Three Weeks to Wed (14 page)

Matt leaned toward Grace. “The chef is staying with us.”

Until then, Grace had been very quiet, responding only when addressed. Now she smiled. “Jacques is very good. He is a cousin of Phoebe's chef. Oh, I forgot to tell you, Phoebe and Marcus are joining us for tea.”

“Excellent. We'll be able to tell them our plans.” With any luck, Matt would be able to enlist their support for an earlier wedding.

Straight after dinner, other than Charlotte, the children were sent up to the nursery. Tallerton and Winters went with them. Worthington raised a brow to Grace.

“Charlotte is not a little girl anymore. She will be at all the entertainments and, if our story is to be believed, she'll need to know it and know how to respond to the questions she is sure to receive.”

He groaned. “Louisa as well?”

“Yes, of course.” Grace gave him a slightly exasperated look. “Your sister will be in the same position as mine. I do wish she was present as well. I'll ask Charlotte to tell her whatever plan we come up with.”

Not wanting to drink port in solitary splendor, he accompanied the ladies into the drawing room. Jane and Charlotte took chairs next to the fireplace. Grace strolled over to the long French windows at the other end of the room.

He stood behind her. His body crackled in anticipation, and he wondered what would happen if he touched her. Lifting a hand, he twisted one of her curls around his finger. A quiver ran down her back. He whispered, “Grace?”

She leaned back a little and her chin rose, giving him a perfect view of her slender neck. He traced her jawline with the pad of his thumb. She swallowed and the pulse at the base of her neck jumped.

A brief glance over his shoulder assured him Jane and Charlotte were deep in discussion. He lightly drew his thumb down her neck over the gold chain she wore and caressed the creamy mounds of her breasts. Her nipples were already hard when he touched them.

Bending his head, Matt blew on her ear. “Grace?”

“Matt, you promised.”

“I promised not to make love to you. I didn't promise not to try to encourage you to make love to me.”

Grace turned suddenly, her breasts brushed his chest. When her eyes lifted to his, instead of glowing with the desire he expected to see, they pleaded with him.

“Please don't do this. You know I've agreed to marry you.” Tears glistened in her eyes.

What a dolt he was. He'd wanted to ease her burdens, and, instead, he was adding to them. “I'm sorry. Forgive me, please?”

“This isn't easy for me either.”

Her hands fluttered in his as he led her to a sofa and sat in the chair next to it. His voice was low. “I am sorry. I will try not to do it again, but I want you so desperately.”

“And you don't think I want you just as much?” She searched his eyes. “I yearn for you.”

“I know you do. I can tell by the way your breath quickens and your skin glows.” Bringing her hands to his lips he kissed one then the other. “Can you forgive me?”

“Yes, yes, but may we talk about something else before we . . . ?”

What a fool he was to have distressed her. “Tell me about this tendre you had for me.”

A deep blush rose from her chest to her cheeks, and her summer-blue eyes softened. “As you already know, I'd just come out. Although we danced, I don't think you really ever noticed me. No other gentleman made my heart race like you did.” Grace glanced at him from beneath her lashes. “Because of that, I didn't give up hope. I turned down a few offers and decided to wait until autumn. Yet for some reason I can't remember, we didn't come for the Little Season. The next Season, I didn't see you at all. Of course the following autumn and spring, I was in mourning for both my parents.”

That must have been the year he'd eschewed all entertainments that included marriageable young ladies. Finally remembering when he'd seen her, he took her hand and kissed it. “I did notice you. I was young and not ready to marry.”

“That is what Phoebe said.”

Matt scoffed. “I'd wager it is not all Phoebe said.”

She glanced up shyly. “But you didn't recognize me when we . . .”

“It would be more accurate to say I couldn't place you. I knew I'd seen you somewhere.”

Grace smiled, and his heart lightened.

“My lady, Lord and Lady Evesham have arrived.” Her butler bowed.

Grace rose. “Please show them in, Royston, and asked that tea be brought.”

She and Worthington went to greet them.

Phoebe entered the room, glanced at him, and went straight to Grace. “Am I to wish you happy?”

“Yes, but we—we—well, it is so sudden.”

“I understand.” Phoebe took a chair. “You need a plan.”

“Exactly so.” Grace's smile trembled on her lips. “You've met Charlotte. I'd like to introduce you to my cousin, Miss Carpenter.”

“My lady.” Jane curtseyed.

Phoebe greeted Jane, smiling.

After the rest of them disposed themselves on chairs and sofas, tea was brought in and Grace poured.

Phoebe took her cup. “Tell me, do you have any ideas yet?”

Grimacing, Matt said, “Of sorts. My stepmother is not happy about it though.”

