covered Grace's hand with hers. “You and Worthington each have different strengths. Trust him when you don't trust yourself.”

It seemed like a long time since she'd had someone to rely upon and Matt was already taking care of her and the children. Looking up she noticed some of the guests were leaving the supper room. “Louisa, Charlotte, we'll go and see Charlie now.”

Charlotte turned to Lord Harrington. “Please excuse me. My brother is home from school and we haven't seen him in such a long time.”

He helped her to her feet and bowed. “Then I shall not keep you, my lady. May I make plans to drive with you to-morrow afternoon?”

Charlotte's eyes flew to Grace. “I'm sorry. We—we have family plans.”

“Then the next day?”

“Yes, I'd be happy to ride with you.”

He kissed her hand and a light blush infused Charlotte's cheeks. “I shall come for you at five o'clock.”

Though Grace was unable to hear, she was sure a similar conversation was going on between Louisa and Bentley.

Matt stood, took Grace's hand, and addressed Bentley. “We must be going. Although we all have a busy day to-morrow, I am sure the ladies will be at home the next day.”

The young man bowed. “Thank you, my lord.”

Grace smiled to herself as Matt herded them all to bid their hostess a good evening and called for the carriages.

The rain had finally let up, leaving a clear sky for their wedding in the morning.

No sooner had Matt, Grace, and Patience crossed the Stanwood House threshold than shouts from above for them to come see Charlie reached them. The children must have been watching out the window.

Charlotte and Louisa ran up the stairs, hoisting their skirts in a very unladylike manner, while he, Grace, and Patience followed at a more sedate pace. Matt reached the school-room to see both Charlotte and Louisa being hugged by a tall, lanky sixteen-year-old with the signature Carpenter hair and eyes.

The boy held Charlotte back. “Char, look at you. Have you been at a ball?”

“No silly, a soirée. This is an evening gown, not a ball gown.”

Charlie hugged her again. “Well, you look as fine as five-pence.” He glanced at Worthington's sister. “And you are Louisa. You're to be my new sister? Char wrote to me about you. How nice that you're both making your come outs together.”

Alice pulled him away. “Here is Matt.”

Mary jumped up and down. “We're all getting married to-morrow.”

Charlie picked her up and twirled her around. “Are we?”

Suddenly, both Great Danes bounded through the door. Daisy tried to wrap herself around him. “Yes, yes, girl.” He patted her head. “But what have we here? A friend for Daisy?” Charlie reached out to Duke and stroked his back. “How are you? You're a handsome boy.” Duke's tail thwacked hard against the wall so hard, Matt was concerned either the wall or the tail would break.

Watching Charlie with the others made him understand, in a way he had not before, the reason Grace had fought so hard to keep her brothers and sisters together. He'd be here to help her now and to protect her and the children, his and hers.

Charlie broke away to hug Grace. “I've been told I am to wish you happy.”

Nodding, she responded in a tight voice with emotion, “You are indeed. Charlie, this is Matt, Lord Worthington.”

The boy stuck out his hand. “I'm pleased to meet you, sir. I feel as if I know you already. The twins and Walter said you'll keep us together.”

Matt shook Charlie's hand. “I shall. That is a promise.”

Charlie glanced at the children. “Thank you for agreeing to take us on and for my new sisters.”

Laughing, Matt replied, “Don't thank me. I couldn't get your sister unless I took the whole bunch of you.”

Charlie chuckled. “She does drive a hard bargain.”

The Earl of Stanwood might be only sixteen, but he took his family seriously. Matt wondered what it was like for him to be the head of the family and have no control over the welfare of it. He and Grace would have to make a point of discussing the arrangements they'd made with Charlie.

“I think all of you need to go to sleep,” Grace said, as she kissed each of the younger children. “Charlie will be here for three weeks, and we have a lot to do in the morning. You'll have circles under your eyes for the wedding if you don't go to bed.”

They tucked the children in then took Charlie, Louisa, and Charlotte with them down the stairs.

Matt glanced at Charlie. “Did you learn of the marriage tonight?”

“No.” He grinned. “I've been receiving letters.”

“Indeed.” That was odd. “Who's been writing to you?”

“Everyone.” Charlie turned a solemn face to him. “I'm glad you are teaching Walter to box.”

“He's a quick learner.” Then a thought occurred to Matt. If the children had been telling Charlie everything about his and Grace's very short courtship, Matt didn't want those letters getting out. He raised a brow. “The letters?”

