Rather than make a push to London in one day, Grace had decided to spend a night on the road. It would make for two days of leisurely travel rather than one hard day. She’d ordered a guidebook depicting all of the most interesting historical places along the route. Never before having been to a larger town than Bedford, Charlotte agreed to everything Grace suggested. They spent a pleasant day sightseeing and having luncheon at a very good tavern.
Several hours later, they pulled into the yard of the King’s Head Inn, in Hunton Bridge. Her groom, Neep, handed her down first. She was shaking her skirts out when Charlotte came up beside her. “Grace, this is so exciting. A real inn.”
Grace resisted the urge to tell her they couldn’t very well stay at an imaginary inn. “Yes. I’ve been told the rooms are comfortable and they have a good cook.”
“They must, look how lovely the building is.”
She hid her smile. Wondering if she’d ever been so impressed by an inn. “Er, yes. Well then, shall we go in?”
The innkeeper came out to greet them. “My lady, your maids arrived some time ago. I’ll have one of my daughters take you to your chambers.”
She inclined her head. “Thank you for letting me know.” When she reached the top of the staircase, she squeezed her sister’s shoulder. “Charlotte, meet me in the parlor after you’ve changed.”
The door to Charlotte’s chamber opened, and her lady’s maid, May, held it open. “Oh, Lady Charlotte, come see. It’s ever so nice.”
Charlotte turned to Grace and grinned. “I’ll see you downstairs.”
Across the corridor, Bolton, Grace’s lady’s maid, opened the door for her and shook her head. “That May’s got nothing but feathers for brains.”
Grace laughed. “Yes, I understand. Well, neither of them have stayed in an inn before. They’ll calm down in a few days.”
Bolton pursed her lips. “I hope so, my lady, or she and I will have to have a talk. She can’t be acting like a skitter-brain in London.”
May would come out on the losing end of it, Grace had no doubt. “Come, I must wash and change.”
“I’ll go order your wash water.”
Left alone in her chamber, Grace thought back to the last time she’d spent the night at an inn and glanced at the large four-post bed with longing. A too vivid picture of Worthington lying next to her touching and kissing her raced through her mind. Her body responded to the memory, and an ache between her legs made her want him even more. If only he could hold her just once more. If she could watch him sleeping and not have to leave.
She sighed.
“If you want to lie down, I’ll tell them to push dinner back.”
Goodness, Grace hadn’t even heard her maid return. She needed to stop all this mooning about. It would do her no good at all. “No, I’m just a little fatigued from the travel. Not being in a coach until to-morrow is what I need.”
That and to stop thinking about Worthington.
* * *
“What the devil’s wrong with you?”
Matt glanced to his side as he made his way to the stables. A large bay gelding pranced prettily next to him. Mounted on the horse was the Marquis of Kenilworth. “Good morning, Kenilworth.”
“Aren’t you going with the hunt to-day?”
For some reason, chasing after a small fox did not hold its usual interest. “No. As a matter of fact, I’m leaving for Town.”
“Why the deuce would you want to do that?” The man glanced at the group starting to form around the Master of the Hunt. “Only thing there this time of year are mamas getting their girls ready for their come out. Better off staying here.” Kenilworth raised a brow, and drawled, “Unless you’re in the market, that is.”
Mac was leading the curricle out of the coaching house, and Matt was in a hurry. It hadn’t been until he’d arrived that he realized he was in completely male company. If his host’s ladies were in London, so might his lady be. Though he’d be damned if he would let Kenilworth know anything about her. He gave the marquis a chagrined look. “My sister’s coming out.”
“I don’t envy you that.” Kenilworth gave a shudder. “Remember hearing what my mother had to go through with my sisters. Never been so glad to be the youngest. I made sure I wasn’t sent down from Oxford the whole of their Seasons.”
Matt grinned. “I look forward to seeing you in a few weeks.”
“Oh no, you won’t.” Kenilworth looked at Matt as if he’d lost his mind. “I’m there for parliament and other entertainments. You’re not going to catch me around the types of parties you’ll be attending.” The other man tipped his hat as he rode away. “Might see you at Brooks though.”
Matt climbed into his carriage, saluting the hunters as he drove toward the main road. He had no idea if his lady would attend the Season or not, but someone there must know who she was. As soon as he made sure his sisters were settled, he’d visit Marcus and Phoebe.