Raising her brows, Phoebe took a sip of tea. “Yes well, Lady Worthington is a very high-stickler, and she is bringing out a daughter. One cannot be too careful. Tell me your scheme, and I'll give you my honest opinion.”

“I plan to put it about—that's where you come in, Marcus—that I fell instantly in love with Grace and intend to pursue her. Grace will resist for a while.” He glanced at her and couldn't keep his voice from deepening. “A very short while and then agree to marry me.”

Grace took one of the ginger biscuits. “Phoebe, you may let it be known that I harbored a tendre for Worthington years ago, but we didn't meet again after my first Season.”

“Hmm, it may work.” Phoebe took a small cake and bit into it. “I have only a few details to add. Worthington, you must have had an attraction to Grace but, in the way of all young men, thought you had time. Then successive tragedies struck her family, and you did not meet again until you saw her at Lady Bellamny's soirée.”

Worthington nodded. “I have no objection to that. Marcus?”

“Far be it for me to hinder a man in this path toward marriage.” He grinned. “I'll help in any way I can.”

Putting down her cup, Phoebe glanced from Matt to Grace. “When would you like to marry?”

“My stepmother and I agreed three weeks.” Matt couldn't keep from growling. “I'd like to marry in two, or sooner.”

Phoebe shook her head, Marcus gave a shout of laughter, Charlotte giggled, and Jane grinned. His beloved put her head in her hands. “Fine, three weeks.”

“Yes, I think that will work,” Phoebe said.

“If he can mange it.” Marcus's eyes danced with amusement. “Worthington, what do you plan to do when another gentleman asks Lady Grace to dance?”

Matt's jaw dropped. Grace dance with someone else? No. He closed his mouth and snarled.

“As I thought. My love, you must allow them to wed sooner.”

Phoebe sighed. “If you intend to act like a dog with a bone, you shall provide the
ton
with a good deal of entertainment.”

“If it gets me what I want, I don't care.”

“Has it occurred to you, my lord”—Grace's lips barely moved when she spoke—“that I may not wish to be a source of amusement?”

Suddenly, Jane set her cup down. “That is it. Lord Worthington here acts the way he wishes, and Grace shall behave with dignity. Suitably modest but happy that, after all this time, he has finally come to claim her.”

Charlotte clasped her hands together and sighed. “
That instant his heart at her shrine would lay down. Every passion it nursed, every bliss it adored.
”

They all stared at her.

Her eyes rounded in shock. “What? It's Thomas Moore. The context may not do, but the sentiment is correct.”

Poetry.
Matt groaned. This is what comes of involving young ladies.

“Very romantic.” Grace said encouragingly.

“Exactly so.” Phoebe nodded. “And your romance
must
be seen as passionate. The
ton
adores a love story as much as a scandal. Let us give them the romance without the other.” She turned to Grace and Worthington. “You must be seen in public together as much as possible. I suggest you go to the service at St. George's to-morrow. Drive in the Park during the fashionable hour. Grace, you may use your landau. I shall make up a list of the best entertainments for you to attend.” She took a sip of her tea and nibbled a biscuit. “Charlotte, if you and Miss Carpenter tell your friends that Worthington haunts Stanwood House, that will help.”

Charlotte gave an excited nod. “I can also tell them he takes all the children to the Park.”

Phoebe's eyes grew wide. “Does he do so?”

Looking slightly bashful, Charlotte blushed. “Well, he did to-day. Accidentally.”

“How did that happen?”

“Daisy, our dog, got away, and Matt sent Duke, his dog, to . . .”

Going into whoops, Phoebe laughed until she wept. “Worthington, you'll have to make a habit of taking the children around.”

Grace drew her brows together. “If it is known you are already taking charge of the children. That might help with the guardianship.”

Taking her hand again, Matt kissed it. “I agree.”

When Phoebe tried to hide a yawn, Grace stood. “Phoebe, you should go home and rest.”

“I think I shall. We have busy days ahead of us.”

Marcus helped her rise, and Grace started to accompany them to the door.

“No, my dear,” Phoebe said. “Charlotte and Miss Carpenter may show us out.”

Grace hugged her friend. “Thank you.”

“I am happy to help.” Phoebe kissed Grace's cheek. “This Season will be more interesting for it.”

Although Grace had wanted a chance to speak with Phoebe alone, it helped that she didn't find anything untoward about Grace and Matt marrying.

After the door closed, Matt took her in his arms. “I cannot believe all that has happened in the past few days.”

“I know.” Grace lifted her eyes to his lapis-colored ones. “To think it was just yesterday morning that I refused you.”

“Kiss me, nothing more. I know kisses will have to satisfy me until we can wed.”

