Almost two hours later, they filed out of St. George’s, greeted a few friends, bid adieu to her aunt and uncle, and went home the same way they’d come. Grace was once again her unshakable self.
After sending the children up to their floor, she, Matt, and Patience went to the morning room.
“That went much better than I’d dreamed it could,” Patience exclaimed.
Worthington squeezed Grace’s hand. “What did you think?”
“I was shocked at first. I’ve spent so much time being careful to not be the object of any gossip, that at first it didn’t occur to me a rumor could be good.” She shook her head. “I’m not making any sense, am I?”
He kissed her cheek. “In a roundabout way you are making perfect sense. After all, most gossip is not helpful, and you have had a great deal to worry over. We will bring this off, see if we don’t.”
Grace smiled and wished they could be alone together. “We shall, won’t we?”
“Yes, my lady. I’m looking forward to speaking with your uncle.”
“First things first.” She turned to her future mother-in-law before they forgot she was in the room. “Patience, would you and the girls like to join us for dinner?”
Patience grinned. “I’ve been hoping you’d ask, although I gather the girls have already decided to take their meals here.”
Not only would the children and Jane be present, but Mr. Winters and Miss Tallerton. Sixteen for dinner. Fortunately she had already informed her cook that the Vivers girls would now be eating with them. At this point, one more would hardly matter. She made a mental note to herself to remind Royston to add two more leaves to the table, and not to remove them, at least until after the marriage and maybe not even then. They still hadn’t decided where they would live.
Chapter Fifteen
Early that afternoon, Grace was thrilled that the first major meal by her new cook was such a success. The roast of beef studded with garlic was done to perfection, as was the pudding. No English cook could have done better and many a great deal worse. It was accompanied by a clear soup, Brussels sprouts tossed with shallots, that even the younger children liked, French beans with shaved almonds, a salad of greens with vinaigrette, new potatoes, and asparagus from her succession houses. The last course included cheeses, fruit, jellies, small tarts, and sweetmeats.
Patience sat back in her chair. “Oh, my dear Grace, I do not know when I have eaten so well. I must compliment your chef.”
“Thank you, he is a wonder. I shall pass on your praise.”
Other than theclickof tableware against china, the children had all been quiet and were now picking over the sweets. “Matt and I must visit Aunt and Uncle Herndon. What would you children like to do while we’re gone?”
“If no one would mind, we could play outside,” Alice said.
“You’ll have to change.”
“Yes, Grace, but what about the others?”
Grace glanced to Patience, who then said, “I must change as well. I shall take my girls home and, if you don’t mind, bring them back. I am happy to remain here while you visit Lord and Lady Herndon.”
Grace was glad that Patience seemed to be feeling at home around them. “I don’t mind at all. It’s a perfect idea.”
Patience stood and called her daughters to order. At the same time, Grace’s brothers and sisters went to their rooms to change.
Matt drew her up. “Alone at last.”
“Yes.” She stepped closer to him.
His brows drew together. “Do you want to tell me what happened at St. George’s? You seemed lost.”
“I don’t know if I can explain it.” Grace frowned. “We had made a plan, and I saw it all unraveling.”
“How so?”
“It started going too fast. I expected some resistance from my uncle, at the very least. Since my mother died, life has seemed so much harder. Now it seems too easy and that makes me fear that something will happen to keep us from marrying.” She put her hand on his chest. The steady beat of his heart reassured her. “I know it sounds silly. I’m fine now.”
“You’re not being silly.” He nuzzled her hair. “Nothing will stop me from marrying you. We may not have decided where we’re living or how you’re going to manage Stanwood from a distance, or any number of other issues, but my marrying you is a certainty.”
Gazing up at him she was bereft of words. She had to trust him and what he said. If she didn’t, she’d be lost.
