Louisa nodded. “Next we must decide where we should live.”
Patience could not keep her lips from twitching slightly. “I’m sure you will take everything into consideration.”
“Thank you, Mama, we shall,” Theodora said solemnly.
“Now then.” She rose. “You should all go wash and dress for dinner.”
Her daughters obediently left the room. Patience tugged the bell-pull and gave orders that the girls would eat up here, and she’d have a tray in her chambers. If the children planned to dine together, this might be the last quiet meal she would have for quite some time. What else would they decide to help with?
She went to her parlor and poured a glass of sherry. This marriage would change all their lives. Still, Worthington was bound to have married at some point, and she liked Grace. The woman was down to earth and knew how to take on responsibilities. Matt had never looked happier. Patience tried her hardest not to be envious of the feelings he had for Grace. Not that she was jealous of Matt. He had always been like a brother to her. She only wished she could have experienced that type of love with a husband. Well, there was no use thinking about what would never happen. After all, she had her daughters.
* * *
Grace’s brothers and sisters followed Worthington’s sisters out of the morning room, where Grace and he remained. “Where are the Danes?”
Her eyes widened. “The last I knew, you’d told Hal to take them outside.”
“I also told some of the children to go with them,” he replied ruefully. “That clearly didn’t last long.”
She moved to the French windows overlooking the garden. “Look.”
Matt joined her. Daisy and Duke were rolling around together, playing, while Hal looked on. “It appears everyone is getting along well.”
“At least the dogs won’t make plans.” She smiled up at him. “I am afraid to ask what the children have been up to.”
“Leave it to Patience. She’ll get it out of my sisters.” He took Grace’s hands and proceeded to kiss each finger one by one. “You know, they only want to see you happy.”
Tears pricked her eyes. “I do know.”
“Grace.” His strong arm pulled her to him. “I’ll be a good guardian. We will raise them together.”
Taking her chin between two fingers and tilting it up, he dabbed the corners of her eyes with his handkerchief. “Trust me, please. I would never do anything to hurt either you or the children.”
How much she wanted to trust him. Grace did believe that he would never do anything to purposely hurt any of them. If he did, it was her fault. Due to her own behavior, she had no choice but to pray he would keep his word. “I’ll try.”
A knock came on the door, and Jane peeped in. “I shall go if I’m disturbing you.”
Worthington kissed Grace’s lips lightly and stood. “Not at all, I must leave to change for dinner.”
Casting Grace a reassuring look, he left the room.
Jane’s eyes sparkled in merriment. “Am I to understand that Lord Worthington refused to take no for an answer?”
Lowering her gaze, Grace swallowed. She hadn’tactuallysaid yes. Then again, they could not go on as they were. As soft as his last kiss had been, her lips still tingled. He made everything sound so easy. Yet, three weeks to the ceremony was not long at all.
Smiling for her cousin, she raised her head. “Just so. His fortunes changed to-day. Daisy got away from the footman, and he was able to save her. Then he stopped a mill Walter was involved in and brought all the children back here to plead his case. I also took your advice to heart.”
Jane wrapped her arms around Grace. “My dear, I am extremely happy for you. I do think you’re making the right decision, and I am sure your parents would have approved.”
Everyone seemed to be happy for her. Maybe if she could be sure she could trust him, she’d be happy as well. “Thank you. I never thought I would find a man who was just as concerned about the children as I am.”
As she said the words, she realized it was true. Perhaps her fears had no basis in reason.
Taking a seat on the chair, Jane asked, “When will you marry?”
Grace gave a short laugh. “To-morrow, if Worthington had his way. But Lady Worthington has talked him into waiting for three weeks.”
“You must tell me when you wish me to leave.”
