Three Weeks to Wed (10 page)

The blush deepened and Grace's gaze flew to his face. “I—I do not understand.”

Pleased to have caught her off guard, he noted her quickened breathing and the confusion in her lovely deep blue eyes. Taking her in his arms, he kissed her. Her lips opened to him as he—
he
had taught her. No other man would ever touch her. Lady Grace Carpenter was his. Matt lifted his head. “Not nothing. No mere rendezvous. I think it is time you tell me what you're playing at, my lady.”

Grace couldn't believe Worthington was in her parlor kissing her. What was infinitely worse, she was kissing him as well. What kind of power did he have over her? It was as if she had no control, her arms reached over his shoulders and her hands clutched the back of his neck as if she were clinging to him for life, again. The door opened and feet shuffled in.
He,
not she, broke their kiss. Why did she have no resolve when it came to him?

“Why are you kissing Grace, sir?” Mary asked.

“That is an answer I would like to have as well,” Walter added.

Worthington held her so close the rumble of his deep chuckle vibrated through her.

“I'm trying to convince Grace to marry me.”

She shook her head trying to clear it.

Philip frowned. “Well, if one has to kiss a lady in order to marry her, I don't think I shall.”

The last thing she needed was to have her overly curious brothers and sisters involved in this. “All of you, leave now, and do not open this door again unless you've been given permission to enter.”

They backed up out of the room. Alice and Eleanor pulling Mary with them. The door closed.

Grace swallowed. Maybe now he'd understand. “My lord . . .” His mouth captured hers again. Her tongue tangled with his, savoring his taste and the soft caresses. Once again his wicked hands lit fires under her skin.

He lifted his head and her lips followed. “Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

Grace fought herself to let go of him and back up, yet he refused to release her hands. “My lord, thank you for your very kind offer, but I find I cannot accept.”

His expression rapidly changed from humorous to confused and then severe. “Why?”

She closed her eyes and fought to steady her voice. “All those children, they are my brothers and sisters.”

Frowning, he shook his head as if trying to make sense of what she'd said. “Very well. Many families have a number of children. What does that have to do with anything? I have sisters myself. I've been hoping you liked children.”

Tears stung her eyes as Grace bit her lip. This was the hardest thing she'd ever had to do, but do it she must. Her throat tightened, threatening to choke her. “I am—I am their guardian. I will never give up that position.”

Wrenching her hands from his, she fled the room, closing the door with a
snap
behind her.

* * *

Matt stared down at his empty hands and then at the closed door. He found a chair and sat. Numbness washed over him.
How
many children were there? He should have counted, but it never occurred to him that she . . . He put his elbows on his knees and dropped his head into his hands.

He'd lost track of how long he sat there trying to think when the door opened.

The youngest girl walked in, a mulish cast was about her mouth, and her determined chin trembled a bit. “You made Grace cry.”

That was fair. He felt like crying as well. “I didn't mean to. I meant to make her happy.”

The child creased her brow and nodded wisely. “Made a mull of it, did you?”

Despite himself and Grace, and this damnable problem, Matt found his lips twitching. “Yes, I suppose you could say that. What is your name?”

Eyeing him, she moved closer. “Mary. What's yours?”

“Worthington, but I would consider it an honor if you would call me Matt.”

She sidled next to him. Her blond hair was in two braids, some of it escaping their confinement and curling around her face and neck. Her deep blue eyes, just like her sister's, stared up at him. “Now what're you going to do? Grace told our cousin Jane that she can't marry anyone. Not until Charlie is older.”

Trying not to frown, Matt rubbed his chin. “Charlie, I take it, is your eldest brother?”

Mary nodded emphatically, causing her braids to bounce.

Matt held out his hand. Mary took it and climbed into his lap. “How old are you?”

“I'm five.” She smiled, showing a missing tooth. “But I'll be six this summer.”

“Five is a good age.” He needed to know, so he may as well ask now. “How many of you are there?”

