Richard shook his head. That would never work, and he did have duties he could not escape even if he wanted to. Worthington seemed sympathetic, but would he be helpful? And what about Patience? Could she bear to be parted from her daughters for even part of the year?
Richard tossed back the wine. Something was bound to come to him, and it had better happen soon.
* * *
The following morning, Richard knocked on the door of Worthington House and was admitted by the butler.
He handed the servant his card. “I would like to see Lord Worthington.”
Several minutes later, he was ushered into a comfortable study, paneled in and painted a muted green. The chairs, sofa, and a large daybed were all of cognac-colored leather.
Worthington came forward. “I thought I might see you today.” He held up a decanter of brandy, and Richard shook his head. “Tea then,” Worthington said as he tugged the bellpull. “If you are concerned about what occurred last night getting around, I have already taken care of it. I also ensured that that blackguard will not be invited anywhere again.”
“You and Lady Bellamny.”
Worthington grinned. “That is who will do the deed. If only I could have put him on a ship to India, I would have. Unfortunately, he is the nephew of a friend of Prinny’s.”
Richard waited until the tea was brought and he had a cup in his hand. Although Worthington and Almeria had taken care of part of the problem, to Richard’s mind it was not the more important part. “I need to marry Patience.”
“Why?”
He jerked back. That was not at all the response he’d expected. “Because I’m in love with her, damn you.”
“That is all very well and good.” The man lounged in his chair, touching the tips of his fingers together, his stern features a mask Richard was unable to penetrate. “But why should I help you make her leave her family? What canyouoffer her that she does not already have?”
Richard felt a sudden kinship with any young man seeking to offer for one of Worthington’s sisters. “I offer her a position in Polite Society.”
“In case you hadn’t noticed, she has one.”
Blast the man. “She would be the mistress of several houses.”
“Very well,” Worthington replied, clearly unimpressed. “You do know she has not managed the skill of budgeting?”
“She told me. She may have her own secretary if she likes.”
Still, his countenance remained impassive.
What the devil did the man want? Richard thought about what Pae had said concerning her dead husband, and he knew what he had to offer her. “I shall love her as she has never been loved before. I shall treat her with respect, and put her needs before my own. She will never want for anything. I will never leave her to go hunting or to Town.”
Worthington’s brow cleared and he rose. “Wait here. I’ll see if there is anything I can do to help you.”
* * *
Louisa was practicing a piece on the new piano Matt had bought when Theo and Mary ran into the room. “Mama still won’t come out, and it sounds as if she’s crying.”
That wasn’t good. According to the twins, Mama had returned yesterday from Lady Bellamny’s town house and locked herself into her room.
Charlotte strolled in and stopped. “Walter just told me that Lord Wolverton is with Matt.”
“It appears as if things have come to a head.” Louisa rose from the piano bench. She and Charlotte had devised a plan and discussed it with Matt and Grace. Matt had decided that until Wolverton spoke to him about wanting to marry Mama, all should be kept from the children. Although Louisa and Charlotte agreed, they did not discourage the twins and Madeline from dreaming of a wedding. “It is time for a conference. Decisions must be made.”
Several minutes later, Louisa stood with Charlotte at the front of the schoolroom parlor. They had gathered their brothers and sisters together so that they could present their scheme. The children had disposed themselves on the chairs and sofas scattered around the room. And though quiet, a restless current flowed through the room.
Louisa began, “It is clear my mother has fallen in love.”
“That is what we thought as well!” her sister Madeline exclaimed in chorus with Alice and Eleanor, the Carpenter twins. They were twelve and had become as close as could be.
Augusta, Louisa’s fifteen-year-old sister, furrowed her brow. “What does that mean for us?”
