Grace sighed. “I don’t know. We would like to, but there are so many problems.”
A cacophony of voices broke the relative quiet.
“Silence,” Worthington barked. “Listen to Grace.”
The children stopped speaking so quickly, she could swear she’d heard teeth clicking together. “Our main concern is the guardianship.” She addressed her brothers and sisters. “Matt will have to apply to be your guardian.” Grace tried to steady her voice. “Once I marry, I am no longer allowed to . . .”
He placed his hand on her shoulder. “Once we wed, the law will no longer allow Grace to be your guardian. Therefore, you must decide if you want me to take her place, as it were. Children aged fourteen and above may make their own decision.”
A slight line formed between Charlotte’s brows for a moment. “I have no objection.”
Walter nodded. “I have no objection. It’s not as if you won’t still be here, Grace.”
Charlotte glanced at Grace. “Will you write to Charlie?”
Leaning down, Matt’s lips brushed Grace’s ear, causing her to repress a sigh. “If you’d like, my love, I can fetch him. Eton is not far.”
Her head was in a whirl. This was all going too fast. She had not yet agreed to marry Matt. “We are getting ahead of ourselves,” she replied tartly. “The guardianship is only one issue. We do not know where we will live or any number of other things. You children have only just met. How do you know you’ll get along? And there is Lady Worthington to consider.” She rubbed a hand over her forehead. “This is an extremely important decision. It will irrevocably change our lives. We should not rush into it. Once done, it cannot then be undone. Let us all consider the ramifications carefully. One more thing, until a final decision is made, I do not want a word said outside of our families.”
Matt looked at each one of them. “Do you understand what Grace just said?” They all nodded. “Not a word to anyone.”
Fortunately, the children were new to Town, otherwise she would have no hope at all of keeping it secret.
Chapter Twelve
“Louisa.” Charlotte stood shaking out her skirts. “Let’s take the children and give Matt and Grace some time to discuss this further.”
The two girls shooed their brothers and sisters out of the room.
Once the door closed behind them, Matt turned to Grace. “My love, in fairness, you must still think of your other brother.”
“I don’t like taking him out of school, but yes, you’re right. For this he must come home.”
A knock sounded on the door and Jane entered. “Am I to wish you happy?”
“I wish I knew.” Grace covered her face with her hands. This is what came of being selfish and wanting things she should not have.
Matt squeezed her shoulder. “There are a few details that must be put to bed first, but I believe we’re making progress.”
“Jane,” Grace said, “let me introduce Lord Worthington. My lord, my cousin, Miss Carpenter.”
She dipped a curtsey, and Matt bowed.
“I’ve met your sisters already, my lord. If you are to be part of the family, you may as well call me Jane.”
“Thank you. For the same reasons, please call me Matt.”
Jane focused on Grace. “My dear, I realize you and his lordship have not known each other long, and I am quite sure I do not wish to know how this came about.” Jane’s lips tilted up. “But if you want my advice, you will take this chance at happiness. His lordship has a reputation as a steady and capable man, a good brother, stepson, and the children like him already. It’s as if the stars have lined up in the proper order for you.” A sad smile lurked in Jane’s eyes. “Love doesn’t come along often. When it does, grab it and hold on. You might never have another chance.” She bussed Grace’s cheek. “Now, I shall leave the two of you to work it out and see what the children are up to.”
Jane left, closing the door behind her. Not for the first time did Grace wonder what exactly had happened to the man Jane had loved.
“I think your cousin gives excellent advice.”
Grace glanced up at Matt and was tempted to roll her eyes. He had the largest smile she’d ever seen on his face. “You would.”
His countenance immediately sobered. “You can trust me. With your heart and your brothers and sisters.”
Her paternal uncles’ words sounded in her ears.“No gentleman of substance will ever want you with all those children, Grace.”
