Grace stared at her reflection in the mirror. “I think you’re right.”
Bolton started to pick up then glanced over her shoulder. “You can tell his lordship for me that I’d appreciate it if he didn’t crush your gown.”
“Bolton!” Grace’s face was immediately hot.
“Just like your parents, you are. Go on now. He’ll be waiting for you.”
Grace attempted to gather her dignity. “You are incorrigible.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Mattwaswaiting at the bottom of the stairs for her. When she reached him, the look in his face was all she could have wished for. His eyes, warm and loving. His well-molded lips tilted in a smile.
He took her still ungloved hand and kissed it. “You are amazingly beautiful. That color suits you. Though the bodice could be a bit higher.”
His fingers hovered as if he’d try to pull it up. She rapped them with her fan. “I thought you’d like it.”
“I do.” He leaned closer and whispered, “And I’d like to take it off you.”
Licking her suddenly dry lips, she remembered to breathe. “After we are married, you may.”
“I’ll hold you to that, my lady. You do realize that one week from tonight we will be man and wife.”
She was about to answer when the knocker sounded and her aunt and uncle entered. “Aunt Almeria, Uncle Bertrand, I think the others are already in the drawing room.”
Matt bowed to her aunt and shook hands with her uncle. “Yes, the girls and my stepmother.” He turned to Grace. “The younger children would like to see you and their sisters before we go.”
Of course they would. “I remember waiting to see my mama dressed for a party.” She nodded to her butler. “Royston, please send them down.”
“Yes, my lady.”
A footman opened the door to the drawing room as Grace and Matt approached. She’d seen Charlotte earlier, but not Louisa. Charlotte’s gown was of willow green, and Louisa wore light blue. They looked beautiful.
Matt grinned. “I know I told you before, but the two of you look lovely.”
The girls blushed.
Grace scanned the room. “Where is Merton? I thought he was joining us.”
“I caught him blowing a cloud in the house and sent him packing. I believe he’s at Limners.”
Grace squeezed his arm. “Just as well. I cannot abide cigar smoke. It’s such a nasty habit. I hope it never catches on.”
“I’ve also told him,” Matt said in a wintry voice, “not to try to engage either Charlotte’s or Louisa’s attentions.”
Grace raised her brows. “Thank you. Just don’t tell them. It is always so that one immediately wants what is forbidden for one to have.”
A wicked gleam entered his eyes. “Indeed.”
A species of dread rose in her. Grace tried to keep her tone light. “And what happens when it is no longer forbidden?”
Matt’s eyes undressed her before he pulled her closer. “This novelty will never end.”
Her heart beat faster, and she prayed he was right. Still her aunt’s words ran amok in her head.
It was at times like this when Matt knew Grace’s confidence had suddenly and inexplicably fled. His compulsion to hold her and comfort her surged within him. He’d be perfectly happy to pick Grace up and carry her to his house, their chamber, and keep her there until they married. But he couldn’t even take her in his arms with her aunt and uncle present.
Patience cleared her throat. “Do you accompany us or have you different plans?”