“I brought them home to burn.” Charlie grimaced. “You do know they listen at the keyholes?”

Matt resisted putting his hand over his face and wondered, for the first time, what the children may have heard when he was in Grace's study. He sighed. “I seem to recall Alice saying something about it the first day I was here, then I forgot. I might just have every keyhole in Worthington House sealed.”

* * *

As they descended the stairs from the children's floor, Grace saw Patience hovering at the bottom. “Patience, why didn't you come up?”

“I didn't want to intrude. Your Miss Tallerton and Mr. Winters are in the drawing room. Shall we join them?”

“Yes, we're going there now. They were probably driven out by the noise.”

A footman opened the door. Grace walked in with Patience followed by Matt, Charlie, Louisa, and Charlotte. Jane and her Mr. Addison were in conversation with Winters and Miss Tallerton. “Are they making that much noise?”

Jane's eyes twinkled. “It has been mayhem since he walked through the door. Before then, we had thought they were sound asleep.”

Matt put his hand on Grace's shoulder. “Wine?”

“Yes, please. The girls and Charlie may have a glass as well.” She took a seat on the sofa. Charlie helped Matt serve the wine. It had taken her a while to accept that with him around, they were more of a family. Harder to admit was that she needed his help with the children.

Her brother gave Mr. Addison a quizzical look. “I don't believe we've been introduced, sir.”

Jane blushed. “Charlie, this is my betrothed, Mr. Hector Addison. We have known each other for many years. Hector, Grace's brother, the Earl of Stanwood.”

Charlie grasped Hector's hand, shaking it. “Please call me Charlie. Jane is very dear to us, and I'm happy to see her settled.”

Matt handed Grace a glass and sat down next to her. “My love, we should tell everyone what we've decided.”

Taking a sip, she addressed them. “Well, some of you know and some do not. Worthington and I will be remodeling his house. Accordingly, Lady Worthington and her daughters will live here with us. Worthington and I will sleep at his house, but otherwise live here.” When she paused, he slid an arm around her. “My uncle on my mother's side has returned, and Lord Herndon believes he will attempt to make trouble. Because of that and the court case, Worthington and I are marrying in the morning.” Everyone nodded, not surprised at her announcement. “Worthington's solicitor has instructions to file the change of guardianship after the wedding. My solicitor will immediately agree. Miss Tallerton, Mr. Winters, if you'd like, you may take a vacation for the next couple of weeks.” She grimaced. “I doubt they'll get much studying done with all the changes and Charlie being home.”

“Thank you, my lady,” Miss Tallerton replied. “If you wouldn't mind, I'll visit my family for a few days at Easter, then return.”

Mr. Winters nodded. “I have the same idea.”

“Thank you. Do not feel as if you must hold lessons.”

“Mr. Winters and I have discussed it. We would like to take the children to some of the more important sites in London.” Grace and her family had been so lucky to find these two people. “If you are sure?”

Miss Tallerton grinned. “Very sure. It will give us an opportunity to see them as well.”

Glancing at Jane, Grace said, “Jane, have you decided when you will marry?”

“It will take about a week or so to finalize the purchase of the house. We shall wed at that time.” Her lips formed a moue. “Unfortunately the seller did not give his power of attorney to his solicitor and we must await his signature on the documents. In the meantime, I have some shopping of my own I must do.”

“If you do not mind, I would like to hold your wedding breakfast here. We'll have had a great deal of experience.”

Leaning across from her chair next to the sofa, Jane patted Grace's hand. “I would love nothing better. At least my being here for another week or so will give you and Worthington the option of taking more time together.”

Matt glanced at Charlie. “Stanwood, do you have anything you'd like to add?”

“I think you've made a good decision to enjoy at least a little peace and quiet. After we move into your house, I suggest we lease Stanwood House for the Season until I'm old enough to live here.”

Drawing her brows together, Grace asked, “Are you sure you won't mind?”

He shook his head. “No. It's not as if I'm leaving it forever.” He came over to Grace and kissed her cheek. “If you'll excuse me, I'm off to bed.”

Louisa and Charlotte bade them good night as well and followed him out.

Then Miss Tallerton and Mr. Winters rose.

“We'll bid you a good night as well,” she said. “I hope the children are finally asleep.”

“It appears we're all tired.” Mr. Addison assisted Jane. “Good night. I look forward to seeing you in the morning.”

