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.”
Terrifiedwould 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.”
