It wasn’t until then Grace realized that no one had asked her about the entertainment. “Matt, please tell me someone was in charge of the planning for this. I thought we’d have only family and close friends.”
“The Dowager Lady Worthington and your chef planned it. Or I should say, our chef.”
“For how many?”
“Not over a hundred.”
The blood rushed out of Grace’s head, and she swayed. “I did tell you that I don’t take surprises well?”
“Grace, are you going to faint? Here, lean on me and take some deep breaths.” He caught Royston’s eye. “Water.”
After she’d had a few sips, Matt said, “I don’t understand how it is you don’t bat an eye at the antics of your brothers and sisters, but a change in plans can make you swoon.”
“It’s really rather simple. I expect the worst from them. As a result, I’m always relieved when it doesn’t occur. Royston, how many more?”
He checked his list. “Two, Lords Huntley and Wivenly.”
“They are always late,” Matt said brutally. “Huntley and Wivenly can fend for themselves while we attend to the rest of our guests.”
“Did I hear my name?” Huntley ambled through the door. “Sorry, Worthington, Wivenly will be right along. He and I were searching for the perfect wedding present. We finally found it, but it won’t be ready until to-morrow.”
Matt’s eyes narrowed. “This had better be something appropriate.”
Lord Huntley was the picture of innocence. “Of course considering the number of children you are now responsible for, we did think of a milch cow. But then thought it would present a rather odd sight in your back garden. Not to mention the necessity of hiring a milkmaid to manage the beast”
Grace started to giggle and had to cover her mouth to not laugh out loud.
Wivenly strolled up. “Yes, then we heard you’re remodeling and that gave us a new idea. You’ll see it in the not too distant future.” He calmly took Grace’s hand. “Lady Worthington, my pleasure. As a favor to me, I pray you will overlook Worthington’s fits of temper. They don’t usually last.”
“Thank you for the advice,” Grace replied, unable to keep her voice from trembling with mirth. “I shall bear it in mind.”
Wivenly bowed, kissed her hand, and Huntley followed suit. Her husband’s still-narrowed eyes followed them.
“I wouldn’t worry, my love.” Grace took his arm. “I am sure it won’t be unsuitable, and if it is, we can always put it away and bring it out when they visit.”
The large reception rooms were opened up as well as the terrace doors. A string quartet played softly, and long tables were set in an adjoining parlor with canapés and other offerings. There’d been no time for a wedding cake; therefore, various tarts and small, square, iced cakes, Jacques called petits fours, as well as trifles, decorated one table. Glasses of champagne, lemonade, ratafia, and wine were carried by footmen.
Worthington snagged two glasses of champagne and handed one to Grace. “To us and our family.”
She saluted him. “Yes, to us and our family.”
Uncle Bertrand must have seen them as he called the guests to order and presented the first toast. He was followed by Marcus and Rutherford. Grace and Matt made the point of spending time with each of their guests, before she whispered, “I’m going to change. I’ll meet you at the front door.”
He kissed the tips of her fingers as she slipped out of the room. A few minutes later, he found Royston. “We’re departing now.”
“I shall inform Lord Herndon and, I think, Miss Carpenter, only.”
“You’re a good man.”
Grace returned to him in a plain, muslin morning gown and took his hand. “Are you ready?”
Perusing her lush form, wrapping his fingers around her slender hand, desire swept through him. Causing his muscles to clench. They would have at least the rest of the afternoon and all night to themselves. Visions of her naked beneath him floated through his mind and his hand caressed her back. He drew her to him and whispered, “No stays?”
She gave him a sultry glance. “I didn’t think I would need them.”
He was more than ready. He’d dreamed about this for days.
Matt towed her out of the house, restraining himself from running across the square to his house.
