Wondering what to do next, Patience stared at the man. Of course, Lady Herndon had warned them all that he might try to approach, but Patience really had not thought it possible. Whatever the man wanted, he wasn’t going to receive any help from her. “How may I help you, Mr. Molton?”
A smile creased his face. “It’s the other way around, my lady. There is a certain matter of which I have knowledge that may interest you.”
Raising her other brow, she tried to think of what to say. No matter what, she must put him off. That would be the best course of action. “I doubt that very much. Good day, Mr. Molton.”
When he stepped closer to her the footmen set down the boxes, flanking her protectively.
The man took two steps back. “Do you have any idea who I am, my lady?”
“Mr. Molton, I know precisely who you are, and I have been instructed not to have anything to do with you.” She turned to one of the footmen. “Please, let us get the boxes and go.”
“Is your husband in?”
She whirled back to him. For a moment, her mind was in a muddle, then it dawned on her that the man thought she was the current Lady Worthington. And if he had seen Grace and Worthington . . . Molton must be here to make trouble for Grace. “Lord Worthington is not home at present. I expect he will return later in the day. Now, you must excuse me.”
Patience swept past him. Should she warn Grace? No, it would only upset her. Worthington was well able to handle the scoundrel, probably without Grace knowing a thing about it. Yes, that would be best.
Patience took a breath to calm her rapidly pounding heart, and instructed the footmen to deliver the boxes to Lady Worthington. She then left a message for her stepson to attend her as soon as possible, went into the morning room and ordered tea. Fortunately, she did not have long to wait.
Worthington strode into the room with a frown. “Patience, you wanted to see me?”
She rose and held out her hands. When he took them, she said, “Oh, Worthington, the most dreadful thing—Grace’s uncle, Molton, accosted me as I was leaving Worthington House.”
Worthington’s visage darkened. “What did he say?”
“Quite honestly, I did not give him a chance to say much at all, but he seems to think I am your wife.”
“How in the world?” Leading her to the sofa, he continued to hold her hands, keeping her calm. “Here, sit down and tell me everything.”
Patience told him what had happened. “He clearly does not have a copy ofDebrett’s, nor does he keep up.”
“No, clearly not.” Worthington shook his head. “When was this?”
“Not long ago. Less than an hour. I told him you would be home later. Where had you gone?”
“I received a message to meet with Lord Herndon.” That was a bit of good luck. Matt had been shown the signed guardianship papers and was promised a copy as soon as one was made. As of late yesterday, he’d been awarded custody of Grace’s brothers and sisters. No one would hurt either them or her.
“Worthington, are you listening to me? I said, I did not tell Grace.”
He returned his focus to Patience. “Thank you. That was well done. If he can be taken care of without her knowledge, there is no reason to worry her.”
Patience nodded happily. “Those were my thoughts.”
He glanced at her. “Where is she?”
“In her study, attending to correspondence.” Glancing up at him, she pulled a face. “I—I also had the household receipts delivered to her.”
“That was a good idea.” He smiled. “Patience, I have never blamed you for not being able to reconcile them. I only wish you would have told me sooner.”
“You knew? Oh, Worthington, I was so embarrassed that I could not manage. But at least Louisa will not be as stupid as I am. Grace has promised to teach her.”
“In that case, you no longer have to worry about them. It’s all working out.” He kissed her cheek. “If anyone asks, I’ll be across the square.”
About three hours later, Matt was in his office reviewing a letter from his steward when Thorton knocked. “My lord, Mr. Molton is here as you said he would be.”
Matt grinned to himself.Let’s see what the here-and-therein wants.“Show him in.”
A few minutes later, Thorton returned with Grace’s uncle.
