“Hmm.” Matt stroked his chin. “That settles four months of the year. What about the rest?”
“Mama always goes to Brighton during the summer,” Louisa continued. “I am sure she will wish to spend the Christmas holidays with us, and perhaps if she would rather spend time at her new home, then we can all visit in the summer.”
“Yes, of course.” Patience said in a voice that was a bit faint. Did she truly spend so much time away from the girls? Of course she did not go straight to Brighton from Town. She always spent a few weeks at Worthington before traveling down. Yet this was the first time the girls had come to Town for the Season. With Louisa making her come out, Matt had decided it was better for everyone to be where he could watch them.
The idea of leasing this house during the Season was brilliant. She would only be across the Park from her daughters and the rest of the children she had come to love.
“I looked in Debrett’s and found that Lord Wolverton’s estate is in Kent. That is only three days from Worthington,” Louisa continued. “There is no reason why she cannot visit us in autumn, or, perhaps, we can visit Kent.” She glanced at Matt. “None of us has seen Kent or the sea.”
Matt seemed to study all ten pairs of eyes carefully before glancing at Grace. “It could work. Do you think Charlie would have an objection to leasing the house to Wolverton?”
She grinned. “I think Charlie will do what he can to keep all the children together.”
“In that case, I suggest we make ourselves scarce while Lord Wolverton and your mother have a talk.” He fixed a stern look at the children. “And there will be no listening at keyholes.”
Patience felt like giggling until what Matt had said finally struck her. “He is here?”
“I left him in the front parlor.”
“Everything will be fine, Mama,” Madeline assured her.
“Indeed it will,” Walter said as Augusta bussed Patience’s cheek.
“We will be right outside if you need us,” Theodora said in a loud whisper.
“Not on your life.” Matt took her small hand in one of his and Mary’s hand in the other. “We are all going to the Park.”
Patience swallowed as the last of the children left the study. “That was remarkable.”
“I am going to make it a point not to be surprised by anything they do.” Grace shook her head as the door closed. “I predict that Louisa is destined to be either a great political or diplomatic hostess.”
“At the very least.” Suddenly nervous, Patience smoothed her skirts. “How do I look?”
“Extremely presentable.” Grace rose. “Would you like tea or wine?”
“Wine, if you will. I know it is early, but . . .”
“There is no need to explain.” Grace kissed Patience’s cheek. “It has already been a trying day. Shall I have it sent before Wolverton is allowed to come to you?”
“No. I do not think I could stand the wait.” Nor did Patience think he could. He was more likely to attempt to try to find her on his own. She stood and shook out her skirts, wiping her hands down the silk. “I must admit, I am the slightest bit nervous. The last time a gentleman wished for private conversation, my parents had already approved of him.”
Grace hugged Patience and she returned the embrace. “There is really nothing to be nervous about. He loves you quite a lot. The proof is that Matt was unable to scare him away.”
“Yes.” She wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. “And I am sure he tried.”
“Well”—Grace grinned again—“he wanted to ensure Wolverton was the right gentleman for you.”
Unlike Patience’s first husband. She straightened her shoulders. “I am ready.”
The door did not even close before Richard strode into the room. “Pae.”
He stopped and for a moment appeared hesitant, and a little frightened. “Richard. I was told you wished to speak with me.”
Coming forward, he stopped mere inches from her. “I should warn you right now, I will not take no for an answer.”
It was all she could do to keep herself from throwing her arms around him. Instead, she gently prodded him. “You must ask me the question first.”
Reaching out, he gently stroked the line of her jaw with one finger, then drew her to him. “Pae, please be my wife. I do not know how we’ll work everything out with the children, but I’ll do anything you want. Anything they want.”