Counting on her fingers, she said, “All of us are seven. Charlotte is eighteen. She is the reason we are in London. Charlie is sixteen, he's at Eton; Walter is fourteen; Alice and Eleanor are twelve, they're twins; and Philip is eight.”

Matt felt a little light-headed. “Other than Grace, who cares for you?”

“Nurse, Mrs. Tallerton, Mr. Winters, and Cousin Jane, but we have to listen to Mrs. Penny and Royston and anyone else Grace tells us to mind.”

Something wasn't right. “Do you not have an uncle that is also responsible?”

Mary shook her head. “No, I heard my aunt say once it is a very good thing her brother, that's our uncle, is not here because he's a ne'er-do-well and a bounder.”

Matt laughed. “In that case, I agree with her, but I'll bet my boots you're not to be repeating what she said.”

Mary looked up at him with eyes that reminded him of a puppy's, albeit blue, not brown. “Are you going to tell on me?”

Matt gave her his most serious look. “No, never. I am true blue and will never stain.”

He was rewarded by a trusting smile. “I like you.”

“I like you, too.”

The door opened and a pair of twins with the same gold hair and blue eyes entered.

“Alice in yellow and Eleanor in green,” Mary whispered.

“Thank you.”

Identical looks of disapproval turned on Mary. “There you are. You know you are not to be in here.” Alice held out her hand. “Come along.”

Mary shifted closer to him. “But he's my friend.”

Eleanor heaved a dramatic sigh, and Alice gave her a look of long suffering.

“Matt wants to marry Grace.” The mulish chin made another appearance.

Alice rolled her eyes. “And she refused.”

“How do you know?” Mary's eyes grew wide. “Oooh, you were listening at the door.”

Tapping her foot, Eleanor pressed her lips together. “Yes, now come with us.”

Fascinated, Matt asked, “Do you all eavesdrop?”

Alice turned to him. “Well, how else are we to know what is going on? No one tells us children
anything.
Mary, come
now.
”

Before Mary could obey, the door opened once more to admit, he counted them, three more, including the eldest girl—Ah yes, there was the eldest boy at school.

“What are you still doing here, sir?” a boy asked. Matt placed him as Walter. “I thought my sister turned you down. Though I don't know why she did when she's made herself deuced unhappy.”

The only pair of eyes not staring at him was Mary's. Interesting. This is what it's like to be a circus freak. He wondered how it would be to live with such an embarrassing and outspoken group of children. He had not a doubt that if he married their sister, that would be his lot.

“If you ask me, I think Grace does want to marry him.” That was Philip. “Except we're rather a lot to swallow.”

This was Matt's cue. He could either leave now and lose her forever, or attempt to enlist Grace's brothers and sisters to aid him in securing her hand.

Walter's brows furrowed. “If you'll take my advice, sir, you'll think on it. You can send us word if you still want to marry Grace.”

“And how, pray, is he to do that?” Lady Charlotte gave her brother an exasperated glance. “Grace would find out the instant a note came. No, we shall have to be cleverer than that.” She pressed her lips together in thought.

It occurred to Matt that they all shared not only their distinctive hair color and eyes, but determined chins as well.

Charlotte glanced at him. “Is one of your sisters out this year?”

“Yes. Lady Louisa Vivers.” What had that to do with anything?

She smiled, pleased with herself. “I thought so. There is a resemblance. I met her last evening. You may send a message through her.” Charlotte glanced out the door. “Now you must go before someone finds us all in here with you and tells Grace.”

“Is she a hard task mistress?”

Shooing the younger children out, Charlotte turned back to him. “She is the best of sisters. If it was not for her, we'd not be together.”

Maybe now he'd discover what's going on. “Why is that?”

Charlotte stared at him for a few moments. “When Mama died, none of our relations would take all of us. We were to be piecemealed out. Grace promised Mama that wouldn't happen, and she fought to keep us together.” She glanced out the door again. “Now you really must go.”

Matt stood. “I'll send word.”

