Drawing her brows together, Grace asked, “Are you sure you won’t mind?”
He shook his head. “No. It’s not as if I’m leaving it forever.” He came over to Grace and kissed her cheek. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m off to bed.”
Louisa and Charlotte bade them good night as well and followed him out.
Then Miss Tallerton and Mr. Winters rose.
“We’ll bid you a good night as well,” she said. “I hope the children are finally asleep.”
“It appears we’re all tired.” Mr. Addison assisted Jane. “Good night. I look forward to seeing you in the morning.”
Once the door shut behind Jane and Addison, Grace leaned her head against Matt’s shoulder. He kissed her head. This was the last night he’d sleep without her next to him. “Marcus and Rutherford will come for me in the morning. We’ll take the boys with us.”
She placed her hand on his cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you and adore you.” He kissed her gently. “To-morrow, my love.”
“To-morrow.”
He left, knowing she watched him as he crossed the street. Worthington entered his empty house and was suddenly lonely. No thumping of footsteps marred the quiet, and he realized how much he was looking forward to having everyone here, under his roof. And Grace as his wife managing the chaos. This time next year, his house would be full with their brothers and sisters and, he hoped, a child of their own to add to the madness.
* * *
Grace rose early the following morning to hear Bolton rummaging around. Pulling back the bed hangings, she stared. “What are you doing?”
“Packing everything you don’t need for the wedding. We got everyone else moved yesterday.”
“I see. I’m going down to breakfast. When do you want me back?”
“If you’re here by half past eight that will give me enough time. I’ll order your bath for then.”
“Very well.” Grace swung her legs over the side of her bed. The last time she’d do so. She looked forward to sleeping next to Matt. Yet even though she hadn’t spent much time here recently, it was her home. “It’s a strange feeling, leaving.”
“I understand, my lady. But you’ll see, this was meant to be. Besides, you’ll only be away at night.”
Grace chuckled ruefully. “Perfectly true.”
Bolton helped her into a morning gown and Grace went down to find the breakfast room empty. “Royston, where is everyone?”
“Come and gone, my lady. They were not allowed to wear their new clothes to breakfast, not even with smocks. You enjoy the quiet while you have it.”
After pouring her tea, she helped herself to baked eggs and toast and wondered about the other changes the day would bring.
She’d finished her third cup of tea when her butler entered the room. “My lady, Bolton says you are to come now.”
“Thank you, Royston.”
She sank into the warm water as Bolton arranged items on the dresser. Grace caught a flash of light. “What was that?”
Bolton held up a delicate gold necklace set with amethysts and diamonds.
Peering at it closely, Grace shook her head. It wasn’t hers or her mother’s. “Where did this come from?”
“His lordship sent it over this morning with a pair of earrings, a tiara, and a bracelet.”
“They are perfect. He really has done well.” Water splashed as she stood and Bolton handed her a towel. “There’s a package from Rundell and Bridges in my dresser, please take it out and compare it to the necklace.”
Her maid found the package, took out the pin, and grinned. “A perfect match, my lady.”