She brought his head down and moved her lips tenderly against his. When she teased them with her tongue, he opened his mouth to her. Her breasts rubbed against this chest, and her nipples became hard buds. She tilted her head, deepening the kiss, the throbbing need raced down her body and pooled between her legs. She wanted him so badly that her need scared her. It was as if she'd been starved for years and wanted only to feast.

“Matt, my love, we have to stop.”

He lifted his head reluctantly. “I'll see you in the morning.”

Grace nodded and walked him to the door. This was going to be the longest three weeks of her life, with him so close and always willing to touch her. If she could only stop thinking about his body and how he made her feel, they might survive.

* * *

The following morning, Matt was admitted into Stanwood House and informed, unnecessarily, that the family was all together in the breakfast room. He could hear the din from the front door and followed it toward the back part of the house. Footmen were running back and forth carrying plates of toast, glasses of milk, and fresh pots of tea.

“Good morning.” At first, he thought he was seeing things. He pressed his palms to his eyes but when he dropped his hand, his four sisters were still present.

The room briefly became silent then choruses of greetings were spoken or shouted out.

Presiding over the table, Grace laughed and shook her head. “Good morning.”

God, it was good to see her happy. He strode to her and kissed her lightly on the lips.

“Oooh.” Mary's eyes rounded.

Grinning, Matt tugged gently on one of her braids and settled in the chair a footman had placed between Grace and Mary. “Yes, oooh. Now finish your breakfast.” He took out his quizzing glass and focused it on each one of his sisters. “Did you tell your mother you were breaking your fast here?”

Louisa raised her chin slightly. “Mama wasn't up. We told Nurse. She was to have told Mama. We've”—she glanced at the other children, who nodded—“decided that since we'll all be living together, we should get used to it.”

“It makes perfect sense,” Walter said, “if you think about it.”

Waving a piece of toast, Augusta added, “This way it's easier for us to help.”

Worthington blinked. He didn't dare close his eyes longer than that. Lord only knew what they'd come up with next. He glanced at Grace. “When do you wish to start out, and will you take your town coaches?”

Grace swallowed her tea. “We shall walk. I'll not subject the rest of the parishioners to this bunch as they are.”

“I am marrying a woman of superior understanding. It would not do for them to act up in church our first time out.” They were going to cause enough of a stir as it was. “We cannot be late either. When will you be ready to go?”

“In less than thirty minutes. They are all dressed under their smocks.”

He glanced around the table and for the first time noticed they all wore what looked like artist's smocks. He'd never heard of anything like it. “What a good idea.”

“Thank you.” She grinned. “At least they will leave the breakfast table without stains on their clothing. I make no promises after luncheon or tea.”

His lips twitched. “Due, I imagine, to the jam tarts.”

“Precisely. It should take us about fifteen minutes to walk to Hanover Square. Does your stepmother join us?”

“Yes, Patience will take her town coach. I am here to determine the method of travel.”

He lowered his voice. “They really are getting along well.”

“Indeed, but I don't know how long it will last. Have you eaten?”

“No.” He stepped to the sideboard, served himself, and then returned to the table. “Have you heard from your uncle yet?”

She took a bite of her eggs and swallowed. “No. We'll probably see them at church. I looked at the calendar and realized that next Sunday is Easter. Charlie will come home for the full-term holiday.”

“If we have a week left in Lent, that means none of this week's entertainments will have dancing.”

Grace giggled. “How fortunate for you, my lord.”

“Yes, isn't it?” Matt grinned. They must at least be formally betrothed by the start of the Season. “By the time we have the first ball, I'll have made my intentions known to every gentleman in the
ton.
”

Shaking her head, Grace munched on a piece of toast. “I don't understand why it's so important to you.”

“I can't explain it. Some primitive urge, I suppose.” He tried to pass it off lightly. Yet with each passing day, the warrior in him had become more protective of her, and, by extension, her brothers and sisters.

The children were just finishing when Lady Worthington was shown in and informed they were walking to St. George's.

Matt rose. “Patience, I didn't expect to see you here.”

She smiled at Grace who offered her tea. “Most likely because I didn't expect to be here. My curiosity won out.” Patience smiled more broadly. “When I awoke, I was greeted with the news that the girls had decided to breakfast here. I have never seen a table with so many children. I also decided it might present an off appearance if I did not arrive with you. It is a pleasant day, and I haven't had a good hike since we arrived in Town.”

Grace clapped her hands together twice. “All of you up to brush your teeth and wash your hands.”

The table emptied. Once the children had gone, the silence was deafening.

“How long do we have until they return?” Matt asked, finishing his tea.

