Grace sank back onto the bed. “Yes, thank you.”
Matt rubbed her back. “I would rather give the bare bones of the abduction attempt to the children, and then I believe I’ll speak with Marcus and Phoebe about self-defense lessons for you and the others.”
“I never actually agreed with it before”—Grace tilted her head as he worked on her shoulders—“yet I now think it’s a good idea. Duke and Daisy were magnificent.”
“I saw them running down the carriage horse as if it had been a wild boar. All their instincts took over.” He stopped rubbing, and she wiggled her back for him to continue. “Are you all right, my love?”
She smiled. “I have never been better.”
* * *
Two weeks later, Grace entered Jane’s bedchamber. Her cousin was beautifully dressed in a pale yellow silk gown, with lace trim. “You called for me?”
“Yes.” Jane’s countenance had a pinched look, and lines bracketed her mouth. “This is silly, but I’m marrying in an hour, and I have no idea what occurs in a marriage bed. You are the only one I can think of to ask.”
Grace took a breath. This was not the last time she would have to address that question, she’d better get used to it. “Have you kissed much at all?”
Her cousin’s face softened, a soft smile appearing. “Oh yes, and”—a blush crept up Jane’s neck—“a few other things.”
“Has he been considerate?”
“Always, and so gentle.”
“Then I believe I can leave it to your husband to show you. Do not worry if there is some pain when you join. It only occurs the once.” Grace hugged her cousin. “It will be lovely.”
Jane nodded. It was a bit frightening, yet her cousin was correct. Hector would be gentle. “Yes. Thank you.”
A light tap sounded on the door, and Charlotte poked her head in. “We’ve brought you some things.”
“Please, come in.”
The girls from both families entered.
Jane fought tears of happiness as Charlotte and Louisa clasped a strand of pearls around Jane’s neck. “These are from all of us. Something new.”
Augusta placed a pair of earrings in Jane’s hand. “This is for something borrowed.”
The twins and Madeline pinned a turquoise brooch on Jane’s bodice. “Something old. You may keep it.”
Jane couldn’t keep the moisture from her eyes as Mary and Theo approached carrying violets. “These are blue for your hair,” Mary said, handing Jane the slightly mangled blooms.
“And a ribbon,” Theo added.
“I shall have my maid put them in my hair straightaway.” Jane hugged them one by one, as the girls and Grace filed out of the chamber.
“Come now, miss.” Dorcus led Jane to the dressing table. It was hard to believe that tonight she’d be in her new home with Hector.
“No crying now.” Her maid handed her a handkerchief. “Your eyes will become red.”
“I am being silly.”
Dorcus arranged the violets, holding them in place with small pearl pins. “There now.”
Jane made her way down the main staircase where her cousin and Matt waited. She had been relieved that he’d offered to take on the settlement negotiations and give her away.
Less than a half an hour later, she stood with Hector in the same place Grace and Matt had stood two short weeks ago.
Hector gazed into her eyes as he repeated his vows. His voice strong and steady. This day had been so long in coming. Happiness infused her tone as she made her promises to him.
