“No.” He grinned. “I’ve been receiving letters.”
“Indeed.” That was odd. “Who’s been writing to you?”
“Everyone.” Charlie turned a solemn face to him. “I’m glad you are teaching Walter to box.”
“He’s a quick learner.” Then a thought occurred to Matt. If the children had been telling Charlie everything about his and Grace’s very short courtship, Matt didn’t want those letters getting out. He raised a brow. “The letters?”
“I brought them home to burn.” Charlie grimaced. “You do know they listen at the keyholes?”
Matt resisted putting his hand over his face and wondered, for the first time, what the children may have heard when he was in Grace’s study. He sighed. “I seem to recall Alice saying something about it the first day I was here, then I forgot. I might just have every keyhole in Worthington House sealed.”
* * *
As they descended the stairs from the children’s floor, Grace saw Patience hovering at the bottom. “Patience, why didn’t you come up?”
“I didn’t want to intrude. Your Miss Tallerton and Mr. Winters are in the drawing room. Shall we join them?”
“Yes, we’re going there now. They were probably driven out by the noise.”
A footman opened the door. Grace walked in with Patience followed by Matt, Charlie, Louisa, and Charlotte. Jane and her Mr. Addison were in conversation with Winters and Miss Tallerton. “Are they making that much noise?”
Jane’s eyes twinkled. “It has been mayhem since he walked through the door. Before then, we had thought they were sound asleep.”
Matt put his hand on Grace’s shoulder. “Wine?”
“Yes, please. The girls and Charlie may have a glass as well.” She took a seat on the sofa. Charlie helped Matt serve the wine. It had taken her a while to accept that with him around, they were more of a family. Harder to admit was that she needed his help with the children.
Her brother gave Mr. Addison a quizzical look. “I don’t believe we’ve been introduced, sir.”
Jane blushed. “Charlie, this is my betrothed, Mr. Hector Addison. We have known each other for many years. Hector, Grace’s brother, the Earl of Stanwood.”
Charlie grasped Hector’s hand, shaking it. “Please call me Charlie. Jane is very dear to us, and I’m happy to see her settled.”
Matt handed Grace a glass and sat down next to her. “My love, we should tell everyone what we’ve decided.”
Taking a sip, she addressed them. “Well, some of you know and some do not. Worthington and I will be remodeling his house. Accordingly, Lady Worthington and her daughters will live here with us. Worthington and I will sleep at his house, but otherwise live here.” When she paused, he slid an arm around her. “My uncle on my mother’s side has returned, and Lord Herndon believes he will attempt to make trouble. Because of that and the court case, Worthington and I are marrying in the morning.” Everyone nodded, not surprised at her announcement. “Worthington’s solicitor has instructions to file the change of guardianship after the wedding. My solicitor will immediately agree. Miss Tallerton, Mr. Winters, if you’d like, you may take a vacation for the next couple of weeks.” She grimaced. “I doubt they’ll get much studying done with all the changes and Charlie being home.”
“Thank you, my lady,” Miss Tallerton replied. “If you wouldn’t mind, I’ll visit my family for a few days at Easter, then return.”
Mr. Winters nodded. “I have the same idea.”
“Thank you. Do not feel as if you must hold lessons.”
“Mr. Winters and I have discussed it. We would like to take the children to some of the more important sites in London.” Grace and her family had been so lucky to find these two people. “If you are sure?”
Miss Tallerton grinned. “Very sure. It will give us an opportunity to see them as well.”
Glancing at Jane, Grace said, “Jane, have you decided when you will marry?”
“It will take about a week or so to finalize the purchase of the house. We shall wed at that time.” Her lips formed a moue. “Unfortunately the seller did not give his power of attorney to his solicitor and we must await his signature on the documents. In the meantime, I have some shopping of my own I must do.”
“If you do not mind, I would like to hold your wedding breakfast here. We’ll have had a great deal of experience.”
Leaning across from her chair next to the sofa, Jane patted Grace’s hand. “I would love nothing better. At least my being here for another week or so will give you and Worthington the option of taking more time together.”
Matt glanced at Charlie. “Stanwood, do you have anything you’d like to add?”
“I think you’ve made a good decision to enjoy at least a little peace and quiet. After we move into your house, I suggest we lease Stanwood House for the Season until I’m old enough to live here.”
