When Marcus handed Matt the ring, there was a rustling and a few titters from the children. The twins had managed to get one of Grace’s rings for him so he’d know the size. The ring he had finally chosen was the one his father had given to his mother, and it fitted Grace perfectly.
She glanced down as he slipped the intricate gold-and-diamond band on her finger and looked back up at him. Tears started in her eyes, but she was smiling. After the vicar pronounced them man and wife he took her in his arms and held her until the rustling from the pews made him remember where they were.
Phoebe and Marcus went with them to sign the registry.
“I’ll need a copy of the marriage lines,” Matt said.
“You may take a copy now.” The vicar smiled. “Uncle Bertrand said you would require them, so they are ready.”
“Thank you.”
“It was my pleasure, I assure you.” The younger man flushed. “I should tell you, it’s my first wedding ceremony.”
Matt felt his smile broaden. “Ours as well. I wish you many more.”
The cleric grinned. “And I wish you only the one.”
Grace chuckled. “Come, my lord husband. You may take me home.”
“With pleasure, my lady wife.”
Aunt Almeria sobbed into her handkerchief. “You two are very silly. Now we must get the children home.”
The level of noise rose and echoed through the church.
“Yes, yes, we all want to see Grace, but we shall have to wait until we are home again,” Charlotte said, ruthlessly herding the younger ones.
Charlie’s face was stern, but the corners of his lips ticked up as he took Mary and Theodora’s hands. “Listen to Charlotte. Come, we must go. Jacques has treats for us when we get back. I for one am hungry.”
“You’re always hungry,” Mary said. “I hope he has lemon tarts.”
Marcus leaned over to Grace and Matt. “That’s right, bribe them with food.”
Louisa took her remaining sisters’ hands. “Augusta, Madeline, come along.”
Rutherford whispered to Anna, “How many children did you say you wanted?”
Anna shook her head and smiled, but forbore to answer.
Once the children were in the coaches, Grace heaved a sigh. “I think that went well.”
“I agree.” Phoebe took Marcus’s arm. “Now if we can be as orderly as the children, we shall be back in no time.”
Anna glanced at Rutherford. “I agree.”
He took her arm. “I feel as if I’m being managed again.”
Raising a brow, Anna said, “No, my love, I’ll only manage you if you don’t come, immediately. There is another wedding here at eleven.”
“Ah,” Rutherford replied. “The Gretna Green couple.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Grace and Matt arrived at Stanwood House and quickly formed a receiving line. They stood with her aunt, uncle, and Patience. Phoebe, Anna, and their husbands took charge of settling the children.
Lady Bellamny was the first guest to arrive. “Worthington, Lady Worthington, well done.”
Lord and Lady St. Eth and Lord and Lady Dunwood were next in a steady stream of wedding breakfast guests. After a half an hour or so, Uncle Bertrand, Aunt Almeria, and Patience left to entertain the guests.