A sad smile appeared on her lips. “We don't really expect you to and won't hold it against you. Grace said no man would want to be saddled with seven children, and she wouldn't trust it anyway.” Charlotte bit her lip. “I think it is very sad, because she's given up everything for us.”

Putting her hand over her mouth, Charlotte turned and walked quickly away.

He couldn't imagine life without Grace. Still, he would be responsible for eleven children including his four sisters. It was not a decision to make lightly, though it was one he would have to make soon.

Grace ran into her room and threw herself upon her bed. At least it was out. Now Worthington knew why she couldn't marry him. And he'd seen the children. He'd let her go easily enough after she'd told him she was their guardian, which proved he didn't truly want her. Or at least not with her brothers and sisters.

He was probably relieved that she had refused him. Now she could go back to the way she'd been before they'd made love. Touching her lips, still swollen from his kisses, tears coursed down her cheeks. Something shriveled up inside her as she realized Worthington would never hold her or kiss her again. She dried her eyes and rolled over, staring at the bed canopy.

The only time she'd been more miserable was when her parents had died. She shuddered to think what her mama or papa would have said about her behavior with Worthington. Then again, under the circumstances they might have understood, at least a little. They loved each other so very much, and loved her and the other children. She had been able to talk to Mama and Papa about anything. They would have been able to advise her. Then again, if they had not died, she would not be in such a muddle.

One lone tear escaped from the corner of her eye. In its own way, what she was going through with Worthington was worse. Far worse. For she would meet him everywhere and never have him in her life.

* * *

Matt made his way across Berkeley Square, trying to grapple with the idea of having eleven children. He wasn't at all sure he wanted his sisters involved and was a little insulted that Charlotte and Walter had dismissed him as a potential husband for Grace. After all, how did they know what he could and couldn't accept?

Aside from that, Matt had taken her innocence. If he'd been enough of a gentleman to refuse, she'd still be a virgin. He rubbed a hand over his face as he entered the square and glanced back over his shoulder.

Gazing back at him was Mary's face squished against the glass of a first-floor window watching him. Next to her was Philip. The older children stood with solemn faces staring at him as he walked through the park. When he reached the other side of Berkeley Square, he waved away the footman and let himself into his house.

Once he reached his study, he poured a large brandy and took a swallow. He relished the familiar burn as it cleared his head. Seven and four, eleven children. No matter how many times he'd add the numbers, they would be the same. If he could persuade her to marry him, they'd start out with eleven children between them. If she was as fertile as her mother . . . the only decision would be the date of the wedding.

He could understand why she'd be leery about trusting anyone with her brothers and sisters. Could she learn to trust him with the children? Could he live without her? Bloody, bloody, hell. He hurled the glass at the fireplace. Crystal shattered and the flame flared as the wine hit. It didn't feel as good as it should have.

It was midnight before Matt sought his bed, and still he couldn't sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, visions of Grace as he made love to her were replaced by hundreds of children. Giving up on slumber, he dressed and went back to his study.

Sometime later, Thorton brought breakfast. The rare roast beef turned to ashes in Matt's mouth and he had it taken away. Dropping his head to his hands, he groaned. Why couldn't he think? He rose and poured a glass of brandy.

For a reason he couldn't understand, whenever his mind reached the idea of not sharing his life with Grace, it stopped and refused to go any further. Living without her was not an option. She would have to learn to trust him with the children. But how was he to convince her?

A knock sounded on the door, and Patience entered. She regarded him for several moments before raising her brows. “Is it not a little early for that?”

He lifted his glass. “Under the circumstances, no.”

“Matt, I've never known you to drink so early in the day. Do you want to tell me what is bothering you?”

He considered briefly telling her to go away, but there was no denying he needed help, and she was a mother. He turned his chair to face her. “Yes. Please, have a seat.”

Taking the chair in front of his desk, Patience gazed at him expectantly. When he didn't say anything, she asked, “Does it have anything to do with your lady?”

He really had no idea exactly how perceptive Patience was. Matt couldn't help heaving a sigh. “It does. Her name is Lady Grace Carpenter.”

