Louisa opened her mouth, shut it, and glanced at the other girls. “Come along. We can play jackstraws until it’s time for bed.”
Once they’d left, Matt glanced at Patience. “To whom are you going for Louisa’s gowns?”
“Oh, I thought Miss Lilly.”
“No, she’s not fashionable enough. I’ll write to a friend of mine and arrange an introduction to Madame Lisette.”
Patience’s jaw dropped. “Worthington, I—why did you never tell me you could—Madame Lisette. Hardly anyone can get in to see her. But could you manage it?” She eyed him closely. “Is your friend respectable?”
He sat up, affronted. “Of course she’s respectable. It’s Lady Rutherford. She buys all her gowns from Madame. Lady Evesham does as well.”
“But they are two of the most—”
“Yes, fashionably dressed young matrons on the Town. I am not such a fribble as you think, ma’am.”
“I never thought any such a thing.” Patience lifted her chin. “I just didn’t realize you were so interested in women’s fashion.”
Not understanding her, he drew his brows together. What man wouldn’t be fascinated in the clothing that allows women to be so enticing? “Many men are. Why should I be any different?”
Patience shrugged. “I just never think of you being in the petticoat line, but thank you very much. Who wouldn’t want her daughter dressed in the latest style?”
He grinned. “It is a matter of family pride. She is my sister after all.” Matt broadened his smile. “Whoever she marries may not thank me though.”
His stepmother’s eyes twinkled. “Madame Lisette is very expensive. You’re a good brother.”
Matt signaled for the port to be set on the table. “Now that that’s settled, you can help me find my bride.”
He rose when Patience left, then sat back down and poured a glass of port. Who else could he ask who was discreet enough to help him find her? Anna would, although if his lady hadn’t been to Town in a while, she might be too young to know her. Phoebe would probably have met his lady. He’d talk to her when he got to Town.
Matt twirled his glass. If he had to go out of London to find her, then he would need to ask some of his friends to keep watch on his sister, Louisa. Harry Marsh would be in Town for the legislative session, both he and Emma would help and Rutherford. It wouldn’t do for any fortune hunters to think Matt didn’t take his role as guardian seriously.
He turned his thoughts back to his lady and scowled. Whoever was protecting her wasn’t doing a very good job at it. She wasn’t married: She wore no ring on her left hand, nor was there any indication she’d ever had one. And, until she’d come to him, she was a virgin. What could make a gently bred lady go to a stranger? But he wasn’t a stranger to her. She’d addressed him as my lord. Where did he know her from? Did she think he was the type of man who would take her innocence and leave her? This brought him back to the question of why she’d given herself to him at all. He threw his head back against the chair. Why the devil had she disappeared?
Damn it all. There were too many unknowns and not enough answers.
Chapter Five
Two weeks later, Grace hugged and kissed each of the younger children. “Behave, and I shall see you in a week. I had better not hear that you tried to run wild.”
“Yes, Grace,” they chorused angelically.
She gave them a stern look.
Already in the coach, Charlotte called out, “Come on, Grace. Let’s go!”
“Yes, my dear.” Jane hugged Grace. “We’ll all be fine. Enjoy your shopping.”
The children were herded back into the house. This was the first time she’d left for so long since before her mother had died. Well, no point second-guessing herself now. She put a foot on the carriage step, then glanced back. “Write to me.”
Jane grinned. “Every day. Whether you want to hear about them or not.”
“Thank you.”
Before Grace changed her mind she took her seat and gave the order to go.
“Think of it, Grace.” Charlotte practically bounced on the opposite seat. “A whole week to shop and be by ourselves.”
Settling back against the plush velvet squabs, she removed a book from her reticule. Visions of sick children and broken bones flashed through her mind. “Yes, just think about it.”
