“Grace?”
“Yes, love?”
“Will we live at Worthington House?”
Her sister heaved a sigh. “I truly dislike the idea of uprooting everyone. I must take some time this week to go over the houses and discuss it with Matt. I’ll also need to consider Lady Worthington.”
“That’s what is difficult about being a lady, isn’t it?” Charlotte frowned. “Our homes are not truly ours. I never thought I would leave Stanwood. I see now that even if you were not marrying Matt, or I didn’t wed, once Charlie marries, it would not be mine anymore.”
Grace hugged her. “Very true. Or if you are a widow and your son marries. Although at that point, there is always the option of the dower house. Then again, there are women like the Dowager Lady Beaumont who can afford to set up their own homes. Before you wed, we shall discuss it in much more detail when we draft the settlement agreements. They are your protection in any marriage.”
“Not that I would ever think of doing such a thing, but what if a couple elope?”
“In that case.” The edges of Grace’s lips tugged down. “The lady is completely dependent on the good will of her husband, as he will own everything she has, including her private possessions.”
“I do not think I would care for that.” Charlotte kissed her sister. “Thank you.”
That was the best part of having Grace as her sister. She didn’t push aside one’s concerns. “I’m glad you and Matt will marry. You love him very much, don’t you?”
Something passed over Grace’s face, and when she smiled it was more beautiful than Charlotte had ever seen it. “Yes, I do.”
* * *
Matt had already consumed his first cup of tea. He’d been about ready to send for Grace when she and Charlotte entered.
“You’re here early, my love.”
He stood, took her hands, and kissed her lightly on the lips. “Yes, I wanted to speak with you before the horde arrived.”
Nothing even resembling a smile hovered on her lips. “Horde?”
Ah, that came under the category of “I may criticize my family, but woe to whoever else does the same.” He kissed her again. “No, no, don’t pull caps with me, my darling. Even you have to admit that it’s impossible to carry on a serious conversation with everyone else here. I include my four sisters and stepmother.”
Finally a rueful grin appeared on her lips. “You’re right, I can’t argue with that.”
“Good.” He helped her make her breakfast selections. If he could only wake up with her each morning, his life would be perfect. “My housekeeper would like to know when you are coming to inspect the house.”
Grace took a breath. “I’ve been thinking about that. After breakfast I should think.”
“Perfect. That will be one less item on our list.” He signaled to one of the footmen. “Please have someone sent to Worthington House, and tell Mrs. Thorton her ladyship will be over in about an hour. She is to hold herself ready.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“An hour?” Grace shook her head. “I couldn’t possibly be ready by then.” She started ticking off the reasons on her fingers. “The children will barely be done eating. I must give Charlotte her assignments, get the children up to the school-room, dress, meet with the cook, and I’m sure there is something I’ve forgotten.”
At times such as this, Matt felt as if he was pushing a boulder uphill. He pulled her chair out. “You are already dressed, and most fetchingly, I might add. You can give Charlotte her instructions while you eat. The cook can wait, and I shall take over here. I’m quite sure I am capable of getting them up to the school-room. After which, I shall join you at Worthington House.” Grace poured his tea, and he took the cup. “I shall gladly give you a free hand with any redecorating you’d like to do.”
“You will need to do something with the school-room and the children’s bedchambers.” Charlotte pulled a face. “It is really dark.”
“Yes, you will.” Louisa entered the breakfast room and grimaced. “The rooms are not nearly as nice as the ones here. Especially the school-room.”
The rest of the children straggled in shortly afterward, with their eyes half open and yawning.
What was this? They usually had too much energy in the morning. “Why do you all look so tired?”
“We think it was the late night, my lord,” Miss Tallerton said. “They were so overstrung none of them went directly to sleep. I don’t think Town hours agree with them.”
“Oh dear.” Grace’s brows furrowed in consternation. “I hadn’t thought of that. I suppose we must continue to keep country hours when we dine alone.”