“Ah.” She nodded sagely. “I see.”

It was good that at least one of them did. “You do? How?”

“I would have thought that was obvious. It is no great secret that she won a hard-fought battle for guardianship of her brothers and sisters. It took her over a year to do it. Her maternal grandfather finally tipped it in her favor. He agreed to share guardianship with her, though he made it clear, the children would live with Lady Grace. He died several months ago. I don't know how or if that will affect the matter.”

For one thing, it would cause Grace to think she could not wed. If Lord Timothy were still alive, she wouldn't have to give up control of the children. Matt rubbed his forehead. “I don't understand why no one helped her.”

“Her aunts and uncles on the Carpenter side were more than willing to take a child or two . . .” He grimaced. Charlotte had told him the same thing. Patience continued, “She's been in fact, if not in law, their sole guardian for probably three years now.”

That long. With no one other than servants and teachers to help her? He drew his brows together. “How old is her brother Stanwood?”

Shrugging her shoulders, Patience glanced around. “Where is your
Debrett's
?”

Matt went over to the bookshelf and pulled it out. After a few minutes, he glanced up. “Sixteen. Five years before he can act as guardian.”

“He would still be too young to raise his brothers and sisters.” Patience shook her head. “And you will never wrest the other children from her.”

He replaced the book back on the shelf, returning to his seat. What he was about to say would affect his stepmother as well. “I have no desire to take her brothers and sisters from her. I am well aware I must be ready to take on her whole brood. They know it as well.”

Patience's lips tightened. “In addition to the one you already have.”

He knew this would come up sooner or later. It was best to put her at ease now. “Did you think I've not considered that? None of us could live in a house with eleven children at each other's throats.”

“Of course not.” The lines around her lips eased. “Yet even
if
she loves you and
all
the children get along, you must still convince her you are worthy to be the children's guardian. That is where your challenge lies.”

He scrubbed his face with his hands. “One of the many. I imagine she is not very trusting when it comes to her brothers and sisters.”

“She has no reason to be. She fought her paternal uncles for guardianship. None of them believed she could raise them and, of course, they all thought she should do what a well-bred lady normally does and marry. It was the fact they wanted to divide the children among them that Lady Grace refused to accept. At least one point is on your side. You know the court prefers a maternal uncle to have guardianship. Fortunately her mother's only remaining brother is still overseas and cannot cause you any trouble.”

Matt narrowed his eyes. “What do you know of him?”

“A ne'er-do-well. He can be very charming until he's crossed. Someone I believe you'd call an ugly customer. If he thought it would in some way benefit him, he would try for guardianship.”

“Cant, Mama?” he teased. “I'll go bail you got that from Theodora. I'll have to have a word with her about corrupting her innocent mother.”

Patience chuckled, then rose and shook out her skirts. “I shall leave you with your thoughts. Worthington, you will need to know what you are doing.”

“I know. That's what makes it so deuced difficult. I'd marry her to-morrow, if she'd take me.” He went back to his garden view as his stepmother closed the door.

Luncheon arrived, and he ate not paying attention to the food. His heart broke, buoyed, and sank again. He began to wish his heart had broken for good, like his friend Robert Beaumont's. But Matt wasn't so lucky as to want to eschew love and marriage. He'd never been in love before. Though that wasn't the problem. He knew she loved him, and he damn well loved her. It was the other things that came with it. Precisely seven of them, or rather Grace's fear for them.

A soft whine drew his attention away from the window. He glanced over to see his Great Dane focused on a bit of leftover beef. Reaching out, he plucked up the meat and gave it to Duke. “Well, boy, what do you think? Shall we add another seven children to our household?”

Duke thumped his tail.

“Yes, of course you'd think it a great deal of fun. More people to pet you. I don't suppose you've considered what would occur if they happened not to like you. Or were afraid of you?” The dog looked up with a furrowed brow. “No, I didn't think you had.”

