Mrs. Thorton made notes. “A new water closet?”
“An excellent idea. Two new water closets, and we can turn one of the small bedchambers into a bathing chamber.”
By the time they were done, the list had grown remarkably. Strolling around the floor again, she hoped there was space for all of it. “When was the last time this house was renovated?”
“I’ve been here for over thirty years and this will be the first time anything more than the main rooms were redecorated.”
“Well, I suppose there has not been much of a need.”
“No, my lady. Not since his lordship’s mother died.”
It was almost one o’clock before they descended to the first floor. “Mrs. Thorton, I shall let you have your luncheon. We can meet again afterward.”
“As you say, my lady.” She dipped a curtsey, then bustled away.
Grace stood looking around and wondering how long it would be before she lived here. Were they doing the right thing by marrying when they each had responsibilities for their sisters and brothers? Charlie still had to learn to manage all the Stanwood properties and not be a stranger to them. She put a hand to her forehead. How was this all going to work?
Chapter Nineteen
Matt strode in the breakfast room as Grace and the children were rising from the luncheon table. He kissed her quickly to a chorus ofoohs, aahs,and at least oneuck.Wondering if the running commentary every time he kissed her would ever end, he fixed the children with a stern look. “You may all keep your opinions to yourselves.”
Grace placed her serviette on the table. “And where were you all morning? I thought you were to join Mrs. Thorton and me?”
He tucked her arm in his. “I was going to, but decided procuring our special license, as I’d not had an opportunity to do it before, took priority. I understand you’ve not yet finished.”
“I suppose so. Have you eaten?”
“Yes, and you need to complete your tour.” He hurried her out the door.
Grace put her hand on her head and patted. “Matt, I can’t go without my bonnet.”
“You’re just going across the street.”
Thorton opened the door and bowed them in.
“Tell Mrs. Thorton we shall begin with the morning room,” Worthington called over his shoulder.
When they reached the room, he whisked her in, closed the door, and pulled her into his arms. “I’ve wanted to do this all morning.” His lips descended onto hers. When she opened her mouth to protest, he captured her lips with his own. “Don’t talk. Just kiss me,” he mumbled against her lips. “I’ll hear Thorton coming.”
When her arms went around his neck, he smiled. God, he loved how she responded to him. Moving his hands over her derrière, he held her flush against him, letting her feel his need. Her skin heated, and she was ready for him. If only they had the time. Yet his housekeeper was coming down the corridor. Matt reluctantly released her just as Mrs. Thorton knocked. Perhaps he’d tell Mrs. Thorton he would show Grace around himself. Maybe they could start with his bedchamber.
His arm was still around Grace’s waist when Mrs. Thorton entered, took in the tableau, and narrowed her eyes at him. “If you will come with me, my lady, we’ll finish up.”
With lips still a little swollen, Grace smiled charmingly. “Of course, Mrs. Thorton.”
Matt grinned. “I can take it from here, if you’d like.”
His housekeeper’s brows rose, just as they had when he’d been caught sneaking in one of the hunting dogs. “No, my lord, I would not like. WhatI’dlike is to finish what we started this morning. Which won’t happen if you take over.”
Grace choked. “Indeed, Mrs. Thorton. Worthington, why don’t you take a look at the drawing I made of the changes needed for the children’s floor.”
He placed his hand on the small of Grace’s back and stroked downward. “I’ll do it later. First, I want to be there when you see your chambers.”
Her breath hitched. “If you wish. I’ll call you when we get to them.”
He scowled as Grace surveyed the morning room, then left with Mrs. Thorton. He had plans for her to-day, and they did not include his housekeeper.
He followed them out. Grace could go over the renovation with him later. Staying out of their way, he noted the manner in which Grace dealt with Mrs. Thorton. She listened to his housekeeper’s suggestions, melded them with her own, and came to a consensus. He vaguely wondered how much all this was going to cost him and dismissed it. Much more important to have a happy household.