Once the door shut behind Jane and Addison, Grace leaned her head against Matt's shoulder. He kissed her head. This was the last night he'd sleep without her next to him. “Marcus and Rutherford will come for me in the morning. We'll take the boys with us.”

She placed her hand on his cheek. “I love you.”

“I love you and adore you.” He kissed her gently. “To-morrow, my love.”

“To-morrow.”

He left, knowing she watched him as he crossed the street. Worthington entered his empty house and was suddenly lonely. No thumping of footsteps marred the quiet, and he realized how much he was looking forward to having everyone here, under his roof. And Grace as his wife managing the chaos. This time next year, his house would be full with their brothers and sisters and, he hoped, a child of their own to add to the madness.

* * *

Grace rose early the following morning to hear Bolton rummaging around. Pulling back the bed hangings, she stared. “What are you doing?”

“Packing everything you don't need for the wedding. We got everyone else moved yesterday.”

“I see. I'm going down to breakfast. When do you want me back?”

“If you're here by half past eight that will give me enough time. I'll order your bath for then.”

“Very well.” Grace swung her legs over the side of her bed. The last time she'd do so. She looked forward to sleeping next to Matt. Yet even though she hadn't spent much time here recently, it was her home. “It's a strange feeling, leaving.”

“I understand, my lady. But you'll see, this was meant to be. Besides, you'll only be away at night.”

Grace chuckled ruefully. “Perfectly true.”

Bolton helped her into a morning gown and Grace went down to find the breakfast room empty. “Royston, where is everyone?”

“Come and gone, my lady. They were not allowed to wear their new clothes to breakfast, not even with smocks. You enjoy the quiet while you have it.”

After pouring her tea, she helped herself to baked eggs and toast and wondered about the other changes the day would bring.

She'd finished her third cup of tea when her butler entered the room. “My lady, Bolton says you are to come now.”

“Thank you, Royston.”

She sank into the warm water as Bolton arranged items on the dresser. Grace caught a flash of light. “What was that?”

Bolton held up a delicate gold necklace set with amethysts and diamonds.

Peering at it closely, Grace shook her head. It wasn't hers or her mother's. “Where did this come from?”

“His lordship sent it over this morning with a pair of earrings, a tiara, and a bracelet.”

“They are perfect. He really has done well.” Water splashed as she stood and Bolton handed her a towel. “There's a package from Rundell and Bridges in my dresser, please take it out and compare it to the necklace.”

Her maid found the package, took out the pin, and grinned. “A perfect match, my lady.”

“Crafty old man.” Grace grinned. “I went in looking for something for Lord Worthington. I had almost selected a fob and the clerk said he had just the thing. I picked it up the next day.” She'd never bought a gentleman a gift before and was concerned that Matt wouldn't like it.

“If you want my opinion, it was good thinking on his part.”

“Indeed.” Grace turned to the creation of Madame Lisette's hanging on the door. “How do you like my gown?”

“It's beautiful. The netting is just the right touch.”

Bolton took the towel. Grace donned her chemise and stays. “We'll put this on you and cover it up while I dress your hair.”

She raised her arms, and the soft, cream-colored silk floated over her. The bodice was cut in a low V in both the front and back, decorated with a band of embroidered gold ribbon. The gown had a small demi-train. Next came a short overdress in pale gold netting dotted with seed pearls and layered sleeves extending to her elbows. Bolton helped her into a dressing gown and then styled Grace's hair in a knot at the back of her head and secured with pearl combs. Her maid pulled out several tendrils allowing them to flow over Grace's shoulders.

Placing a small hat made of silk and lace on her head, Bolton said, “The hatpin belongs to Lady Evesham for something borrowed, old and blue.”

A knock came on the door. “My lady, Lord and Lady Herndon and Lady Evesham are waiting.”

“Thank you, Royston. I'll be right down.” Grace put on the earrings Worthington had sent, and Bolton clasped the necklace around her neck.

“I do look well, don't I?”

“Yes, my lady, you do. Go now.”

Grace rose and surprised Bolton by giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you.”

“Go on, out of here.”

Grace hurried out of the door, down the stairs, and strode into the drawing room. “I am ready.”

Uncle Bertrand grinned. “Then let us be off. The children left several minutes ago. They should have them sorted by the time we get there.” He took out his quizzing glass. “May I say you look beautiful? Are those the jewels Worthington gave you? Perfect.”