The pounding of running overhead disturbed Matt's thoughts. “I think it is time for our walk.”

The door burst open, and Theo stood looking expectantly at him. “Matt, are you ready?”

She was the joy of his life. All the others had passed the age of childlike innocence. “Yes, tug the bell-pull.” His thoughts turned to Mary, and the way she had so trustingly climbed into his lap. Did she even remember her father? At least Theo had him.

They were half-way to the Park when a loose Great Dane puppy, all legs and lead trailing behind her, ran past them followed shortly thereafter by a footman. High-pitched shouts followed the escapee. He glanced down at Duke, alert for the first time in ages. “Duke, fetch.” Matt let loose the lead and called to one of his footmen, “One of you, give me your girl and follow him.”

Madeline took his hand. Her cheeks flushed, she had a wide smile on her face. “What's going on?”

“Runaway dog.”

“He's really pretty.”

Matt grinned. “Well, my dear, I think you have the adjective correct, but not the gender. That's a female.”

“Really?” she breathed.

“Really.”

A block from the Park, they caught up with the miscreant.

“We've got her under control, my lord. She got away from this poor fellow here.” The footman he'd sent pointed to a footman who was bent over, trying to catch his breath. “But Duke brought her to.”

Matt regarded Duke, who was clearly in the process of either falling in love or flirting heavily. “Duke, here.”

Duke glanced at his lady friend and ambled over to Matt. She followed. “At least one of us is lucky in love.”

“Daisy, Daisy, you bad dog.” Lady Charlotte came hurrying up. “How could you go off like that?”

Alice wagged her finger. “You know Grace will be angry.”

Offering his hand, Walter bowed. “Thank you, sir, for catching her.”

Turning, her eyes widening, Lady Charlotte seemed to finally notice him. “Lord Worthington.”

Louisa peeked out from his other side. “Charlotte, is that your dog?”

Just stopping herself from rolling her eyes, she glanced at Daisy. “Yes, and unfortunately she is not nearly as well behaved as yours.”

“Well, Matt—I'm sorry—Lady Charlotte, my brother, Lord Worthington, but I'm sure it's all right if you call him Matt. He trained Duke. Matt can do anything.”

Charlotte looked impressed. “Can he indeed? Well, I wish he'd train Daisy. You wouldn't believe the trouble she caused when the children were on their way to Town. Here the rest of them come now.”

Before Matt could glance around, he was surrounded by a sea of children.

“Matt?”

He looked down to see Mary. “A pleasure to see you again.”

She tucked a confiding hand in his.

Theodora looked daggers at Mary. “Who's she?”

Worthington tried not to groan. “Theodora, this is Mary. Here, take my other hand. It's just as good. Maybe even better.”

Mary moved closer to him. If Patience was correct about the length of time Grace had had guardianship, Mary probably didn't remember her father. At least his sisters had him as a father figure.

“Who is she and how do you know her?” Theo demanded.

Louisa scowled. “For goodness' sake, Theodora. Do stop. She is a friend's sister and if you don't behave, I'll tell Mama.”

Theodora grumbled.

“Oh, do you have a mama?” Mary asked as if it was a novel idea.

Theo frowned. “Everyone has a mama.”

Shaking her head, Mary stared at Theo. “I don't. I used to have one, but she died. I don't remember her because I was too little.”

Theodora stopped walking. “Who takes care of you?”

“My sister and Nurse and Miss Tallerton.”

Glancing at Louisa, Theo drew her brows together. “I don't think I'd like to have my sister take care of me.”

Mary nodded her head. “Well, if it was Charlotte, I'd agree, but it's Grace.”

Matt, tired of tripping over them as they leaned forward to talk, said, “Tell you what. You can both be on one side of me as long as you hold hands.”

They looked at him with identical frowns. “No.”

Thankfully, they'd reached the Park. “There you go. Off with you.”

The girls darted away, and Matt stretched his fingers. For little girls, they had strong grips. “Why did I have to fall in love with the only single woman in England who had charge of her seven brothers and sisters?”