* * *
When Grace reached her room, a small chip hat with netting and a feather was on the dressing table. She placed it on her head and tied a jaunty bow under her ear. The children were all present when she reached the hall. “I want everyone lined up two by two. Hal and Will, follow at the end.”
Worthington offered one arm to Grace and the other to Patience. They set out the door and down the street.
They were not more than a block from the church when Grace glanced around to find people staring. “Maybe this was not such a good idea. I didn’t think we would draw so much attention.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it.” He tightened his grip on her and drew her closer. “We were bound to draw notice.”
She smiled gratefully. “I suppose you’re right. I couldn’t go the whole Season without taking them to church. We attend every Sunday at home.”
“It’s like anything else.” Matt’s lips quirked up. “The curious will be interested for a time or two then we’ll be old news.”
Leaning around Matt, Patience said, “He’s right, my dear. Do not worry over this.”
Grace’s aunt and uncle descended from a town coach and turned, seemingly arrested by their procession.
Lady Herndon’s smile grew larger the closer they came. “Grace, Lord Worthington, Lady Worthington. How good it is to see all of you and the children. For once it appears that the rumors were correct.”
Grace’s eyes widened and her face drained of color. “Rumors?”
Aunt Herndon’s smile faded. “Why, yes, my dear. This is what they mean, isn’t it?”
Stilling her shaking hands, Grace took a breath. “I—I don’t know. I don’t know what the rumors are.”
With great presence of mind, which seemed to have deserted her, Matt responded, “Yes, Lady Herndon. The gossip is correct. I am doing my utmost to convince your niece to marry me.”
“Well, for my money”—her uncle shook Matt’s hand—“you’re going about it the right way.”
“Uncle Bertrand!” Why was it family members insisted on embarrassing one?
He ignored Grace’s outburst. “Is this the reason you wish to speak with me?”
“Yes, Uncle.”
“Good, good, come to Herndon House for tea this afternoon.” He glanced behind her. “No need to bring the children.”
“No, Uncle Bertrand.” Grace’s head was spinning. The ringing in her ears wouldn’t stop. This was going much too fast, and not for the first time Grace wondered why she was the only one to think so.
Her uncle turned away. “Lord Worthington?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“This is a great responsibility and not one entered into lightly.”
“I understand that, my lord. If I did not think I could do justice by both Lady Grace and all the children, her brothers and sisters as well as mine, I would not undertake it.”
Lord Herndon glanced at the growing number of people entering the church. “We shall speak further this afternoon.”
“We must go in and get the children settled,” Lady Worthington said. “My lord, my lady, would you like to join us?”
“Yes, we would love to.” Aunt Almeria’s eyes danced with joy.
“Grace, are you all right?” Matt whispered in her ear.
“I’ll be fine.” She should be ecstatic. Why wasn’t she?
He led her in and made sure the children were settled. Grace kept her eyes downcast, not wanting to see the interested stare at them. Once the service began, a homely sense of belonging and the familiar form of service calmed her. She had just been thrown off guard for a moment, that was all. Nothing was really wrong. Matt sat next to her, a strong, steady presence. Their brothers and sisters behaved. God must have had a hand in that.
