Putting down her cup, Phoebe glanced from Matt to Grace. “When would you like to marry?”
“My stepmother and I agreed three weeks.” Matt couldn’t keep from growling. “I’d like to marry in two, or sooner.”
Phoebe shook her head, Marcus gave a shout of laughter, Charlotte giggled, and Jane grinned. His beloved put her head in her hands. “Fine, three weeks.”
“Yes, I think that will work,” Phoebe said.
“If he can manage it.” Marcus’s eyes danced with amusement. “Worthington, what do you plan to do when another gentleman asks Lady Grace to dance?”
Matt’s jaw dropped. Grace dance with someone else? No. He closed his mouth and snarled.
“As I thought. My love, you must allow them to wed sooner.”
Phoebe sighed. “If you intend to act like a dog with a bone, you shall provide thetonwith a good deal of entertainment.”
“If it gets me what I want, I don’t care.”
“Has it occurred to you, my lord”—Grace’s lips barely moved when she spoke—“that I may not wish to be a source of amusement?”
Suddenly, Jane set her cup down. “That is it. Lord Worthington here acts the way he wishes, and Grace shall behave with dignity. Suitably modest but happy that, after all this time, he has finally come to claim her.”
Charlotte clasped her hands together and sighed. “That instant his heart at her shrine would lay down. Every passion it nursed, every bliss it adored.”
They all stared at her.
Her eyes rounded in shock. “What? It’s Thomas Moore. The context may not do, but the sentiment is correct.”
Poetry.Matt groaned. This is what comes of involving young ladies.
Chapter Fourteen
“Very romantic.” Grace said encouragingly.
“Exactly so.” Phoebe nodded. “And your romancemustbe seen as passionate. Thetonadores a love story as much as a scandal. Let us give them the romance without the other.” She turned to Grace and Worthington. “You must be seen in public together as much as possible. I suggest you go to the service at St. George’s to-morrow. Drive in the Park during the fashionable hour. Grace, you may use your landau. I shall make up a list of the best entertainments for you to attend.” She took a sip of her tea and nibbled a biscuit. “Charlotte, if you and Miss Carpenter tell your friends that Worthington haunts Stanwood House, that will help.”
Charlotte gave an excited nod. “I can also tell them he takes all the children to the Park.”
Phoebe’s eyes grew wide. “Does he do so?”
Looking slightly bashful, Charlotte blushed. “Well, he did to-day. Accidentally.”
“How did that happen?”
“Daisy, our dog, got away, and Matt sent Duke, his dog, to . . .”
Going into whoops, Phoebe laughed until she wept. “Worthington, you’ll have to make a habit of taking the children around.”
Grace drew her brows together. “If it is known you are already taking charge of the children. That might help with the guardianship.”
Taking her hand again, Matt kissed it. “I agree.”
When Phoebe tried to hide a yawn, Grace stood. “Phoebe, you should go home and rest.”
“I think I shall. We have busy days ahead of us.”
Marcus helped her rise, and Grace started to accompany them to the door.
“No, my dear,” Phoebe said. “Charlotte and Miss Carpenter may show us out.”
