Once they had been pronounced man and wife, the children gathered round. “Our house will seem quiet after this,” Jane said.
Hector’s large palm guided her out the door. “Perhaps if we’re lucky we’ll manage some of our own.”
* * *
Later that afternoon, after the wedding breakfast guests had departed, Charlotte entered Grace’s study holding a letter in front of her. When she dropped her hands, she was frowning.
“What is it?”
“Dotty can’t come to Town. Her mother broke her leg. Now we won’t be able to make our come out together as we’d planned.”
Grace forbore mentioning her sister had Louisa. It was not the same. Charlotte and Dotty had been friends since they were in leading strings. “Let me see it.”
After perusing the missive an idea planted itself in Grace’s head. Of course, she’d have to ask Matt if he minded taking on another girl for the Season, but, under the circumstances, she did not think he would object. Perhaps she’d suggest it as practice for when the twins and Madeline came out. “I’m not making any promises, but let me see if I can come up with a solution.”
Charlotte’s countenance was wreathed in smiles. “If anyone can think of something, you can.”
After Charlotte left, Grace rang the bell-pull. A few moments later, Royston entered. “My lady?”
“Please have his lordship attend me.”
“I will hunt him down.”
This was the problem with living in two households. She seldom had any idea where her husband was.
She was in the middle of a column when her door opened. A lecherous smile tilted Matt’s lips. “You wanted me?”
She rose, meeting him halfway to the door. “I do. Unfortunately, not for that.”
His face fell. “That is a pity. Perhaps I can interest you later. What is it then?”
“Charlotte received a letter from her friend Dotty.” Grace explained her sister’s friendship with the other girl, and how they’d looked forward to this Season for years.
He was quiet for several moments, then said, “Invite her to come.”
That was exactly what Grace had hoped he’d say. “Thank you. I did want it to be your decision. You’ll have to write her father. I’ll write Lady Sterne and tell Charlotte.”
A grin played around his mouth. “I’ll do it immediately, after which I’ll help you dress for dinner.”
Grace slid her arms over his broad shoulders. “You may have to wait and undress me. We have a ball to attend this evening.”
“Do we? Will Patience attend as well?”
“I believe so, why?”
“Perhaps I can find another empty parlor, my lady.”
Epilogue
Two weeks later. Worthington House, Mayfair, London.
Matt and Grace strolled across the square from Stanwood House to Worthington House. The front door opened as they climbed the steps. The other house was in an excited uproar as Charlotte’s and now, Louisa’s friend, Dotty, was due to arrive that afternoon. Unfortunately, hiding from the shrill shrieks that would herald that event was not an option. The only quiet moment he’d have with Grace was the next hour. Even that had been stolen.
Thorton bowed and said in a dry tone, “My lord, two wedding gifts have arrived.”
Matt was sure he’d never seen his butler looking that dour. Something was not quite right. He and Grace had been receiving presents since their marriage. What could . . . “From whom?”
Thorton’s tone held a note of long suffering. “Lord Huntley and Lord Wivenly.”