“About fifteen minutes or less. They all have their own washbasins.”

“You have organized them well,” Patience said. “I wanted to tell you both at the same time what my girls told me last night. It seems they have decided to relieve you of some of your worries . . .”

When she finished, Grace chuckled. “I must say, I am happy they've settled on a way to try to work out their own problems. Though I do not think they should decide where we are going to live.”

The children started coming down the stairs, and she rose. “I must fetch my bonnet and meet you in the hall.”

“My love.” Matt stood, placing his hands on her shoulders.

Glancing up at him curiously, she asked, “Yes?”

“Can you wear a hat that enables me to see your face?”

Her eyes widened as a blush rose in her cheeks. “How did you know?”

He ran his thumb along her jaw. “It took me too long to realize it the first time. The second time you disappeared into thin air. Someday, you must tell me how you managed it.”

Grace bit her lip. “Oh my, and you still wish to wed me?”

“More than anything.”

Patience laughed lightly. “I predict you shall have an interesting married life.”

Matt glanced at his stepmother. “I'm looking forward to it. I don't know how I was stupid enough not to marry her when she was eighteen.”

His stepmother flicked her fingers dismissively. “You both would have been too young.”

“Maybe you're right.” He took Grace's arm and led her to the main staircase.

* * *

When Grace reached her room, a small chip hat with netting and a feather was on the dressing table. She placed it on her head and tied a jaunty bow under her ear. The children were all present when she reached the hall. “I want everyone lined up two by two. Hal and Will, follow at the end.”

Worthington offered one arm to Grace and the other to Patience. They set out the door and down the street.

They were not more than a block from the church when Grace glanced around to find people staring. “Maybe this was not such a good idea. I didn't think we would draw so much attention.”

“I wouldn't worry about it.” He tightened his grip on her and drew her closer. “We were bound to draw notice.”

She smiled gratefully. “I suppose you're right. I couldn't go the whole Season without taking them to church. We attend every Sunday at home.”

“It's like anything else.” Matt's lips quirked up. “The curious will be interested for a time or two then we'll be old news.”

Leaning around Matt, Patience said, “He's right, my dear. Do not worry over this.”

Grace's aunt and uncle descended from a town coach and turned, seemingly arrested by their procession.

Lady Herndon's smile grew larger the closer they came. “Grace, Lord Worthington, Lady Worthington. How good it is to see all of you and the children. For once it appears that the rumors were correct.”

Grace's eyes widened and her face drained of color. “Rumors?”

Aunt Herndon's smile faded. “Why, yes, my dear. This is what they mean, isn't it?”

Stilling her shaking hands, Grace took a breath. “I—I don't know. I don't know what the rumors are.”

With great presence of mind, which seemed to have deserted her, Matt responded, “Yes, Lady Herndon. The gossip is correct. I am doing my utmost to convince your niece to marry me.”

“Well, for my money”—her uncle shook Matt's hand—“you're going about it the right way.”

“
Uncle Bertrand!
” Why was it family members insisted on embarrassing one?

He ignored Grace's outburst. “Is this the reason you wish to speak with me?”

“Yes, Uncle.”

“Good, good, come to Herndon House for tea this afternoon.” He glanced behind her. “No need to bring the children.”

“No, Uncle Bertrand.” Grace's head was spinning. The ringing in her ears wouldn't stop. This was going much too fast, and not for the first time Grace wondered why she was the only one to think so.

Her uncle turned away. “Lord Worthington?”

“Yes, my lord.”

“This is a great responsibility and not one entered into lightly.”

“I understand that, my lord. If I did not think I could do justice by both Lady Grace and all the children, her brothers and sisters as well as mine, I would not undertake it.”

Lord Herndon glanced at the growing number of people entering the church. “We shall speak further this afternoon.”

“We must go in and get the children settled,” Lady Worthington said. “My lord, my lady, would you like to join us?”

“Yes, we would love to.” Aunt Almeria's eyes danced with joy.

“Grace, are you all right?” Matt whispered in her ear.

“I'll be fine.” She should be ecstatic. Why wasn't she?

He led her in and made sure the children were settled. Grace kept her eyes downcast, not wanting to see the interested stare at them. Once the service began, a homely sense of belonging and the familiar form of service calmed her. She had just been thrown off guard for a moment, that was all. Nothing was really wrong. Matt sat next to her, a strong, steady presence. Their brothers and sisters behaved. God must have had a hand in that.

Almost two hours later, they filed out of St. George's, greeted a few friends, bid adieu to her aunt and uncle, and went home the same way they'd come. Grace was once again her unshakable self.

After sending the children up to their floor, she, Matt, and Patience went to the morning room.