Worrying her bottom lip, she nodded. “Yes. He must be told what we want to do. He was very helpful when I was trying to have the guardianship established.”
* * *
A knock came and Royston opened the door. “My lady, Lady Worthington has arrived.”
Grace glanced over in surprise. “Well, that was fast. Royston, please show her to the morning room and have tea brought.”
Leading the way to the other side of the house, Grace glanced up at Matt at the same time he looked down at her. Would she finally have what she wanted and be able to keep the children together? His eyes were warm and loving. He would try, but would it be enough? What if his stepmother objected to the marriage? No one could blame the lady for not wanting seven more children added to her household. Perhaps this wasn’t a good idea after all.
When Grace entered the room, Lady Worthington smiled, then her eyes widened. “Worthington, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Aren’t you here because of my note?”
“Not at all.” She raised her brows. “I came because your sisters and Lady Grace’s brothers and sisters are at Worthington House inspecting the school-room.”
Laughter burbled up inside Grace and tipped over. “Of course they are. I have no doubt they intend to help us solve our problems.”
Matt’s brow lightened. “Yes, with Louisa in the lead.”
Lady Worthington glanced from Grace to Matt. “I rather think the position is held jointly by Louisa and Charlotte. Their heads were together, in what I can only describe as a plotting position.”
Grace thought about the girls for a few moments. “That makes sense. Yesterday evening, they hit it off immediately.”
Grinning ruefully, Lady Worthington said, “I’m very happy they are getting along, but may I be made privy to what is going on?”
“I wonder what the devil the children are planning now,” Matt murmured to Grace. “Patience, forgive me. Do you know Lady Grace?”
Patience held out her hand, smiling. “We met when you first came out. I knew your mother. She was extremely helpful and kind to me after I came out of mourning.”
Grace shook Patience’s hand. “Yes, I remember her mentioning you. My lady, please take a seat and be comfortable. Tea will arrive soon. Then we may discuss what we need to without interruption.”
Lady Worthington gracefully disposed herself on a French-backed chair. “Please call me Patience, my dear.”
“Thank you, Patience.”
Grace sat on the small sofa facing Lady Worthington. Once they were seated, Matt joined Grace on the sofa. Tea arrived almost immediately. Grace dispensed the cups and Matt the plates.
“Well.” He glanced at her. “Grace and I have decided to marry.” Next to him, she tensed. He prayed she wouldn’t refute his statement. After a moment, he continued. “Considering the guardianship and the other issues, we are in a bit of a quandary as to when we should hold the ceremony.”
“Other issues such as combining both houses?” Patience asked dryly.
Next to him, Grace tensed, but her face was a mask. “That, of course, is one of the matters we must settle.”
Was Patience upset that he hadn’t discussed the marriage with her first? Nonsense, she knew he intended to wed Grace as soon as he found her. Matt rubbed his chin. “We must discuss aspects of the guardianship with Grace’s uncle and consult our respective solicitors. I would like to marry this week.”
Patience’s brows shot up. “That is certain to cause a deal of talk.”
The hell I will wait.He scowled. If he had his way, they’d wed to-morrow.
“You will need to court her for at least a few weeks.” Patience straightened her shoulders. “Then we shall plan the wedding. St. George’s, I think. We may have the ceremony in six weeks.”
She had lost her mind if she thought he’d wait weeks to have Grace to himself. Particularly now that he’d agreed to not bed her. “No.”
Grace had been nodding in agreement with everything his stepmother had said. Now she stared at him. “No?”
Patience’s lips formed a thin line. “A scandal would affect your sisters, Grace, and Lady Charlotte.”
Think quickly.An idea began to form. Matt sat back against the thick, soft cushions. “I do not intend to cause a scandal.” Allowing himself a smug smile, he said, “I shall tell everyone I’ve fallen madly in love, which happens to have the benefit of being the truth, and shall pursue her relentlessly, until she agrees to marry me.” He glanced over at Grace. “You, my love, will be suitably modest before you give in to my love-crazed desires.”
