“Yes, and we shall.”
Patience was shown in and greeted. “I’ve spent the last half hour with Helena Featherton and Sally Huntingdon. You are the romance of the Season.”
Matt glanced down to see Grace had once again fainted.
“Is it something I said?” Patience asked with concern.
Marcus handed him the vial of sal volatile,and he brought Grace around. Phoebe took his stepmother aside, speaking softly to her.
“Oh, no, and I am afraid I haven’t been very helpful. I was so concerned about a scandal, I did not think about Grace.” Patience glanced at her stepson. “Worthington, I am so sorry. Grace, my dear, I would not for the life of me have hurt you. I’m thrilled with how this is turning out. Lady Sefton congratulated me and promised vouchers for Almack’s for both Louisa and Charlotte.”
Worthington handed Grace her water followed by a sherry. “What can I do to convince you it will all be made right?”
Grace’s voice shook. “I feel so stupid.”
He sat her up and held her to him and vowed to himself nothing and no one would ever hurt her. “You are anything but stupid. It’s just been a bit of a shock.”
“What time is it?”
“You have time to rest for a while before we leave.” He cuddled her closer.
Marcus helped Phoebe rise, and she said, “Yes, indeed. It will not do for you to show Lady Herndon your pale face. Come, and I shall help you to your chamber.”
“Here, I’ll carry you.” Matt rose and bent to scoop her into his arms.
“No, no, really, you shouldn’t carry me through the house.” Grace laughed weakly. “I’m perfectly capable of going to my room. All I need to do is splash my face with some cold water.”
Once she and Phoebe left, he regarded his stepmother. “I’m buying the special license to-morrow. As soon as she agrees, we shall marry.”
“As you will.” Patience had the grace to blush. “I freely admit I was in the wrong in thinking you should wait several weeks.”
“I don’t blame you. We still have many problems to resolve. Yet I want her as my wife as soon as possible.”
Patience furrowed her brow. “Just the family and some friends at the wedding?”
Nodding, Matt firmed his jaw. “Yes. I’ll not put her through a large wedding. Not with the guardianship hanging over her.”
“That”—Marcus saluted Matt with his cup of tea—“is a wise decision. Let us know and we’ll stand as witnesses.”
Matt wrung his friend’s hand. “Thank you. I’m going to see about Grace.”
Matt strode to the grand staircase, taking the stairs two at a time. At the top, he looked around, wondering where Grace’s chambers were. Fortunately, she and Phoebe emerged from a corridor. Phoebe wiggled her fingers at him and left.
Trying to keep the worry from his voice, he glanced down at Grace. “Are you well?”
Grace smiled weakly. “Yes, of course, I really didn’t need to rest.”
“You’re sure?” He dragged her into his arms. “We can’t have you fainting at your aunt and uncle’s house.”
“I’m certain, though I may faint from lack of breath.”
Loosening his grip, he lightly kissed her forehead. “I love you.”
“I’ve felt the same about you since that night. That is what frightens me.” She closed her eyes and small lines appeared in her forehead. “I cannot shake the feeling that something bad is about to happen.”
He held her closer and kissed her brow. Grace trembled in his arms. “I will not allow anything or anyone to take those children from you. I promise you that. I’m not leaving you.”
“Your stepmother is so concerned.”
